2024 Upper Valley high school track and field guide

Benjamin Hourdequin

Benjamin Hourdequin

Sophia Rockwood

Sophia Rockwood

Laura Audsley

Laura Audsley

A heat of sprinters in the boys 100 meters takes off from the starting line during a meet at Windsor High School’s Murphy-Morse Track and Field Complex on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Ulysses Junker-Boyce, of Thetford Academy won the event with a time of 10.95 seconds followed by Ayodele Lowe, of Hartford, at 11.75 seconds and Gabe Guillette, of Hartford, at 11.92 seconds. Thetford Academy won the meet with the girls earning 146 points and the boys 231.5. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.

A heat of sprinters in the boys 100 meters takes off from the starting line during a meet at Windsor High School’s Murphy-Morse Track and Field Complex on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Ulysses Junker-Boyce, of Thetford Academy won the event with a time of 10.95 seconds followed by Ayodele Lowe, of Hartford, at 11.75 seconds and Gabe Guillette, of Hartford, at 11.92 seconds. Thetford Academy won the meet with the girls earning 146 points and the boys 231.5. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. valley news photographs — James M. Patterson

Casandra Armstrong, of White River Valley, makes an attempt at 2.3 meters in the pole vault during a meet at Windsor High School in Windsor, Vt., on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Armstrong cleared 2.15 meters to tie for first in the event with teammate Anya Young and Sophia Rockwood of Windsor. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.

Casandra Armstrong, of White River Valley, makes an attempt at 2.3 meters in the pole vault during a meet at Windsor High School in Windsor, Vt., on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Armstrong cleared 2.15 meters to tie for first in the event with teammate Anya Young and Sophia Rockwood of Windsor. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. James M. Patterson

Chase Lefevre, of Thetford, wins the shot put with a distance of 12.02 meters at a meet in Windsor, Vt., on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.

Chase Lefevre, of Thetford, wins the shot put with a distance of 12.02 meters at a meet in Windsor, Vt., on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. James M. Patterson

Anita Miller, of White River Valley, right, leads in the 1500 meter before being overtaken by Ava Hayden, of Thetford, left, for the win in Windsor, Vt., on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Hayden finished first with a time of 4:56.37, followed by Miller at 4:57.43. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.

Anita Miller, of White River Valley, right, leads in the 1500 meter before being overtaken by Ava Hayden, of Thetford, left, for the win in Windsor, Vt., on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Hayden finished first with a time of 4:56.37, followed by Miller at 4:57.43. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. Valley News — James M. Patterson

Ayodele Lowe crosses the finish line, capping off a 45.42 second win for
 his teammates Hayden Hewitt, Payton Bessette, and Gabe Guillette in the
 4x100 meter relay in Windsor, Vt., on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.

Ayodele Lowe crosses the finish line, capping off a 45.42 second win for his teammates Hayden Hewitt, Payton Bessette, and Gabe Guillette in the 4x100 meter relay in Windsor, Vt., on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. Valley News — James M. Patterson

Sydney Schoenbeck, of Rivendell, sails to a win in the long jump with a distance of 4.89 meters during a meet in Windsor, Vt., on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.

Sydney Schoenbeck, of Rivendell, sails to a win in the long jump with a distance of 4.89 meters during a meet in Windsor, Vt., on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. James M. Patterson

Barrett Ouelette

Barrett Ouelette

Phoebe Ballard

Phoebe Ballard

Emily Brewster

Emily Brewster

Amillo Urista

Amillo Urista

Jayden Huntoon

Jayden Huntoon

Aleyna Aydogan

Aleyna Aydogan Name here—Tris Wykes

Zurael Star

Zurael Star

Jack Hughes

Jack Hughes

By PATRICK O’GRADY

Valley News Correspondent

Published: 04-17-2024 4:54 PM

As surely as snapping the finish-line tape signifies a winner, the Upper Valley is filled with high school track and field potential this spring.

A number of area schools won outdoor titles last year, and some followed that up with indoor successes over the winter. Additionally, several athletes ran, jumped or threw their way to individual success at the state and regional levels. There’s every reason to believe that can happen again.

A look at the teams:

Hanover

Coach: Steve McConnell (10th year).

Last year: Boys were second at state meet; girls were sixth.

League: NHIAA Division II.

