Matt McClintock came into the spring with a few school records but wanting more.

“I had my sights set on records,” the Madison senior said. “Up to this point I had some accolades but I wanted to get my name outside of school a little bit this year.”

McClintock certainly did that.

He set Class C state records in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter run. McClintock then won the New England title in the 3,200.

For his performances this spring, McClintock is the Morning Sentinel Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year. Messalonskee senior Harlow Ladd was also considered.

“At the beginning of the year, I knew a couple of records were within my grasp,” McClintock said.

McClintock, one of the top distance runners in the state, defended his state titles in the 1,600 and 3,200. He ran the 1,600 in 4 minutes, 16.40 seconds, which broke the previous mark by about two seconds.

“I was hoping to go something like 4:17,” McClintock said. “I didn’t think I could get to 4:16. That was awesome.”

The time was the fastest in the state regardless of class.

McClintock then shattered the state mark in the 3,200 with a time of 9:16.92. The old mark was 9:30.0, which Scott Roberts of Maranacook set in 1986.

McClintock’s time was also the fastest turned in by any runner in the state regardless of class.

“He had unbelievable season,” Madison coach Bob Hagopian said. “From the very first day on April 12 to the New Englands he got faster every week. Some kids have off days. Not him.”

After the Class C meet, McClintock focused his attention to the New England championships at Thornton Academy.

“In the state, we all know what to expect from each other,” McClintock said. “The real wild card for me was New Englands. I thought there would be some other people out there.”

The competition, indeed, was tough, but McClintock shaved nearly 10 seconds off his personal best and won the 3,200 in 9:06.24.

The next closest competitor, Harry Warnick of Fairfield, Conn., was more than 11 seconds behind.

“I don’t know if I was on people’s radar,” McClintock said. “I don’t think they thought I could hold that pace. I told myself that I wanted to leave high school happy. I didn’t want to end high school on a bad note or be upset with something. So I just ran it as best as I could.”

Added Hagopian: “He made it look easy. We set up his splits and he just went out and ran them. He was really focused. He worked very, very hard to get where he is at. I’ve never had a kid like him. He deserves everything.”

McClintock will attend for Purdue University in the fall. He will run for the Boilermakers and plans to study sports science.

Bill Stewart — 621-5640

bstewart@centralmaine.com

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