Putting With the Best
Olivia Pratt and Coach Ezra Hallett Bring Joy and Compassion to the Field
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by The Witham Family Hotels Charitable Fund.
BAR HARBOR—The shot put bounced and rolled into the dirt, flung by a young girl who could just barely wrap her fingers around the silver shot, a metal ball.
She stared at it, hands on her hips, head tilted, shot on her shoulder and then putted. The shot lofted a bit, landed with a thud and rolled on the dirt away from the circle. For a second, then another, she waited, staring at the now stationary shot before she turned around to look up into the face of Olivia Pratt, the just-graduated MDI High School alum, behind her at the Throw MDI Invitational.
“I got it a little farther,” the girl, Lila, proudly announced.
“That’s good,” said Olivia Pratt, clipboard in hand. “That’s good. Do you want to try again?”
Lila’s shoulders went back. She smiled, but there was a gleam in her eyes. “I can do better.”
She tried again.
There was a bit of reverence happening as the dozen or so people stood on the Mount Desert Island High School field waiting for Olivia Pratt to put the shot.
Parents in shorts and kids in sneakers stood along the field waiting their turns, listening to Pratt explain just exactly how you’re supposed to put a shot. She should know. Back in the indoor season, Pratt broke the school record for the shot put with her distance of 36 feet. She swept the Penobscot Valley Champions and State Class B Championship in both the shot put and discus this past June.
With that kind of record, Pratt could easily rest on her laurels, but she came back to the high school and spent her summer Saturday afternoon out there for a reason.
“The primary aim of this event is to foster a new passion and enthusiasm for track and field, with a special focus on the throwing events. The donations collected are to be given to the MDI Boosters Program, which will go to fund the track and field program at MDI HS,” said Ezra Hallett, head coach for the high school’s track and field program.
“This seemed like one last thing for me to be able to do for the MDI team since I’m graduating and will be on to other things now,” Pratt said.
It’s a team that needs items and funds to support its players on an island that often seems flush with wealth to those who don’t live and work here year round, but which has a median household income on MDI of $75,889 in 2022 according to a report after a housing summit organized by the Musson Group. The U.S. median income is $74,606 for that same year.
“For the past few years, the need for new team warm-ups has become more pressing. Recognizing this, we saw an opportunity to assist the school in providing these essential items to our student-athletes. These warm-ups are not just about comfort or style; they represent the team’s unity and spirit, and are a fundamental part of the athletes’ gear as we all strive for excellence in track and field,” Hallett said.
”Also, as we gain more traction, we aspire to extend our fundraising efforts to help fund the student-athletes the incredible opportunity to compete at the New England Championship Meets. This is more than just a competition; it’s a chance for our athletes to showcase their skills on a larger stage, to learn from the experience, and to bring back pride and recognition to our community.”
When high school athletes like Pratt work their way up to state championships and then New Englands, it costs money to get them there. For some families that cost is unbearable.
”Anyone who supports these efforts can make a tangible difference in these young athletes’ journey, not just in their immediate needs, but in fostering a legacy of sporting excellence for years to come for so many future student-athletes at MDI HS,” Hallett said.
“I don’t think I would have been able to go to them if the school paying for them wasn’t an option because it would just be too expensive,” Pratt said of the championships.
It’s more than that, too. The events are about fun, about community, and sometimes about trying something new and sticking out your neck to do it in front of others.
“Put it on your neck a little more,” Pratt said.
“Like this?” The shot balanced there in a hand resting above a shoulder, arm bent.
“No. Spread your fingers under it. There.”
There was a lot of laughter on that sunny Saturday as Pratt coached beginners through the motions of throwing a shot put.
“Are we in a competition?” someone asked.
“No! Definitely no!” someone else answered as they nestled the shot under their jaw like a pro.
“No judgement?” one teen asked as she made her way to the circle.
“No judgement,” everyone promised.
“Just don’t throw it like a meatball,” one boy yelled to the air.
“Great.” She laughed. “Thanks.”
“I also feel like this event would be a great way to bring together all athletes and people from all different skill levels to try something out that they may have never done before,” Pratt said. “I’ve been doing it for years and I find this sport to be the most fun thing I have ever done and I hope to share that love with others!”
