Erik Dodge keeps a simple approach when it comes to competing at track meets.

“I just go with it,” the Erskine senior said. “I try to relax and get other people to relax. There’s already enough stress. I like to go to the big meets and just have fun and try to do well.”

Dodge did better than just well this indoor track season. The middle distance runner earned two podium finishes at the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class B meet and helped set a school record in the 200-meter relay .

For his accomplishments this season, Dodge is the Kennebec Journal Boys Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

“My season went fairly well,” Dodge said. “I reached most of the goals I wanted to reach.”

Added Erskine coach Dave Hickey: “Erik Dodge is a young man who showed exceptional leadership and strength.”

Advertisement

Dodge uses indoor track as a tuneup for the spring outdoor season.

His primary events were the 400 and 800.

In a loaded field at the KVAC B championships, Dodge finished second in the 400 to Waterville standout Jordhan Levine. Dodge finished in 54.20 seconds while Levine checked in at 53.49.

“It was a good race,” Dodge said. “We pushed each other. (Levine) and I were seeded very close. I had started further toward the outside, so it was a bit challenging. I seemed to hold it and it was close at the end. We both thought the other one had won.”

Dodge was just getting started at the meet.

He finished fourth in the 800 with a time of 2:16.15 before accomplishing one of his biggest goals of the season: Helping the Eagles break the 200-meter relay.

Advertisement

“We were going for it,” Dodge said. “We wanted it.”

And the Eagles got it.

Dodge ran the anchor leg of the relay team, which won the KVAC B title in 1:41.02.

“It was a very nice accomplishment,” Dodge said. “The whole team was pumped. That felt really good. It was the one we wanted.”

Dodge finished ninth in the 400 at the Class B state meet and helped the 200 relay team to an eighth-place finish (1:41.89).

“I did OK at states,” Dodge said. “Unfortunately, a lot of other competitors got better times. It’s not going to stop me from trying even harder during outdoor. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Bill Stewart — 621-5640 bstewart@centralmaine.com Twitter: @billstewartkj


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.