The Jack Kelly Award

The Jack Kelly Award is given to the top boys runner in the state

Previous Winner

2010: Silas Eastman Fryeburg

Christian Bale starred as lead Newsie Jack Kelly in the Disney film The Newsies. The film follows the life of the Newsies as they make a living selling news papers in New York in the year of 1899. Jack Kelly is the main vocal leader of the group. His dream has always been to run away from the refuge and live in Santa Fe where he can reunite with his parents. He and the Newsies form a strike against Joseph Pulitzer and William Hearst because they raised the distribution price of the papers, and the Newsies make a living off of selling papers. Jack Kelly gets every Newsie in New York to turn against Pulitzer and Hearst to try to make a stop with this. With the help of his friends, and his singing voice, Jack Kelly beats Pulitzer and Hearst and they lower the distribution price. Kelly has the option to go to Santa Fe at the end of the movie, but chooses to stay in New York because he felt like he was a part of a family there. Jack Kelly is the true definition of a leader.

And the winner is......

Matt McClintock Madison

SB: 15:38.00

Matt McClintock of Madison was flat out the most dominant runner in the state this year. His season was highlighted at the Class C state meet as he became only the seventh athlete to tun under 16 minutes on the Twinbrook course running a time of 15:52. McClintock rolled through the competition this year. At the Festival of Champions, McClintock pulled out a twenty second victory running a time of 16:08.07 on a day where the conditions were horrible. Last week at the New England Championships, McClintock placed third running a very fast time of 15:39. If McClintock plans to run at the Footlocker North East Regional, he may have an outside shot at a top ten finish.

2. Silas Eastman Fryeburg

   SB: 15:57

3. Nick Morris Scarborough

   SB: 16:29.73

4. Harlow Ladd Messalonskee

   SB: 16:01.00

5. Tim Follo Falmouth

   SB: 16:11.00

6. Chase Brown Boothbay

   SB: 16:17.00

The Alex Russo Award

The Alex Russo Award is given to the best female runner in the state of Maine

And now the moment you've all been waiting for. Selena Gomez has been the star of the best show on Disney channel, Wizards of Waverly Place, for the past four years. She plays Alex Russo, the sly and witty middle child of the Russo family. Throughout the entire series we have seen her use magic to get her out of trouble, which has brought out some of the funniest moments of the series. In season three, Alex is involved in a wizard competition where she eventually wins the Wizard of the Year Award. There is no doubt that Alex Russo is one of the best Disney Channel characters of all time.

And the winner is........

Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk

SB: 18:05.59

There was no doubt about this choice. Abbey Leonardi has been the most dominant runner in the state ever since she first started her Freshman year. Leonardi cruised to her fourth straight Class A title at Twinbrooks running the fastest time of all classes (18:27.19). She has been unchallenged in the state of Maine since her Freshmen year. She placed first at the Festival of Champions running a time of 18:16.55 on a day where the conditions were truly awful. A few weeks later, Leonardi set the course record at Twinbrooks at the Western Regional Championships blasting a time of 18:05.59. Look for Leonardi to not only make a push for All-American in San Diego, but to contend for a top ten finish.

2. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence

   SB:18:28.88

3. Emily Durgin Cheverus

   SB: 18:28.00

4. Brittany Bowman Camden Hills

   SB: 18:56.00

5. Bethanie Brown Waterville

   SB: 18:35.00

6. Carsyn Koch Washburn

   SB: 19:11.00

The Big Three Award (Male)

The Big Three Award is given to the best trio in the state of Maine

When Danny Ainge brought in Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett in the summer of 2007, the Celtics instantly became the most popular team in the NBA. The Celtics jumped right out of the gate as they won 30 of their first 34 games behind the brilliance of Pierce, Allen, and Garnett. The reason why I chose to write about THIS big three and not the recent is because all three players meshed together. Ray Allen is the shooting specialist who will go down as maybe the greatest shooter ever in the NBA. Garnett is the crafty low post scorer who will certainly make the Hall of Fame when he is done, and then you have Paul Pierce who can shoot, pass, and slash to the basket. The thing that really sets them apart from the other big three is that they know their role. The three all met in the summer before their championship run to make a compromise. They all realized that the number of shots that they’d take would go down, and they accepted their roles to make a championship team.

And the winner is........

Falmouth- Tim Follo, Thomas Edmonds, Jay Lesser

The Falmouth trio consisting of Tim Follo, Thomas Edmonds, and Jay Lesser helped the Yachtsmen win their first state championship since 2002. Tim Follo led the charge for Falmouth this fall as we saw him bring his talents to another level. Follo is a big time racer, and it showed at the state meet as he nabbed the runner up spot, and last week at the New England Championships where he placed 11^th overall. It was a great way to end a brilliant xc career at Falmouth for him. Thomas Edmonds and Jay Lesser each had great years for the Yachtsmen as well. Both runners earned All-WMC honors along with Follo. With Follo and Edmonds graduating this year, it will be Jay Lesser's time to shine next fall as he hopes to lead the Yachtsmen to another state title.

