Hampden Academy athletes celebrated as RSU 22 recognizes state track champions
5416129 · July 18, 2025
Summary
The board recognized state champions Andrew Hennigan (javelin) and Alexis Samuel (pole vault). Coach Jason Cash and Alexis spoke during the meeting; Alexis said she was a freshman when she won the state title.
The RSU 22 School Board recognized two state track-and-field champions from Hampden Academy during its meeting. Andrew Hennigan, a recent graduate, won the Class A javelin and set several facility and school records. Alexis Samuel, who was present, won the Class A pole vault; coach Jason Cash described her win as especially notable because she has been pole-vaulting for less than a year.
Coach Jason Cash told the board the program includes about 100 athletes and praised their performances this season. He said Hennigan threw the javelin nearly 200 feet and set multiple records. Alexis, who said she was a freshman when she won the state title, spoke briefly when asked about why she participates in pole vaulting: “I was a freshman,” she said when asked what grade she was when she won, and later described the sport as feeling “freeing” and natural because of an earlier gymnastics background.
The board and community members congratulated the athletes and noted the successes were the first state championships in track and field for Hampden Academy since 2019.
