Hampden’s Melissa Roberts is Athlete of the Month

Hampden Academy’s Melissa Roberts has literally been running away from the rest of the field this year in spring track meets.

After her school’s first five high school track and field meets this season, Roberts has won every event she has run.

That dominance has earned her honors as MIDWEEK’S Athlete of the Month.

The 18-year-old senior from Hampden competes in the 100-yard run, 200-, 300-low-hurdles and 100-high-hurdles. Despite having started running the hurdles only last winter, Roberts has compiled a 20-0 record in races run this spring.

“She’s got a lot of natural ability,” said Kathy King, assistant track coach at Hampden and Roberts’ hurdles coach. “Her physical maturity is a big part of it, and she’s a tremendously dedicated kid.”

Roberts began working at the hurdles when the team’s depth in that area became thin, and coaches were trying to find new events to utilize the versatile Roberts’ talents.

“With a girl like Melissa on the team, you hate to have her not involved in at least four events,” said Dave King, Hampden track coach.

Roberts has already set a school record in the 300 intermediate hurdles this spring and could also break the school record in the 100 hurdles.

But school and course records don’t hold much interest for Roberts. She’d rather help Hampden win an Eastern Maine and state championship, and win her events at the state meet in the process.

“My goal this season is to finish first in the state meet,” said Roberts, who could end up with four gold medals if she continues to improve her times.

As far as long-term goals are concerned, Roberts has already met one by getting accepted at Bryant College of Smithfield, R.I., where she plans to pursue a business degree while continuing to run and play varsity soccer.

The daughter of David and Mary Lou Roberts was a star player on Hampden’s girls soccer team last fall. She was named to the All-Eastern Maine Class A Schoolgirl Soccer Team.

“I’m sure we haven’t seen the best of her yet – in track or soccer,” added Kathy King. “She could really excel in college.”

Roberts is winding down a busy high school career at Hampden Academy. She has participated in soccer and spring track all four years and has run indoor track the last three years.

In addition to sports, Roberts is a Student Council secretary, treasurer for the Key Club, a peer helper and volunteer tutor. Despite all her activities, she has also managed to carry a B average.

Roberts credits much of her success and mental makeup to her participation in sports.

“Most of my personality has been made up through sports,” explained Roberts. “It has helped me deal with adversity, learn sportsmanship, make new friends – lots of things.”

Whatever the reason for her great attitude and successful career, her coaches at Hampden recognize that she is a special talent.

“She’s among the top three or four women athletes I’ve coached,” said Dave King, in his 15th year as a track coach.

“She’s an extremely hard worker, never misses a practice, does everything you ask and more,” added King. “She helps take attendance, sets up equipment and helps the younger kids out with their events. Having kids like her on the team has made my job a lot easier.”