Nashua North's Madelyn Novak will be a huge key in throwing events if the Titans are to repeat their Division I title from last spring. (Photo courtesy of Nashua Huddle)

It was a series of magical moments a year ago for local high school outdoor track and field.

The Nashua High School North girls and boys track teams pulled off the improbable on consecutive nights – two Division I championships, also with rival Nashua South on their heels, second in the girls meet.

The events were two separate nights to alleviate crowds during the pandemic, but this year it’s back to the all-in-one extravaganza format, with the Division I boys and girls meet to be held today at Salem High School beginning at 4 p.m.

Then, on Saturday, it’s Division II and III’s turn at Pelham High School, at 10 a.m. (II) and 3 p.m. (III).

Will the area have a repeat of last year in Division I? It’s possible, as both the North and South girls have enjoyed fine regular seasons. North is led by by athletes such as Olivia Mazerolle (jumps) and Madelyn Novak in the field/throwing events where Novak in particular has been dominant all spring. Dantia Braccio has been a strong runner for the Titans, especially in the 800

Nashua South has used its speed, especially with sprinters Soraya Ross and Iyana Braswell in the 100 and 200 and 4×100 relay.

Merrimack, led by Kailey Dillon, could be a factor in the Division I girls meet as well.

In the Division I boys meet, Sami Witta has been big for Nashua South in jumps, while North has quite an athlete in Jack Sullivan in those events. Toby Brown, Jr. has been a force in throwing events along with Jack Washam. Merrimack also has a standout athlete in Sam Epstein, especially in the hurdles.

It should be interesting, to say the least.

In Division II on Saturday, two athletes really stand out in the boys meet: Wil Jaques for Souhegan and Caden Zalenski for Milford. They could battle it out in the throwing events and both teams could battle for the top spot as well.

Adam Holodowski (hurdles) has also been strong for the Spartans.

The Hollis Brookline boys have been consistently led by John Kotelly and Ryan Burgher (middle distance) and Ben Hoesch (sprints) and could be a factor.

Milford, second last year to Coe-Brown (which also won the boys meet), could be tough in the girls meet as well, led by sprinter/jumper/thrower Sarah Sawyer. Bow and ConVal also could be contenders. Souhegan will be paced by distance runner Chloe Trudel.

In Division III, Campbell hopes for some good finishes. D.J. Chaudhry has been tough in middle distance, Keegan Reynolds and Justin Edmonds (throws). In the girls meet, Cougar sprinter/jumper Ava Houle could be a key.

But today, let’s see if the Nashua magic has another act ready.

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