Congratulations to Nathan Blades of Portland High School for winning the Will Fulford Award! Each year, the SMAA awards the top indoor track and field male distance runner this award. Coach Myatt from PHS asked ED, Ashley, who was an official at the SMAA Championships to present the award.
“Will Fulford, who tragically passed away in 2016, was a well-known distance runner at Kennebunk High School, the University of Maine, the University of Southern Maine, and throughout the Maine running community. Will was also a beloved coach spending time at Kennebunk High School, Massabesic and Biddeford Middle School, the University of New England, and Biddeford High School. He was incredibly dedicated to his craft as a coach, always working hard to get the very best out of his athletes and getting them to believe that with a process and persistence—-that anything was possible. As a runner, people will tell you that Will was the kindest person at the track, but also the fiercest competitor. It is my pleasure to give out the Will Fulford Award for the Boys Most Outstanding Distance Runner to a young man who appears equally as kind, competitive, dedicated, and determined- Nathan Blades of Portland High School.”
Nathan has had tremendous success in the 600 yard, 800 meter, 1 mile, and 2 mile runs. He will compete at the state meet next week. Congratulations Nathan! We wish you the best in your closing weeks of competition of the indoor season! Thank you to the SMAA for honoring Will by continuing to give out an award in his name!
