Nasua North's Gavin Suchecki could be a top contender in this weekend's NH Decathlon at Nashua South. (File photo)

NASHUA – Some of the best athletes in the state will be descending on the Fran Tate Track at Nashua High School South this weekend.

Yes, we celebrate the end of spring and beginning of summer with the 69th New Hampshire Decathlon and 49th Heptathlon.

The oldest high school decathlon in the country will have a new champion for the third straight year. Last year, Conant senior Ben Sawyer won the event for the third time in four years. But he’s graduated, and the top local who may have a chance is Nashua North’s Gavin Suchecki.

Also, keep an eye on Nashua South’s Preston Bois. Bois was sixth last year while Suchecki was third, potentially setting up a great local battle if both are competing.

In the Heptathlon, last year’s winner was Manchester Central junior Angele Cenesca. The top local from last year’s event eligible to return to compete is Nashua South’s Sarah Witta, who finished 10th a year ago. South’s Emma Millette also is one to watch if competing.

If things follow the same schedule as a year ago, the Decathlon Saturday will begin somewhere around 8 a.m., the events will be the 100 meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400 meter dash. Sunday, also starting at 8 a.m., will be the 110 hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and 1500 meter run.

Saturday’s Heptathlon events starting at 8 a.m. will likely be – although not confirmed – the 100 meter hurdles, high hump, shot put and 200 dash. Sunday, beginning at 10 a.m., is the long jump, javelin, and the final event, the 800 meter run. That’s what it came down to last year.