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GIRLS TRACK ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Labreck sets gold standard
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BY BILL STEWART, Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 07/04/2008

Prior to this spring, the only stage Jesse Labreck had failed to win anything was the outdoor track and field New England championships.

The Messalonskee senior changed all that June 14, when she finally became a New England champion, winning the 100- and 300-meter hurdles.

Labreck, one of the best track and field athletes in Maine history, finished her illustrious career with seven state records, including four in the outdoor season.

Thanks to a dominating spring, Labreck is the Morning Sentinel's Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year. Waterville's Anna Thurston, Erskine Academy's Anna Niedbala and Maine Central Institute's Jenna Lorentsen were also considered.

So, now that the season -- and career for that matter -- is done, has Labreck thought about what she accomplished?

"Not really," she said. "I don't think about it that way. I haven't really thought back to it. My friend and I were just watching the tape we made of the states and New Englands, and she was asking me about it. But that's the only time I even thought about it. It was kind of awesome, but I'm looking toward the future."

The future is the University of Maine in Orono, which Labreck will attend this fall. She'll compete on the Black Bears' track and field team, although in which events has yet to be determined.

"I'm a little more nervous than excited," she said, "but I'm sure I'll get used to the bigness of everything and college. It's a little sad that my high school career is over, but there are bigger things out there."

True, but Labreck added that she hopes she made an impact on Maine high school sports.

"I hope my school records stay for awhile," she said. "I hope my state records stay, too."

Labreck broke the state record in the 100 hurdles (14.48 seconds), high jump (5 foot, 9 inches) and triple jump (38-4) at the Eastern Maine Class A meet.

In New Englands, she won both hurdles events, but fell short in the high jump and triple jump.

"I'm glad I won in New Englands," said Labreck, who is working as a nanny this summer before going she heads to Bulgaria in August for a family wedding. "It's all I wanted to do this spring."

In spring 2007, Labreck was seeded first in the 100 hurdles, but finished second. She also finished second in the 300 hurdles and third in the triple jump. That meet provided all the motivation Labreck would need heading into this spring.

"It was my last shot," she said. "It was awesome. They were my first two wins in New Englands. It was pretty nice. I lost the high jump at the end of the meet, so it didn't feel like it was an awesome day. But I'll take it."

Labreck is letting her body rest before heading off to UMaine. The Black Bear coaching staff will then set up a strength and conditioning program for her to follow.

As for the high school sport, Labreck laughed when asked if she thought her departure would be celebrated amongst her competitors.

"I don't know, maybe a little bit," she said. "I've already heard a few comments."

Bill Stewart -- 623-3811, ext. 515

bstewart@centralmaine.com

STATS

14.74

Winning 100 hurdles time at N.E. meet

43.94

Winning 300 hurdles time at N.E. meet

7

Number of state records she owns

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