Boys returnees: Seniors — Aidan Bradley, James Chafouleas, Justin Dickinson, Lucien Gleiser, Joaquin Martin, William Parker, Aiden Powell, Jeffrey Vidou, Joshua Warner; Juniors — Ryan Faris, Rex Gleason, Oliver Greenway, Iain Greger, Abraham Healey, Harry Hirschman, Jain Nandeesh, Lionel Ndong, Nathanial Solberg, Alexander Valentino, Andrew Valentino, Owen Welch; Sophomores — William Hanaway, Benjamin Hourdequin, Liam Kitchel, Evan Lewandoski, Safir Mehra, Ethan Welder.

Boys newcomers: Senior — Alexander McGrath; Juniors — Aiden Caufield, Issac Novosad; Freshmen — Alistair Craib, Sawyer Duncan, Caleb Franklin, Drake Gleason, Benjamin Groves, Tanner LaHaye, Nathanial McFetridge, Rohan Novosad.

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

White River Junction couple fights eviction from apartment they’d rather not live in
Lebanon ‘charitable gaming’ casino set to open next week
Woodstock voters approve two measures tied to purchase of water company
Update: Vandals target The Satanic Temple holiday display at NH statehouse
Bernie Sanders tells Politico that next U.S. Senate term will ‘probably’ be his last
Investigation probes truck driver’s alleged inhumane treatment of pigs at North Springfield slaughterhouse

Girls returnees: Seniors — Anna Aaron, Mia Bagnato, Anna Healey, Erica Holmes, Emma Letendre, Charleigh Olmstead, Eva Simpson, Ayla Wager; Juniors — Jacklyn Anderson, Penelope Collins, Heidi Davis, Dahlia Fuld, Amelia Holthoff, Braelyn Pearl, Hazel Tompkins, Ella Tullar, Natalie Wainwright; Sophomores — Megan Faris, Heidi Kauffman, Mary Matter, Lea Perreard, Madison Vidou.

Girls newcomers: Juniors — Anajana Chetan, Zabava Halchenko, Jade Nigriny, Skylar Nigriny; Sophomores — Amelia Bailey-Kellogg, Isabel Beckman, Sophia Feldman, Amelia Larrick; Freshmen — Salome Baertschiger, Alice Bell, Penelope Blatman, Abigail Doubleday, Grace Healey, Ariella Hirschler, Evelyn McBride, Cailin Stauth, Josie White, Maya Zivkovic.

Outlook: The girls are led by Perreard, who won the Division II cross country championship and the Meet of Champions 5K last fall, while the boys return state champions Chafouleas (throws), Gleiser (middle distance) and Powell (hurdles).

McConnell said his 80-athlete roster should do well in relays and score points in all events. The girls were second at last year’s Connecticut Valley Conference championships and the boys won them.

“The girls are a young team, but have some bright stars like Lea Perreard, who will be very competitive at states and even New Englands,” said McConnell, whose program hosts the CVC championships on May 11. “The boys will look to improve win the division title for the first time in two decades. It’s going to be an exciting year on the new track in Hanover.”

Hartford

Coach: Mike Perry (31), Clayton Bailey (1).

Last year: Boys third at the state meet; girls were 12th.

League: VPA Division II.

Boys returneres: Seniors — Payton Bessette, Jordan Davis, Jack Fournier-Stephens, Gabriel Guillette, Joseph Knapp, Nate Krom, Darian-River Maddox, Maxwell Portnoy, Connor Rice, Benjamin Shepard, Alexander Smith; Juniors — Conner Beland, Brandon Driver, Benjamin Lang, Ayodele Lowe, Liam Mangieri. Bennett Moreno, Cavan O’Brien, Nolan Pichtel; Sophomores — Jayden Forbes, Jack Howard.

Boys newcomers: Seniors — Joseph Gallant, Benjamin Ray, Deshon Sinclair; Juniors — Hayden Hewitt, Samuel Morse, Matthew Tsouknakis; Sophomores — Marcel Caple, Graham MacLaury; Freshmen — Colby Albrecht, Cameron Brackett, Elliott Brooks, Samuel Durgin, Elijah Ofstad, Lucas Sanderson.

