The Boothbay/Wiscasset track and field team made its mark on the 2026 spring season before anyone sprinted, hurdled, or threw any objects. This year's team has a membership in the high fifties, which is the largest in Coach Nick Scott's two-decade tenure. "I feel like track has come back full-force. The numbers speak volumes to general excitement around the sport," he said. "This is the biggest team I've ever had in my 20 years coaching. When you consider the size of the school, the percentage of students involved is amazing. I'm pumped for this season."

Scott said the combined boys' and girls' program has six from Wiscasset and 50-plus from Boothbay.

This year's boys' team has several returning athletes who are expected to make their mark. Senior Ross Gaffney finished third in last year's State Class C racewalking championships. He followed that up with being invited to a national racewalking event. "He finished third in the state, and all three are back this year. So, Ross is definitely in the mix," Scott said.

This is Gaffney's fourth season as a racewalker. He chose the event as a freshman to best help the team. "When I first started, I wasn't sure what event I wanted to compete in. Racewalking didn't have many competitors so I thought I could best help the team there," said Gaffney.

The sport requires a great deal of technique by keeping the lead leg straight under a racer's center of gravity and one foot in contact with the ground at all times. "He sneaked into the MVC (Mountain Valley Conference) championships as a freshman. He is now one of the guys to beat in the states," Scott said.

Boothbay has two other racewalkers expected to make contributions this season. Sophomore Jackson Zehm scored points in last year's state championship meet. Senior Nathan Percival never competed in racewalking until a special winter meet at University of Southern Maine. During the indoor season, racewalking isn't a regular event, but USM held the one-mile race. 

"In his first meet, he finished in a time which would have qualified for the outdoor season state meet," Scott said. "So he has potential, and it's great having three guys who can score points in racewalking."

Gaffney will also compete in 800M, 1600M and 3200M races.

In the middle-distance races, junior AJ Crocker looks to continue his rise to the top of Class C runners. Last season, Crocker finished ninth in the state in the 3200M. He also competes in the 1600M. Scott is impressed by Crocker's commitment to preparation. Scott said he has never coached an athlete more dedicated to the sport. "Nobody prepares like he does. AJ is meticulous in his training," Scott said. "I've coached faster athletes, but in distance running preparation plays a major factor in a runner's success."

Crocker is committed to a year-round program where he runs up to 50 miles per week then takes a two-week break prior to an upcoming season whether it's cross country, or winter or spring track.

Crocker says the 9- and 10-mile runs prepare him for the two-mile race distance. "I think it makes all the difference in a big race," he said. "You build strength and power in the legs which is important as you reach the end of a race. You know you have what it takes to finish strong."

Crocker's goal for the season is beating his personal best in the 3200M (10:45) and 1600M (4:57). He is also a member of the 4 X 800M relay team.

In the field events, senior Logan Bourne participates in all the throwing sports: javelin, discuss and shot put. He excels in two:  shot put and discus. He is looking to improve on his personal best of 37.5 feet in the shot put and 83 feet in the discus. The more he throws, the better feel he has for his technique. "The shot put is like throwing a cannon ball. The really strong guys can throw it, but you really need good technique," Bourne said.

The discus is more of a spinning motion, and Bourne can tell how well his throw is once it leaves the hand. "You know right away if you have a good throw. You can really feel the spin as it comes off your fingertips," he said.

On the girls' side, team MVP Rose Campbell returns for her senior season. She runs the 100M, 200M and 400M dashes. Campbell also throws the javelin. Scott said Campbell scored points in the state championship meet in multiple events and is expected to record another strong season.

Campbell will also compete at the collegiate level. She will attend Bowdoin College, and join its track team this fall. Campbell's goals for this spring are setting new personal best times.

While she competes in both track and field events, one holds a special place for her. "The 100 meters is my favorite," she said. "It's short, explosive and a really competitive race."

Another top female performer is senior Abby Orchard. Scott expects her to become a consistent scorer, especially in the javelin and discus.

The team had its first meet on Tuesday, April 21 in Lisbon. The team's first home meet is on Tuesday, April 28 at the Wiscasset track.