2 min read
Hassan Hobbi of Winslow competes in the 55-meter hurdles during the Class B indoor track state championships at Bates College Feb. 17 in Lewiston. The Winslow boys are among a few teams to keep an eye on in central Maine this season. (Daryn Slover/Staff Photographer)

1. Cony/Winthrop/Hall-Dale: Although Cony goes from Class B to Class A with the addition of Winthrop to its co-op with Hall-Dale, the Rams should still be competitive. Ethan Demmons has a shot to compete for KVAC titles in the 55- and 200-meter dashes, as well as in the 400, and fellow senior Alden Wilkinson is set to earn points in the shot put. In the distance events, coach Kevin Russell can count on senior Isaiah Sabean and junior Alfie Cognata, a key addition from Winthrop.

2. Nokomis: The Warriors have other coaches taking notice. Senior Alex Bates, who owns the school record in the 400 (53.02 seconds), is the KVAC Class B favorite in that event and should also contend in the 200. Nokomis also boasts the conference’s defending shot put champion in senior Jacob Steiner. Junior Stephone Ross (sprints) and senior Joshua Creswell (distance) also have chances to score points for the Warriors.

3. Winslow: The Black Raiders are always one of central Maine’s best teams, and this year is no different. Hassan Hobbi is the Class B favorite in both the 55-meter dash and hurdles and will also compete for top honors in the 200. Fellow senior Ethan Rancourt should earn points in the 800 and relay events. Juniors Caden Giroux and Renton O’Toole are strong middle-distance runners who will compete with Rancourt on a potent 800 relay team.

4. Waterville: Ted Brown’s team has a good mix of athletes. Charley Flees is KVAC Class B’s No. 2-returning runner in the 2-mile, and he can also rack up points in the 800 and mile. Fellow senior Dan Joler is fourth among KVAC B returnees in the shot put. Senior Caleb Crowley is another potent thrower, sophomore Aiden Troxell is set to rise up the sprinting ranks, and a slew of freshmen and other newcomers could surprise.

Also keep an eye on: Erskine Academy, Gardiner/Maranacook/Lisbon

Mike Mandell came to the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel in April 2022 after spending five and a half years with The Ellsworth American in Hancock County, Maine. He came to Maine out of college after...

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