Ex-UM star Page places 2nd in NCAA weightlifting

Katie Page, a former captain of the women’s track and field team at the University of Maine, has continued her athletic career as a weightlifter.

The Palmyra native, who is doing graduate work with Nobel Prize winners in advanced chemical engineering at the University of California Santa Barbara, also has been competing in Olympic weightlifting.

Recently, Page finished second in her weight class at the NCAA national championship, according to Black Bears assistant track coach Rolland Ranson. She snatch-lifted 168.75 pounds and jerk-lifted 129.25 pounds in the event.

By virtue of her performance, Page is an alternate for the United States Olympic Weightlifting Team for the World Championships.

The squad, which consists of eight athletes, will be finalized after the USA National American Weightlifting Championships in May.

At UMaine, Page excelled in the shot put and holds the women’s school record at 143 feet, 3 inches. She also competed in the javelin, shot put and 4 by 100-meter relay.

Sinclair nears NCAA standard

Kristen Sinclair of the University of Southern Maine qualified provisionally in the javelin recently while competing at the University of South Florida Invitational.

The senior from Manchester turned in a throw of 39.30 meters on the first day of competition to surpass the provisional qualifying mark of 38.90 meters. Sinclair finished fourth among 25 competitors.

Sinclair has participated in the NCAA Division III national championships the past two years.

Magiera earns MVP award

Surry’s Andy Magiera was named the Most Valuable Performer for the University of Maine men’s swimming team.

Magiera, a former John Bapst of Bangor standout, was joined by Megan Wolters, who was named the MVP of the women’s team, in being honored Sunday at the swimming and diving teams’ end-of-season banquet.

Martin Fitch of Bangor and Karin Feldman received Switzer Dedication Awards. Caribou’s Caitlin Tateishi and Dustin Carrier of Lewiston were named Most Improved. Bangor’s Sarah Gordon and Brewer’s Chris Rodway each earned Chandler Comeback Awards. Arundel’s Keith Burgie won the Miller Diving Award.

Maggie Warren and Justin Alley of Bangor were named the winners of the Palmer Award for Academic Excellence.

Also Sunday, seniors Kristin Riley and Chrystie McGrail were named captains for the 2005-06 women’s team, while Barrett Nichols of Scarborough will captain the men and Alley will head up the diving team.