PRESQUE ISLE, ME

University of Maine at Presque Isle's head Track & Field Coach McKinley Ward La-Salle, along with his assistant and Recruiting Coordinator Coach Raymond Putnam, have been hitting the recruiting trail hard to help grow the Owls Track and Field, and Cross-Country programs. In fact, they've already landed a local athlete to throw in field events for the spring of 2026.

Ian Walsh, a senior from Fort Fairfield High School has been a three-sport athlete for the Tigers throughout his high school career.  He intends to attend UMPI next fall, studying Elementary Education and will complete at the next level as a member of the Track & Field team next year.

In high school, Walsh has been a thrower for the Tigers, competing in shot put and discus events. With still a season to go in high school, His personal best throughout his three years for shot put came in at 36.2 feet, while his best in discus was 92.8 feet. Last year, he came within three inches of qualifying for states in shot put.

Coach Kyle St. Peter dubbed Ian as a "hard worker and great teammate." He still has his senior season left, and Ian hopes to improve every day to be ready for the next level.

The Owls family welcomes Ian Walsh to UMPI, and he will no doubt be a key part in growing the Track program in the upcoming years.