The Boothbay Region High School and Wiscasset Middle High School combined indoor track teams returned to practices at Boothbay Region YMCA over winter break Dec. 27. The Seahawks went on hiatus the week of Dec. 20 when BRHS went into remote learning due to COVID-19 cases, general high rate of absences and a bus driver shortage.

Now, the teams are gearing up for their first meet of the season at University of Southern Maine’s indoor invitational Dec. 30. Coach Nick Scott welcomed athletes back to the Y’s track in an email detailing precautions for practice and competition. Masks must be worn by everyone while indoors whether in BRHS facilities or indoors off campus and while competing or engaged in physical activity.

USM is requiring proof of vaccination or proof of a recent negative test if unvaccinated, said Scott. He also said Seahawks-Wolverines coaches will have to verify athletes’ information beforehand to complete paperwork for the event. USM also requires masking at all times including athletes during competition. “This is important and our team will not be able to compete if we don't adhere to these protocols.”

Marissa Davidson, Emily Gosselin, Danielle Warren, Zoe Curtis, Caden Royal, Dylan Plumber, Sebastian Warren-Burdin, Edward Carpenter, Payton Blagdon, Bryan Gagnon, Henry Putnam, Austin Trask, Nate Benoit and Kayden Ames will each be competing in one to three events. The teams will also field 4x200 relay teams.

The Seahawks-Wolverines will return to USM Jan. 6. Meet hosts and coaches are seeking parents and siblings to volunteer at the event. Said Scott, “Please reach out to one of the coaches to express interest. The meet begins at 5:30 p.m. and a likely departure time from BRHS will be roughly 3 p.m.”