Staier earns national racewalking crown Six Mainers finish season as All-Americans

Mt. Blue of Farmington senior racewalker Adam Staier had an outstanding weekend as he won a gold medal at the Nike Indoor Championships in Landover, Md., Saturday and then took home another at the National Scholastic Indoor Track and Field Championships in New York City on Sunday.

On Saturday, Staier did the Nike one-mile racewalk in 6 minutes, 41.08 seconds to finish more than 12 seconds ahead of New Jersey’s Zachary Pollinger. Another Maine senior, Jon Chasse from Maranacook High in Readfield, was third in 7:03.43 while Winthrop junior Mark Dennet was fourth in 8:17.71.

In the girls race, Dirigo of Dixfield’s Jasmine Brooks won with a time of 7:41.97. Jay senior Hillary Easter (8:06.58) was third while Winthrop sophomore Maddy O’Brien was fourth (9:06.98).

By finishing in the top six, all six Mainers earned Nike All-American track and field honors.

On Sunday, Staier’s time of 6:46.0 gave him his seventh first-place finish in his last nine races. He finished four seconds ahead of runnerup Mike Tarantino of New York (6:50.78). Chasse (7:03.14) was third and collected his 12th All-American award.

In the girls race, Brooks turned in her second personal-best time in two days with a 7:35.78 clocking, but wound up fifth against a tougher racing field. Easter clocked in at 7:46.0, but was disqualified at the finish line for breaking stride. O’Brien was 15th in 8:57.37.

AAU for you?

Amateur Athletic Union basketball teams are getting ready to practice and tryouts are not too far away. Teams, made up of high school-age players from all over the state, bring together players from different school programs and offer players a chance to hone their skills in the summer offseason.

The Central Maine Pride, a team drawing players from Brewer, Bangor, John Bapst, Hampden, and Orono, is now in its third year of operation and coaches Matt Schilmoeller and Rob Sinclair are trying to raise money for uniforms, league entry fees, tournament entries, court time, hotels, and meals. To help with fundraising efforts, call either 866-2062 or 478-4535.

The Central Maine Athletic Department is sponsoring three teams for the first time this summer: boys ages 16-under, boys 14-under, and girls 15-under. Coaches Dave Gonyea, Dan DeBruin, and Lynn Girouard have held an informational session, but information is available by calling Gonyea at 755-5251. These teams will differ from others in that they will not travel beyond a two-hour travel-time radius of Auburn and will not participate in any national tournaments. All practices will be at Central Maine Technical College.

Addison athlete’s achievement

Addison high school student Caleb Paul enjoyed successful efforts as independent or unattached competitor in last month’s Class B State indoor track and field championship meets.

Paul, a student at Narraguagus High in Harrington, has practiced with Sumner of East Sullivan’s team along with fellow independent Carole Perry. Both students had to get, and received, permission from the Maine Principals’ Association and both schools’ athletic directors to compete individually while practicing with Sumner’s team.

Each student competed in two events at the state meet with Paul turning in a solid effort, finishing fifth in the one-mile run and 11th in the two-mile. Perry competed in the 55- and 400-meter dashes, but did not place among the top six finalists.

Both Paul and Perry will compete in outdoor track this spring.

Andrew Neff’s High school report is published each Wednesday. He can be reached at 990-8205, 1-800-310-8600 or aneff@bangordailynews.net.