Award Winners

MECTA presents five individual awards annually at the State Championship.

Tim Smith Award, is presented to the OUTSTANDING DISTANCE RUNNER of the season.  Runners competing in races 800m meters and longer are eligible.  This award is presented in memory of Tim Smith, a Unum employee who died in 1987.

Cheryl Gilbert Award, is presented to the OUTSTANDING TEAM CAPTAIN who best: represents the spirit of wellness and participation, makes significant contributions to the successful operation of the team, has been a captain and/or MECTA member for at least two years, serves as a role model for other team and MECTA members, trains to participate at a personal competitive level, participates in at least 75% of MECTA meets, and participates in multiple events.  In 2018, the award was renamed to honor the long time captain of Bath Iron Works, Cheryl Gilbert.  Cheryl led the BIW team for over 30 years, served as MECTA president for over a decade, and continues to serve on the MECTA Board.

Peter Cooley Award for OUTSTANDING TEAM CONTRIBUTION, is presented to the individual, other than a captain, who best meets the same criteria outlined in the Cheryl Gilbert Award.  This awarded is presented in memory of Peter Cooley, an IDEXX employee and runner, who died in the spring of 2004 during an ascent of Mt. Rainier in Washington state.

John Maley Award, is presented to the OUTSTANDING THROWER of the season.  Competitors in the shot put, discus, and turbo jav are eligible.  This award is presented in memory of John Maley, an IDEXX employee and team captain, who died in 2012.

Judy Hairsine Award, is presented to the OUTSTANDING JUMPER and/or SPRINTER.  Competitors in the high jump, long jump, and races 400 meters and under are eligible.  The award is presented in honor of Judy Hairsine, a record setting jumper from Unum who died in 2023.