03/22/2009
enlargefrom the Kennebec Journal
STATE HOUSE BALDACCI: CUT $63M MORE
Many happy returns in Richmond
Tax woes land on Whitefield
Rapist denied new trial
AUGUSTA MINDING A MINE
SPORT OF KINGS Falconry a blend of dedication and commitment
COLLEGE HOCKEY: Maine rallies but falls short against Boston College
COLLEGE ROUNDUP: Colby women win season opener at home tournament
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
WEDDING BURGLAR JAILED
Youths talk Turkey Day
Plenty of free Thanksgiving meals available
Turkey prices make for a happy holiday
Kennebec County Superior Court
POLICE
COLLEGE HOCKEY: Maine rallies but falls short against Boston College
COLLEGE ROUNDUP: Colby women win season opener at home tournament
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
Staff Writer
The season started off with a bang and ended with one, too. And in between, Shelby Tuttle was just as dominant.
The Waterville Senior High School senior opened the indoor track season with an incredible showing, then capped it off by setting state records in the triple and long jumps at the Class B championships.
For her state record-breaking performances, Tuttle is the Morning Sentinel and Kennebec Journal indoor track and field girls athlete of the year. Sarah Walker of Waterville and Molly Cooper of Lawrence were also considered.
"She really started it by having a great summer in the weight room," Waterville coach Ian Wilson said. "When you look at people's success, there's usually a reason for it. For Shelby, it started with a good soccer season and then she had an explosive track season."
At the season-opening University of Southern Maine Relays, Tuttle jumped an astounding 38 feet, 6 1/2 inches in the triple jump, which opened some eyes.
"It started off well," Tuttle said. "I started lifting in the summer and doing more running so I wouldn't be behind after soccer. I wanted to be ahead of everything."
Added Wilson: "I have to be honest, with some kids you can see them develop, but when Shelby jumped 38 in the triple jump to start the season, I was surprised. I knew she was good, but wow, that was impressive. After that it was making sure she stayed healthy."
By the end of the indoor season, Tuttle was ahead of everyone, at least in the long and triple jumps.
She set the state record in the long jump (17-5) and the triple jump (37-9 1/2 ), the latter coming on her final leap at the Class B meet at Bates College.
"It took awhile to sink in," Tuttle said. "It would've felt more like a state record had I beat my jump earlier in the season."
Still, a state record is a state record.
"That was my most important goal," Tuttle added. "I wanted to get that state title."
Wilson said the biggest challenge Tuttle faced this season was holding back early to ensure she would peak at the right time -- the conference and state meets.
To help preserve their legs, Wilson preferred his athletes compete in just one jumping event at each meet throughout the regular season. Tuttle acknowledged that wasn't always easy.
"I knew I needed my rest, but it wasn't easy holding back," Tuttle said. "I didn't like going into meets and not doing the triple jump."
Wilson added that the plan at the beginning of the season was for Tuttle to compete in the 200-meter dash.
"Early in the season I thought it was going to be the 200 for her, but it ended up being the triple jump," he said.
"She's a tall kid and the turns were tough for her. So we turned to the long jump. We knew what we had in the triple, it was just a matter of trying to develop in the other events."
Bill Stewart -- 623-3811, ext. 515
bstewart@centralmaine.com
Reader comments
Click here to view or add reader comments