Edward Little’s girls’ team is looking to continue their undefeated season and defend their conference title at the KVAC track and field meet Saturday at Mt. Ararat High School.

Last Saturday, the Red Eddies’ boys’ and girls’ teams both won the River City Rivals meet, which includes cross-river rival Lewiston, Bangor, and Brewer. A big reason that the Red Eddies were able to be victorious was because of their depth and willingness to dip their toes in different events.

“I encourage kids to try all the events,” Edward Little head coach Rebecca Hefty said. “There are 18 events, and that gives kids so many opportunities. You don’t have to be the best in all events and so everyone can have a niche. One thing that I’ve always believed in forever is the more events you can cover the greater success of your team.”

The EL girls’ team has added 30 freshmen this season but are led by their seniors.

On the girls’ team, Lauren Berube is returning to the track after an injury hampered her indoor season. Berube leads the state in the pole vault and has her eyes set on the school record of 11-1 set by Jaclyn Masters.

“My goal all season has been to get the school record,” Berube said. “That is a dream I’ve had since my freshman year and I feel I am ready to get it. My injury has made me more determined. It has made me love and appreciate track so much more.”

While Berube is one of the veterans, the girls’ team is also being bolstered by two freshmen runners, Lindy Hyndman and Ella Boucher.

“Lindy has been a sprinter for long time but has been trained how to sprint properly,” Hefty said. “Learning more, Ella Boucher is a late bloomer. She really demonstrated her strength as an eighth-grader. The surprising piece is they work off each other and have been competitive.”

Berube is excited about her team’s chances.

“We have a great group of ladies this year with a great bond,” Berube said. “We are all very motivated and determined to come out with a win at KVACs.”

On the boys’ side, the pole vaulters are the leaders. The only regular season meet that the Red Eddies boys’ team lost was at Mt. Blue, where there was no pole vault. Everything starts with senior Alex Thompson.

“Alex is working on a school record,” Hefty said. “We lost a meet that didn’t have vaulting. He thrives on competition and it gives him that motivation to be better jumper.”

Indoor state 800-meter champion Russell Allen is trying to win the 800 outdoor event in the same year, as well as the 400.

“My biggest goal right now is to win KVACs as a team,” Allen said. “Individually, I’m hoping to be able to win the 400 and the 4×400. I’m also running the 800, but with it being right after the 400 I’m not sure how much time I’ll have to recover, so I’m not sure what to expect for that.”

Other athletes that Hefty is looking at to step up are Connor Jackson, who competes in the high jump, triple jump, and the hurdles, and Fabrice Mpoyo in the sprints.

“He started doing track last year,” Hefty said. “This indoor he started to pick up the 55-meter and the 200. We recognized that he has speed. He had never been out of starting blocks and never been competitive with fast people, but now he is going to run with the big dogs and we will see how he does.”

While Edward Little has a lot of depth, its cross-river rivals Lewiston has its own strong points.

The Blue Devils are strong in many areas, including the throws with Connor Kaplinger leading the charge in all three. The boys’ team also has some strong sprinters and jumpers such as Jeremiah Williams and Kamundala Crispin.

On their girls’ team, Laila Bunnitt leads the throws.

Other teams with chances to make some noise are Leavitt, which is led by Nicole Daigle in the sprints. Winslow will be led by Max Spaulding, who looks to place well in multiple jumping and sprint events.