2014-15 Journal Tribune Boys Indoor Track Athlete of the Year

BIDDEFORD — Biddeford senior Justin Gagnon had lofty goals heading into the 2014-15 indoor track season ”“ and the standout made sure he was able to achieve them.

Gagnon put together one of the best seasons in Biddeford history as he won gold at both the conference and state level, which is why he is the Journal Tribune Boys Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.

“Justin sets high goals going into any season,” said Biddeford coach Ron Ouellette. “He wanted to be a conference champion, state champion and score in the New England meet. He achieved two out of the three goals.”

Gagnon captured gold at the SMAA Southwesterns Championships meet in the triple jump as he recorded a hop, skip and jump of 42 feet, 11.5 inches to reach the top of the podium.

The standout then headed to the Class A state championship meet as a top-four seed in three different events. He was the second seed in both the 55-meter hurdles and triple jump and the fourth seed in the long jump.

Gagnon finished ninth at the state meet in the long jump, but he excelled in both the hurdles and the triple jump.

The senior matched his seed in the triple jump as he picked up a silver medal with a jump of 43 feet, 4.5 inches.

In the 55-meter hurdles, Gagnon secured his place in history with a state-championship winning run of 7.78 seconds.

Ouellette was proud of Gagnon’s entire senior season.

“He not only had a great season in the hurdles, but also in the triple jump ”“ scoring in both the conference meet and the state meet. With the work ethic and attitude he displayed this season, his achievements were well earned,” said Ouellette.

Heading into the state meet, the Biddeford coach gave Gagnon the same advice he has for all his athletes.

“(I tell them) ”˜come away with the feeling you competed and tried your best and you will never be disappointed,’” said Ouellette.

Ouellette believes Gagnon’s hard work and natural ability led him to the gold.

“Justin’s athletic ability and his determination to succeed makes him an all-around track athlete. His love for the sport is evident by the amount of time he spends at practice,” said Ouellette.

Gagnon was also someone the younger athletes on the Biddeford indoor track squad were able to learn from.

“Justin is a good example to use at practice so the other athletes try to copy his technique,” said Ouellette.

Now, it’s on to outdoor track ”“ and Gagnon will once again be looking for gold.

— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or 207-282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.