Stelmok, Merrill turn in top efforts for Foxcroft

Class B girls track

AUGUSTA – The standings after the first eight events were tallied told the story of the girls Class B state track championship here Saturday: Scarborough girls 57 points, Medomak Valley of Waldoboro 18, Marshwood 18.

Although the final margin narrowed some, Coach Ron Kelly’s Redskins had an easy time with the rest of the field for their first outdoor state title.

“We’ve been second four times,” said Kelly. “It feels nice.”

Scarborough lapped runnerup Greely – the 1993 champ – 94-47. Two-time Eastern Maine champ Foxcroft Academy was third with 41 points.

It wasn’t cause for riotous celebration, but the Ponies and their coaches were satisfied with the final score.

“I told the girls they had a chance to finish second in states for the first time in our history,” said Foxcroft coach George Rolleston. “And we were just six points out of that spot when it was over.”

The Ponies also finished third last year, 72 points out of first. The shrinking margin of victory by Western teams and the relative youth of the Ponies make Rolleston optimistic for next season.

The catalysts behind Foxcroft’s drive to No. 3 in the state were juniors: sprinter Kristen Stelmok and Michelle Merrill who won the shot put and defended her 1993 title in the discus.

“(Michelle) came back this year and worked her tail off,” said Rolleston.

“She had some personal distractions to work through and an injury, but she came through it very well,” said Gary Worthing, Foxcroft assistant coach.

“This year, I was a lot more focused,” said Merrill. “I did a lot of visualization and that was a great help. My mental preparation did it.”

Stelmok won the 400-meter run, was third in the 200, and was fifth in the 100.

“I didn’t expect to win the 400,” Stelmok said. “I usually think too much in that race, but I didn’t do that today.”

“May 6th was her turning point. She hadn’t run the 400 all season and drew Lane 6 to run in,” Rolleston said. “She sprinted right out and won it from the sixth lane.”

Also encouraging to Rolleston and Worthing was the presence of three Foxcroft freshmen. Emily Todd, one of those freshmen, finished fifth in the 400.

“We had some kids kind of turn this program around in the late 80’s,” said Rolleston, “and I think we’re taking it up another level now.”