Girls returnees: Senior — Violt Goodwin; Juniors — GiGi Goodwin, Nicola Husmann, Dakota Smith; Sophomores — Flynn Moreno, Rosemary DalPra, Barrett Ouelette.

Girls newcomers: Juniors — Ines Orgaz, Geneva Durgin; Sophomores — Michaela Anderson, Madison Bradshaw; Freshmen — Amara Johnson, Maya Johnson, Kathryn Summarsell.

Outlook: “The boys team won the indoor state championship this past winter, and with a huge addition of boys to the team this spring, I see no reason why Hartford shouldn’t be a strong contender in the championship meets,” Perry said. “The girls team is young, but I have seen a lot of promise in the workouts, pointing to them placing higher then last year.”

Rivendell sophomore Sydney Scheonbeck, the Raptors’ lone track athlete, practices with Hartford. She scored 28 points at last year’s state meet. At the winter indoor championship meet, she won the 55-meter hurdles and was second in the long jump.

Lebanon

Coach: Kevin Lozeau (11).

Last year: Boys were fourth at state meet; girls were 12th.

League: NHIAA Division II.

Boys returnees: Seniors — Nick Engert, Ryle Isuga; Juniors — Marco Getchell, Doyen Kodiweera, Nick Petrucci, Augustin Ramos-Glew, Chip Silver; Sophomores — Ryder Desharnais, Oscar Gulledge.

Boys newcomers: Seniors — Jon Eylander, Wesley Johnson; Sophomores — Parker Arrington, Zachary Caver; Freshmen — Daniel Calderon Rios, Elias Chaffee, Koen Christie, Aadish Niroula, John Polk, Alistair Smith, Adam Trussell, William Wilson.

Girls returnees: Seniors — Phoebe Ballard, Aavarika Niroula; Juniors — Summer Davis, Sophia Mladek; Sophomores — Annelise Brown, Jaskirat Kaur, Sarah Smith.

Girls newcomers: Seniors — Olivia Cook, Josephine Goodwin; Juniors — Jenney Lutz, Bella Wilson; Sophomores — Eden Ames, Saanvi Brahme, Sarah Joudeh; Freshmen — Ella Danehy, Grace D’Entremont, Maeve Finnegan, Jo Griffin, Kristen Higgins, Banipreet Kaur, Annabelle Norris, Ava Polk, Adelie Premore, Isabella Swanson, Breanna Vorachak.

Outlook: After graduating numerous standouts, including Division I college commits Birhanu Harriman and Tommy Wolfe, the boys will look to rebound through the leadership of senior captains Isuga and Engert, Lozeau said.

“The addition of many upperclassman newcomers such as senior Jon Eylander could boost our chances of remaining one of the top teams in Division II,” Lozeau said.

For the girls, Lebanon will be led by senior captains Ballard and Niroula and is looking for a boost by an influx of talented freshmen and the addition of many new upperclassmen.

“Despite their overall lack of experience, the large numbers and new talent could help lead the team to their highest finish in recent years,” Lozeau said.

Mascoma

Coaches: Rick Currier (2), Dave Shinnlinger (2), Ana Kimber (1).

Last year: Boys 22nd at the state meet; girls were 23rd.

League: NHIAA Division III.

Boys returnees: Seniors — Cameron Jespersen-Pecor, Josh Park; Juniors — Brody Albanese, Brayden Cilbrith, Gunner Currier, Shane Loynds, Troy Loynds, Trevor Maheu, Avery McDermott; Sophomores — Brayden Bashaw, Barnaby Diehn, Jayden Montebianchi.

Boys newcomers: Senior — James Thomes; Junior — Tanner Moulton; Sophomores — Liam Carriere, Silas Jukosky, Colin Myers; Freshmen — Alex Boulton, Tristan Clack, Hank Delault, Alex Deserranno, Landon Giovagnoli, Sam Joyce, Nate McAndrew, Carl Russell, Reece Yorke.

Girls returnees: Seniors — Izzy Adams, Kara Miller Juniors — Ann Buffington, Emily Brewster, Emma Colburn, Kaleigh Dinsmore, Braelyn Stone; Sophomores — Leo Brock, Anna Emerson, Baylee Hill, Trinity Hill, Georgia Kondi, Charlotte Robillard.

