The sky is truly the limit for Dartmouth High’s Skylar Barthelmes.

On Saturday, the junior took second place in the shot-put event at the New England Track and Field Championships in Saco, Maine, highlighting a year of personal, school and area bests in shot put and javelin.

Dartmouth girls track and field coach Robert Southerland felt that what he witnessed in Maine was an athlete pulling off better and better throws every time she stepped into the circle.

Barthelmes got on the podium with a throw of 42’, trailing only Classical High School (Rhode Island) senior Alva Hicks, who threw 42' 5.25". The throw was not only Berthelmes' outdoor personal best, but also a nearly 3.5’ improvement on last year's performance of 38’ 6.5”.

“To me, the numbers are absolutely terrific and certainly held up well through New Englands again this season,” said Southerland.

“It was extremely intense, but Skylar held herself together like a champion,” said Southerland, noting that Barthelmes faced stiff competition at the meet. “For her to pull off a personal best in that kind of environment shows me someone who has no limitations.”

“Skylar has developed a maturity and mental toughness, that when combined with her strong work ethic and talent, allows her to compete successfully at the highest level,” added Southerland.

Barthelmes broke several Dartmouth High records over the course of the season in both the shot put and javelin. Though she won’t be attending, her throw of 134’ in javelin at the Coaches Invite at Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School meet earlier this year was enough to qualify her for the New Balance Nationals, which is set to take place in North Carolina from June 19 through 21.

While disappointed she did not win the New England meet overall, Skylar remains optimistic.

“Everyone wants to win, and I would have liked to win, but I’ll just try to improve in the winter,” said Barthelmes.