According to Hallett, “the event is the culmination of many years of thinking about how we can foster passion and excitement around track and field.”
He’d been constrained by time, by resources, but he was able to bring that vision to life this summer after a 14-year tenure with the MDI Track and Field program. That’s a decade coaching and four years competing as a student-athlete
“It has not only deepened my passion for the sport but also instilled a desire to innovate and engage others in something that has given so many individuals so much, including myself,” Hallett said.
”Track and Field is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, offering a spectrum of events that cater to a wide range of athletic abilities. It’s a sport where everyone can find their niche, their challenge, and their community. With this in mind, I am driven to highlight the sport’s unique aspects, to share its joys and lessons with more people, both within our community and outside,” he said.
Why not showcase the many aspects that Track and Field has to offer? he wondered.
“It’s about more than competition; it’s about personal growth, camaraderie, and the sheer joy of participation. Let’s show off this amazing sport and invite others to experience its inclusive nature. Having the help from Olivia has been a huge part of making sure the event was able to be successful.”
Because he was traveling for work, Pratt led the event. He was proud of her, but he missed being there. It takes a lot of trust to have someone else bring your project out to the world. He had that trust in Pratt.
Track and field helped Hallett become a person who can give that trust in others, too.
“Reflecting on my journey, I can say with confidence that track and field has been instrumental in my personal growth, growing my work ethic and my ability to take on challenges,” he said. “The beauty of this sport lies in its dual nature—you strive for personal growth/development while contributing to the collective success of the team. It’s a delicate balance between self-motivation and communal inspiration, and when it works in harmony it's truly something very special to be a part of.”
In his discussions with the team, he’s always emphasized the importance of being fully engaged and active in every practice.
“It’s not just about individual progress; it’s about uplifting each other, forging a bond that moves beyond the track. This sport is a mirror to one’s true self, revealing and refining character, nurturing a resilience and dedication that extends to every aspect of life,” he said.
”Track and field isn’t just a competition,” Hallett said. “It can be a transformative experience that shapes tenacity, unity, and an unwavering spirit of perseverance and grit.”
THE REST OF OUR INTERVIEW WITH COACH HALLETT
Do you think a lot of kids don’t think of shot put and discuss? Do you know why?
It’s common to see that the shot put and discus events don’t always get the attention they deserve among young student-athletes. There is a stigma that these throwing events are less glamorous, perhaps due to misconceptions about the physical requirements. While strength is a component, it’s far from the sole metric to be successful.
At the State track meets or any larger championship meets, an array of athletes can be seen, each with their unique physique. Yes, a few might fit the stereotype of spending hours in the weight room, but more often, you’ll find that it’s the smaller, technique-savvy competitors who excel. They leverage their skill and finesse, proving that technique and determination are the true driving forces—just as they are in other track events.
I firmly believe that every track and field athlete should experience the thrill of a throwing event at least once. It’s an opportunity to challenge common perceptions, to learn the art of power and precision, and to discover a different side of the sport. Plus, it's great to see different event groups interacting with more regularity.
Olivia seems like a stand-out human. Is she? Was she good to coach?
It's been a pleasure to work with Olivia during her time with the MDI Track and Field program. Over the past four years, her passion and determination have not only set a high bar for excellence but have also made her an absolute joy to coach. Her innate leadership qualities shone brightly as she mentored the underclassmen, teaching them that hard work pays off and that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
Her pursuit of excellence and hard work led to the breaking of school records, a testament to her dedication. Olivia’s consistent efforts have been a cornerstone of her success, making the coaching experience almost easy at times. Her presence on the team has been a catalyst for growth, setting a standard that will hopefully inspire future generations of athletes. And it's events like the Throw MDI Invitational that leads me to believe that she isn't done just yet.
Is there a way for people to still donate?
Absolutely! For those interested in contributing to the MDI Boosters and the MDI Track and Field Program, please feel free to connect with me via email at ehallett@coa.edu.
Any support is invaluable, and together, we can make a significant impact on our Track and Field program along with the greater MDI community.
Additionally, stay tuned for updates on the future Throw MDI Invitational events!
All photos and videos: Carrie Jones/Shaun Farrar/Bar Harbor Story
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