Girls newcomers: Juniors — Andrea Fernandez, Anddy Styles; Sophomore — Sonya Roberts; Freshmen — Evie Bennett, Izzy Currier, Aaliyah Muzzey, Halia Sethi.

Outlook: The Royals boast 26 freshmen and sophomores and a strong group of upperclassmen led by Kondi, the indoor state champion in the shot put, along with Brewster, Currier and Diehn.

“We have at least a dozen other athletes who have more than a realistic chance to qualify for the state meet in individual events, and we could have some of our strongest relay teams in years,” Currier said. “We are hoping to show a competitive foundation with strong building blocks to continue into the future.”

Newport

Coaches: P.J. Lovely (22), Chip Colello (4), Maria Virga (3).

Last year: Boys were sixth at the NHIAA Division III state meet; girls were ninth.

League: NHIAA Division III.

Boys returnees: Senior — Kyle Ashley; Juniors — Cayden Forand, Gabe Howe, Aaron Fellows, Travis Avery, Christian Forsythe, Hunter Austin, Amilio Urista, Kamden Pollari. Sophomores — Bryce Palmer, Aidan Couitt, Gavyn Page, Mike Bohn, Brady Minckler, Conor Clark, Josh Jordan, Taven Valez, Max Rothbart.

Boys newcomers: Junior — Christian Forsythe; Freshmen — Johnny Wilkinson, Logan Rusin, Ayden Hodge, Nico Peck, Caedan Gilman, Noah Linn, Braden Pillsbury, Cayden Nelson, Isaiah Nash, Tyson Diapola, Tristan Hannum, Johnny Hooper.

Girls returnees: Seniors — Rachel Lafrancois, Emma O’Connor; Juniors — Torrence Williams, Taylor Fellows, Skylar Nelson, Myah Borcuk, Melody Heacock, Mallory Cornish, Maddox Lovely, Lela Trott, Jasmyne McNamara, Jasmine Lee, Emry Hooper, Kaitlyn Costello; Sophomores — Chloe Greenwood, Callie Dixon.

Girls newcomers: Juniors — Jasmyne Lee, Melody Heacock; Sophomore — Callie Dixon; Freshman — Glory Parker, Hannah Fellows, Alidia Urista, Paige Hall, Constance Yeingst, Lexi Ash.

Outlook: Lovely said both Newport teams have athletes who can compete at the state level, including Ashley, a threat in the throwing events who could set some Newport records. Fellows and Couitt are also throwing standouts, and Lovely sees state-meet potential in Forand and Palmer.

“If a couple more boys step up and fill some roles, a top-five or even better finish is possible,” Lovely said. “With only one senior boy on the team, the future looks equally strong.”

The girls will be led by junior Maddox Lovely, runner-up in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles at last year’s state meet, along with Taylor Fellows and Nelson.

“If we can qualify eight girls to states, the girls could also approach a top-five finish,” Lovely said. “If the girls throwers and relays come on strong and score points, an even higher finish is likely.”

Oxbow

Coaches: Leslie Lamoureux (5), John Fields (10).

Last year: Boys were 11th and girls ninth in the state meet.

League: VPA Division III.

Boys returnees: Seniors — Matthew Corti, Otis Brochu; Juniors — Shane Morse, Liam O’Connell, Oden Schlager, Andrew Barrett, Rueben Keefe, Cooper Brunet, Owen Andrus. Sophomore — Kevin Page.

Boys newcomers: Junior — Zadian Walton; Sophomore — Hayden Huntoon; Freshmen — Benjamin Nelson, Gabriel Nusbaum, Quinten Drugach, Kobin Ellsworth.

Girls returnees: Seniors — Maisa Cook, Hazel Fahey, Takiya Saibou; Sophomores — Tessa Cook, Lilly Benjamin, Eliza Benware, Libby Day, Casey Wiedrick, Teagen Bailey,

Girls newcomers: Senior — Natalie Perry; Junior — Valorie Hayes; Sophomore — Miley Chen; Freshmen — Nettie Morse, Grace Lund, Reese McLam, Avery Kleintop, Brianna Marsh, Jaiden Osgood, Madison Driscoll.

Outlook: “Our student-athletes are practicing hard and are focusing on getting better and making memories with their teammates,” Lamoureux said. “With multiple returning and new athletes, we are definitely looking forward to our first meet.”

Sharon

Coach: Blake Fabrikant (4).

