Dominick Alexis' biggest goal this winter was to be healthy enough to compete. A junior at Waterville Senior High School, Alexis was unable to compete his sophomore season because of health issues, including surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax, which is described by the American Lung Association as "a sudden collection of air or gas in the chest that causes the lung to collapse in the absence of a traumatic injury to the chest or lung."

Alexis was able to stay on the track this winter and, despite continued struggles with his lungs, was able to dominate the competition.

This winter, Alexis won the Class B state title in the 55-meter hurdles and the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class B title in the triple jump and the high jump. He also finished second in the state in the triple jump and high jump, helping the Purple Panthers to a third-place finish.

For his outstanding season, Alexis has been named the Morning Sentinel Boys Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year. Messalonskee High School's Eric Anderson was also considered.

Alexis had surgery for his lung problems the summer between his freshman and sophomore year. He still, however, struggles catching his breath.

"Usually, after warmups I can't breathe," Alexis said. "Then after that, I'm fine. I've gotten used to it."

Now that he has learned to deal with his health issues, Alexis has taken off on the track. The 6-foot-4, 165-pound Alexis blossomed into one of the top multi-event athletes in the state. At both the Class B and KVAC B championship meets, Alexis leaped 6 feet in the high jump, then cleared 6-5 at the New England Indoor Track and Field Championships. In the 55 hurdles he won the Class B title with a time of 7.86 seconds. He was second in the triple jump at 43-6.5.

Waterville coach Ian Wilson knew it was just a matter of Alexis being able to compete.

"I've seen this kid in practice do incredible things," Wilson said. "One time, wearing no shoes and on a short approach, he did 20 feet in the long jump.

"We knew what he was capable of once he got his health squared away and was able to compete. It might have been a huge surprise to see what he did because no one knew this kid, but it wasn't a surprise it us."

Alexis will expand his repertoire in the spring, picking up some throwing events, the long jump and possibly a relay. At some point, he'll also practice the pole vault in preparation of the decathlon. His goal is to qualify for the Junior Olympics this summer in the decathlon.

"Last time I pole vaulted was in the eighth grade," Alexis said. "My (personal record) is 8-6."

Wilson thinks Alexis has the most potential in the high jump. He is tall and thin, a perfect body for a high jumper, and has a terrific understanding of the event.

"He is a very bright kid and understands the event remarkably well," Wilson said. "He can coach himself. I don't mess with him too much.

"He is definitely capable of 6-8 or 6-10. His vertical is tremendous."

Scott Martin -- 621-5618

smartin@centralmaine.com