Amy Winchester is Athlete of the Month

Brewer High School’s Amy Winchester has won so many medals and awards this year in school sports activities, she may have to commission a carpenter to build an extra large display case to accommodate them all.

While she’s at it, she can add another honor to her ever-expanding collection – MIDWEEK’s Athlete of the Month.

All the multi-talented Winchester did in May was finish first in four events in both the Penobscot Valley Championship and Eastern Maine Class A meets and win two events at the Class A State Meet.

Winchester’s performances helped lead the Brewer girls to the PVC team championship, a third-place finish in the Eastern “A” meet and a sixth-place finish in the state meet.

“For all intents and purposes, she’s a once-in-a-lifetime athlete,” said Dave Jeffrey, head track coach at Brewer High School the last 12 years. “I’ve never had a girl like her.”

“I’ve never seen a guy compete in all three events as well as she has,” said Mitch Kogut, Winchester’s weight (throwing) events coach.

Despite all her track and field successes, both coaches agreed she has the potential for great improvement.

Much of Winchester’s success has come from raw ability. Jeffrey and Kogut plan to help her improve her technique and form. Once that’s done, there’s no telling what marks she could reach in her events.

“Coaches could watch her compete and probably pick out at least three or four things wrong with her technique, but she’s just so fast and strong, she makes up for it,” Jeffrey explained.

Only a junior, Winchester already holds two school records. Her throws of 38 feet, 7 1/2 inches, in the shot put and 115-5 1/2 in the discus are school marks set this year.

Her versatility is also a big strength. Not only does she compete in the throwing events, but she runs the 4×100 meter relay very well and could compete in other sprinting races as well.

“She can do just about anything,” said Jeffrey. “I’ve always thought she could be a nationally ranked pentathlete if the event was offered in high school.”

Jeffrey explained that Winchester’s quickness and speed give her an explosive ability in short races. Thus, the 400 relay is an ideal event for one with her abilities.

Winchester excels in the classroom as well as on the track. Her name has been a fixture on the Brewer High School honors and high honors list each semester since her sophomore year.

She is also a key starter on the varsity girls basketball team and an officer in the Brewer Key Club.

So what does the future hold in store for the multi-talented Winchester?

Well, if she wanted to, Jeffrey is certain that Winchester can be a quality Division I track and field athlete at almost any school.

For now, Winchester’s in no hurry. Heck, she’s still got her senior year of high school to look forward to.