Last year: Boys and girls each finished fourth at the state meet.

League: VPA Division IV.

Boys returnees: Seniors — Zabrien McGee, Jacob Jeffries; Junior — Bryce Rikert; Sophomore — Raiden Danford.

Boys newcomers: Seniors — Jack Doris, Joey Thibodeau, Elijah Huntington; Freshman — Orion Bee.

Girls returnees: Senior — Arya Hilliker; Juniors — Abby Chase, MaCallister Gray, Elsa Skarsten, Madeline Mintz, Avry Loftus.

Girls newcomers: Senior — Katarennah Hilliker; Sophomores — Aleyna Aydogan, Natalie Young, Evelyn Murawski.

Outlook: The Phoenix lost significant talent to graduation and transfers, and this year’s team of 18 athletes is smaller than the past two years. Gray is a returning Southern Vermont League performer.

“The athletes we do have are more committed, engaged and coachable than years past,” Fabrikant said. “We’re not looking to perform any miracles this spring and are realistic about our talent level, but given the group, I am looking forward to vast improvements in performance.”

Stevens

Coach: Juan Fonseca (1).

Last year: Boys were 22nd at the state meet; girls were 13th.

League: NHIAA Division III.

Boys returnees: Juniors — Bryce Berry, Aiden Pisani; Sophomore — Kieran Heath.

Boys newcomers: Senior — Olley Casey; Juniors — Daunte Laraway, Zack Richardson; Sophomores — Braedyn Baker, David Collins, Prestyn West; Freshmen — Owen Chapman, Collin Grosskreutz, Justin McGuire.

Girls returners: Seniors — Maddy Minckler, Maddie LaVarnway; Juniors — Miriah LaFarr, Nevaeh LeBlanc; Sophomores — Addie Derorsier, Ella Muenzer, Audrina Pelton, Arianna Thompson.

Girls newcomers: Senior — Emily Stevens; Freshmen — Maddy Chambers, Autumn Lanou, Faith Norton.

Outlook: The Cardinals field a young team for both the boys and girls with a combined four seniors, two of whom are newcomers. Fonseca, who takes over from C.J. Gosselin, said he is looking for strong performances from Derorsier in the javelin, Pelton in the discus and the girls 4x100 relay team.

Thetford

Coaches: Emily Silver (22), Joel Breakstone (16).

Last year: Boys won state championship; girls finished second.

League: VPA Division III.

Boys returnees: Seniors — Chase LeFevre, Finn Liland, Ben Mattern; Juniors — Hunter Clay, Connor Gaine, Uly Junker, Miguel Kutter-Walker, Liam Murphy, Hardy Payson, Oliver Ransom, Evan Rich, Brady Sloop, Ramona Spelman, Isaac Yukica; Sophomores — Wendell Durham, Daniel Mann, Elijah Renner, Emmett Terry, David Thaxton, Henry Trage.

Boys newcomers: Juniors — Spencer Durkee, Luke Miller, Matt Vivian; Freshmen — Tanner Hardy, Paul Hesser, Paul Kidd, Jesse Martin, Sebastian Perdrizet, Jacob Phelps, Connor Sloop.

Girls returnees: Seniors — Mary Bosco, Charlize Brown, Annie Hesser, Cecilia Luce, Zurael Star, Maddy Thaxton; Juniors — Maya Dixon, Ella Harvey, Ava Hayden, Elie O’Brien, Alicja Perdrizet: Sophomores — Mavis Downey, Maddy Richardson.

Girls newcomers: Seniors — Acadia Cook, Whitney Lewis; Juniors — Heidi Hewes, Ruth Wilmott; Sophomore — Sophia Harvey; Freshmen — Julia Bonnett, Elizabeth Brown, Leah Crossett, Aislin Peters, Lola Squire.

Outlook: Brown, Dixon, Rich, Junker and Hayden all qualified for last year’s New England Championships.

“We’re fortunate to have a big team this year with a lot of new faces,” said Breakstone, whose girls won the CVC title. “Our athletes are looking forward to competing this spring, particularly against all the strong Upper Valley teams.”

White River Valley

Coaches: David Mattern (13), Nalani Sutton (3).

Last year: Boys were 10th at the state championship; girls won the title.

League: VPA Division III.

