Orono High School state champion cross country and indoor track teams honored at the State House

Members from the Orono High School girls cross country and indoor track teams were recognized by the Legislature on March 17 for winning the state championships in their respective sports.

Sen. Jim Dill of Old Town and Rep. Ryan Tipping-Spitz of Orono presented the players and coaches with Legislative Sentiments honoring the teams.

“I was incredibly proud to have so many impressive Orono students fill the halls of the State House today,” said Rep. Tipping-Spitz.

“The Orono community is very proud of these state champs and their achievements in the sport and in academics,” said Sen. Dill.

The cross country team won their 3rd-straight Class C state title. Members of the team include: Kassidy Dill, Hannah Steelman, Tia Tardy, Lily Levitsky, Camille Kohtala, Liza Gallandt, and Olivia Fandel. The team is coached by Lin White.

The indoor track team won their first Class B state title. Members of the team include: Olivia Fandel, Leah Costello, McKenzie Peterson, Ally Pickering, Samantha Round, Lauren Stoops, Scarlett DeGrasse, Lydia Chase, Rebecca Lopez-Anido, Jenna Gaetjen, Gabrielle Marquis, Katie O’Brien, Grace Shemwell, Tia Tardy, Dreamaleigh Pearsall, Lucia Smitherman and Heather VanDolman.

In addition, Ally Pickering is the state champion in pole vault; Lauren Stoops is the state champion in 55m hurdles and 200m dash and the state runner-up in 55m dash; and Tia Tardy is the state champion in the 800m, 1600m and 3200m runs.

The team is coached by Chris Libby, and assistant coaches Tyler White and Miguel Caballero.