Softball

Coach: Amanda Harmon

Last year’s record: 14-2

Key returning players: The Patriots will rely most on Rachel Edson, Kellie Sanborn, Alicia Valente and Sammie Wilkins.

Season outlook: After a 14-2 season last spring, the Patriot softball team will be integrating some new players into the lineup as it starts play this month. Harmon said that she thinks her experienced players will be able to provide the necessary leadership to allow Gray-New Gloucester to be successful again this season. “We’re looking forward to our returning players to taking a lead with the new members of the team for positive unity and success throughout the season,” Harmon said. “Effort and attitude will take this team far, and I believe we can challenge each opponent.”

Boys Track

Coach: Todd Mercer

Last year’s record: 8-2

Key returning athletes: The Patriots will rely on Randall Stevens, Ben Schaffer, Sam Miklovich, Sam Eldridge, Jon Greenleaf, Josh Greenleaf, David McAnn, Will Bartlett, Nick Bennett, Josh Bagdon and Josh Vickerson.

Key meets this season: “Our first meet of the season is against York, the biggest team in the Western Maine Conference,” Mercer said. “However, I’ve found that any matchup in the Western Maine Conference can bring great competition.”

Season outlook: While the Patriots have the luxury of having a great many experienced athletes return to the boys track roster, they also will be able to have some all-important depth as the Patriots will be bringing a big squad to each and every meet. “With over 60 boys signed up, were going to being a large and talented team,” Mercer said. “We have some great depth in the sprints and the distance team.”

Girls Track

Coach: Erin Maguire

Last year’s record: 13-2, fifth in conference.

Key returning athletes: The Patriots have some strong upperclass performers in junior Amanda Peterson in sprints, senior Breanna Harlow in racewalk and high jump, junior Jasmine Turner in hurdles and mid-sprints and senior Tayla Robbins in distance.

Key meets this season: “Our only home meet this season is May 6, so we’re looking forward to that,” Maguire said. “We’re also really anticipating the Western Maine Conference meet.”

Season outlook: As is the case on the boys side, the Gray-New Gloucester girls outdoor track team will be a big one this season. The extra depth, combined with some experienced athletes coming back for another season bodes well for a squad that finished fifth in the conference last year and is looking to improve on that performance this spring. “The season looks busy for the girls track team,” Maguire said. “With 61 girls signed up, numbers and youth are on our side this spring. The girls are coming off of a fifth place state finish during the indoor season, and are led by Peterson and Harlow, who continue to show improvement. The team will look for growth in the sophomore class, including Liz Audet (jumps), Taylor Darnell (jumps/sprints), Ashley Rice (throws), Emily Harlow (pole vault) and many more. Although we lost a strong graduating class of throwers last year, the outlook is good with addition of Coach Mindy Sullivan, a former Lisbon standout thrower. With over 50 underclassmen, the future continues to look bright for the Gray-New Gloucester Patriots.”

The baseball preview was not available as of press time.