Boys returnees: Senior — Kway Antwi; Junior — Hayden Mabey; Sophomores — Matt Bangerter, Lincoln Miller.

Boys newcomers: Junior — Tomo Watanabe; Freshmen — Liam White, Sam Armstrong, Jack Hughes, Kasey Rogers.

Girls returnees: Seniors — Amara Calhum-Flowers, Anita Miller, Anna Stratton; Juniors — Hannah Collins, Madelyn Gibson, Norah Harwood; Sophomores — Addison Isham, Anya Young, Cassie Armstrong, Ella LaFromboise, Imari Taylor, Nuala Doyle.

Girls newcomers: Senior — Sauntie White; Sophomore — Julia Bowen.

Outlook: The girls look ready to defend their title with Calhum-Flowers (first at last year’s state meet in the 300 meters and high jump), Armstrong (first in the 100 and 200 meters) and Miller (second in the 800, 1,500 and 3,000) expected to lead the way.

Windsor

Coaches: Hannah Claire (4), Ian Currie (3), Gabriel Lippitt (3), Katey Comstock (3).

Last year: Boys were second at the state meet; the girls were sixth.

League: VPA Division III.

Boys returnees: Seniors — Anthony Cook, Bradley Adams, Brody Osgood; Juniors — Billy Blake, Tanner Crane, Justin Draper, Nick LaDuke, Kamdin Ovitt, Jacob Shaw; Sophomores — Kolin Labarre, Eban Margolis, Tylor Saragusa, Ethan Wood.

Boys newcomers: Senior — Daniel Steffensen; Freshman — Anthony Sheridan.

Girls returnees: Seniors — Gwen Ambrose, Meranda Johnson, Olivia MacLeay, Anna Preece, Madison Williams; Juniors — Arabella Cowdrey, Brooklyn Currie, Sophia Rockwood, Emma Simino; Sophomores — Quinn Vivian, Kemari Wildgoose.

Girls newcomers: Seniors — Marz Percy, Sydney Perry; Sophomore — Madison Holzworth; Freshmen — Ise Ciccarelli, Audrey McFarland, Amanda Riley.

Outlook: Claire said the Yellowjackets have talented upperclassmen and a new crop of freshmen on this year’s team. It has undertaken rigorous indoor workouts with a goal of earning top finishes this spring.

“We’re working to improve agility, stamina and speed,” Claire said.

Woodstock

Coaches: Paul Bremel (5), Martha Perkins (6), Eric Warren (1), Abbie Castriotta (2).

Last year: Boys and girls each fourth at the state meet.

League: VPA Division III.

Boys returnees: Seniors — Maxwell Abrams, William Obbard, Charles Rice, Heikke Tans; Juniors — Owen Courcey, Finn Farrell, Edwin Lynds, Parker Pierce, Jack Quicker, James Underwood; Sophomores — Kody Lantiegne, Dexter Namkung, Owen Whalen.

Boys newcomers: Junior — Carter Warren; Freshmen — SantinoBohren, Nicholas Cellini, Logan Martes, Luke Pomeroy.

Girls returnees: Seniors — Meridian Bremel, Amelie Fabre, Logan Knox, Leah Kuhnert, Tori McNamara, Ella Stainton, Farren Stainton, Quinn Stickney; Juniors — Laura Audsley, Isabel Cellini, Ada Mahood, Eryn McGuire, Myra McNaughton, Tua Shaw; Sophomores — Annesonia Beardsley, Bethany Thornburn.

Girls newcomers: Senior — Cosette Meloon; Junior — Addison Richardson; Sophomores — Evangeline Jenne, Helen Maya Sluka; Freshmen — Amelia Hill, Piper Pauly, Grace Perreault. Pippa Shaw, Anna Young.

Outlook: Last year, the Wasps had several athletes with solid performances at the state meet including Underwood (third in the 3,000 and 1,500) and the second-place girls 4x400 relay team of Kuhnert, Knox, Stickney and Cellini. Kuhnert, Cellini and McGuire were Southern Vermont League all-stars.

“The girls team returns nearly every point-scorer from last season with the addition of some talented ninth-graders,” Bremel said. “Expectations are high for this team moving forward.”

Bremel said the boys are focused on putting in strong, individual performances.

“Our core group has returned much stronger with great goals,” he said.