Hamilton runs top time in Maine on birthday

By Mary Albl for DyeStat

BELFAST – Yarmouth senior Abigail Hamilton celebrated her birthday on Saturday in one of the best ways possible by winning a state cross country title.

Hamilton led a loaded Class B field Saturday at the Maine State Championships, crossing the line in 18 minutes, 5.31 seconds. Five other runners all finished under 19 minutes on the 5,000-meter course at Troy Howard Middle School. Runner-up went to senior Tia Tardy of Mt. Desert Island (18:14.48), while Katherine Leggat-Barr of Greely captured third place (18:14.61). 

Greely managed to place four runners in the top 25 to score 71 points and outlast Yarmouth (81).

In the boys Class B race, Yarmouth junior made it a sweep, winning the race in 15:49.59. Like the girls race, Greely won the team crown with 66 points.

In Class A, Falmouth Malaika Pasch continued her strong season winning the title in 18:22.02, edging Kennebunk senior Louise Holway (18:22.50). Katherine Leckbee of Mt. Ararat High also went under 19 minutes, running 18:42.41 for third place. Bonny Eagle won the team crown with 77 points.

For the boys, Tucker Barber of Mt. Blue put down the fastest time of the day to win the A title in 15:47.33. Falmouth placed four runners in the top 16 to score 72 points and claim the team trophy. 

Kassidy Dill of Orono (19:29.97) won the Class C title as George Stevens Academy had three runners in the top five to win the team title.

For the boys, George Stevens' John Hassett won the C title in 15:56.12, while Orono tallied 56 points to win the state team title.