Sports Notes

Members of the SHS indoor track team warm up inside the practice gym before practice
Photo Credit: Sanford School Department
Sanford High School Indoor Track Program Hitting Its Stride
By Sam Bonsey, Sanford Schools Communication Coordinator
In just two years, Sanford High School’s indoor track and field team has transformed from 17 athletes into a program now over 50 strong. This winter’s expansion – up from roughly 35 athletes last year – represents the latest chapter in growth that has seen the program more than triple in size since its early days.
“We see kids come out and do spectacular things even with little practice or experience,” said Magnes Lewis, who is in his third year as Sanford’s head coach. His program’s rapid growth has been matched by continued competitive success, building on the foundation laid by graduates like shot put state champion Tucker Walker.
That winning tradition continued early on in the 2024-2025 season. At the University of Southern Maine New Year’s Invitational, junior Logan Glidden made program history by becoming the first Sanford athlete to win an event at the meet, claiming victory in the triple jump.
Even more impressive, Glidden only began competing in the event last spring and has already established himself as one of Maine’s top performers. His success follows his strong showing last year, when he qualified for states in both long jump and the 55-meter dash.
This rapid development of talent, particularly in field events, has become a hallmark of the Sanford program.
The coaching staff’s deep expertise in jumps and throws has created an environment where athletes can quickly excel in technical events. This specialized coaching has helped cultivate young talent like sophomore Isaac Pelletier, who cleared 9-6 in pole vault as a freshman – the second-best mark among first-year athletes in Maine last winter.
Pelletier, who started participating in track at 10, maintained a modest approach despite his success.
“I just like having fun,” he said, though he acknowledges his goal of “going to states in pole vault.” Beyond his vaulting achievements, Pelletier has also shown promise in mid-distance events like the 600 and 800 meters, demonstrating his versatility by putting in extra training time. “I’ve been running at home too, before practice,” he noted.
The program’s growth is also evident in its emerging leadership. Lily Peters, who last year as a freshman came within inches of qualifying for states in long jump, has already been named team captain based on her experience and success in jumping events. Peters has taken on the responsibility of mentoring newer jumpers while continuing to compete at a high level in both triple and long jump.
“She’s been able to come in to take a leadership role and not only just demonstrate how to jump for the other jumpers, but also help the other jumpers in getting preparation,” Lewis said. “In drills and everything. That’s been fantastic to have her be able to carry that.”
This combination of athletic achievement and peer leadership exemplifies the program’s evolution, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Athletic Director Zach Lemelin.
“I have been excited about the growth of Indoor track here at SHS,” Lemelin said. “The coaches and student-athletes that are involved in the program have been an amazing addition to the athletic program. It’s very exciting to see the hallways and gyms full of student-athletes competing in a program that will only better support our outdoor track team.
The program’s expansion aligns with Coach Lewis’s vision of track and field as a complement to other sports. As both the indoor track head coach and an assistant coach for girls’ soccer, Lewis has positioned the program to continue attracting multi-sport athletes.
“We have the experience and coaching to help athletes find their strengths,” Lewis said. “That’s what makes this program special.”

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