I’ll man up and admit it here and now. I’ll take all the abuse. 

I may have been the jinx for the Scarborough High School girls’ track and field team. Last week I mentioned how great it would be to put the team in the same sentence as the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s, or the New York Yankees of the 1920s. Instead, I jinxed them from winning their fifth straight outdoor state championship, and for that, I am sorry.

The girls gave a great effort throughout the entire day, and should still be proud of their terrific season. I know it sounds cliché, but there is always next season, and any year is a good one to start a new winning streak.

Also congrats to the Scarborough High School boys’ track and field team for finishing in third place behind two strong programs in Bonny Eagle and Edward Little high schools.

By the time you read this, five Red Storm spring sports teams will have played playoff games. It truly goes to show the athletic talent pool in town is no joke.

Speaking of athletic talent pools, more highlights this week in Scarborough Girls’ Little League. Jamie Dillon of Amato’s collected her first hit in the Majors. Chloe “The Human Highlight Film” Gorey of Community Builders did her best Jacoby Ellsbury impersonation, making another diving catch on a foul ball near the dugout.

Alyssa Hulst of Volk Packaging caught a pop fly behind the pitcher’s circle and then ran to second base to make an unassisted double play.

In what might possibly be the leader for the “Tough Guy (or girl)” award, Dominique “Target” Caron of Amato’s collected her fifth hit by pitch of the season. Bask in the glow of the award while icing down your bruises, Dominique.

As school is coming to an end, I tip my hat to the Scarborough High School class of 2009. You have successfully survived high school, and whether or not you realize it now, that is a major accomplishment. Many of you will move on to college, which I assure you will be the best four years of your life. 

Before I sound too much like an old guy at 23 years of age, I only have two pieces of advice. First, thank your parents for carting you around to practices, games, and plays, whatever the case may be. Second, follow your dreams, whatever they may be. You live once, and life is short. Think and dream big. You’ll thank me later.

Remember parents and coaches, if you know of a Scarborough athlete deserving of recognition, contact Staff Writer Dave Dyer at 282-4337 ext. 219 or email news@scarboroughleader.com. Please be sure to include contact information for follow up questions.