2. Scarborough- Nick Morris, Ian Morris, Robby Hall

3. Caribou- Ron Lund, Caleb Chapman, Ryan Washington

4. NYA- Cam Regan, Evan Kendall, Alex Coffin

5. Wayneflete- Abshir Horor, Abukar Adan, Josh Espy

The Big Three Award (Female)

The Big Three Award is given to the best trio in the state of Maine

And the winner is......

Cheverus- Emily Durgin, Fiona Hendry, Shannon Conley

Emily Durgin, Fiona Hendry, and Shannon Conley not only formed the most dominant trio in the state, they were also one of the best in New England. Durgin had a fantastic senior campaign as he saw her battle through low iron, and place third at both the state meet and the New England Championships. Durgin has a great chance to go back to San Diego this year as she now looks healthy and better than ever. Fiona Hendry and Shannon Conley switched off being the number two runner early in the season, until Hendry started to take off once the post season started. Durgin and Hendry are both Seniors so it was only fitting for them to go out with a state championship and All New England status. For Shannon Conley, she will lead a very young Cheverus team with enough talent to perhaps win their fourth straight Class A championship.

2. MDI- Nora Hubbell, Olivia Erickson, Maggie Painter

3. Massabesic- Gabrielle Johnson, Mikayla Frazier, Jocelyn Acheson

4. Mt. Ararat- Kelly Lynch, Lauren McNett, Emma Wood

5. Windham- Hannah Damron, Talia McKay, Mackenzie Joy

The Corey and Shawn Award

The Corey and Shawn Award is given to the best male dynamic duo in the State.

Previous Winners

2010: Jacob Brooks and Peter LePage Massabesic

Corey Matthews (Ben Savage) and Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong) ruled the TV sitcom Boy Meets World for seven amazing years. As each season progressed the dynamic duo continued to get funnier and wittier. In the show, Corey and Shawn were best friends their entire lives. They did everything together whether it was taking a test together or plotting a scheme on Minkus. Even though they were best friends, there were times where it looked like their friendship may come to a halt. In season three Corey wanted to use a video that he had done to turn in Shawn’s half brother. Shawn didn’t like the idea so he ruined the tape. They ended up getting in a fight in the middle of the hall way that was broken up by Jonathan Turner and Eli Williams. They solved their issues by the end of the episode when Shawn saves Corey from getting beaten up by Shawn’s half brother. Corey asks why Shawn why he would threaten to turn in Shawn’s brother since he was “family”. Shawn responds saying that "you don’t have to be blood to be family". They hit their peak in season five. It was right around Corey and Topanga’s break up and they both gave us some great comic relief. Corey Matthews and Shawn Hunter will be remembered as two of the greatest sitcom characters in history, and two of the greatest people that have touched my heart.

And the winner is......

Stefan Sandrueter and Nate Madeira Greely

Stefan Sandrueter and Nate Madeira formed the most formidable duo in the state as they led the Rangers to a runner up finish at the state meet. It was their high placing which gave Greely a point edge over Caribou for the runner up spot. Sandrueter had a great season highlighted obviously by his fourth place finish at the state meet. Madeira became the most improved runner in the WMC this fall after a great spring in which he ran 4:36 and 10:11 in the 1600 and the 3200, respectively, this year. This was Sandrueter's last season of cross country so it was only fitting that he went out with a great placing at the state meet. And look for Madeira to contend for a top three finish next year.

2. Benson Worthington and Jamie Ross Brunswick

3. Darryl Wilkinson and Thomas Salamone South Portland

4. Caleb Chapman and Ron Lund Caribou

5. Mohamed Barre and Mohamed Awil Lewiston

The Summer and Marissa Award

The Summer and Marissa Award is given to the best female duo in the state of Maine.

And the winner is......

Brittany Bowman SO and Willow Parker FR Camden Hills

Brittany Bowman and Willow Parker led Camden Hills to a runner up finish at the Class B state meet this year with Bowman taking the individual title and Parker placing fifth. Both of these girls had tremendous years. Bowman really stepped up to the challenge in the post season as she nabbed the runner up spot at the Eastern B Regional title in Belfast. Parker was the number one runner for the Windjammers for most of the year. She was the most dominant Freshman in the state this year as evidence to her 12^th place finish at the Festival of Champions.These two will be back again next year, with Bowman being the top returner in the state, so expect them to try and lead the Windjammers to the promised land next year.

2. Abbey Leonardi and Laura Broderick Kennebunk

3. Adrienne Carmack and Mary Carmack John Bapst

4. Hannah Damron and Talia McKay Windham

5. Carsyn Koch and Carmen Bragg Washburn

The Matt Saracen Award

The Matt Saracen Award is given to the most improved runner

Previous Winners

2010: Harlow Ladd Messalonskee

In the show Friday Night Lights, sophomore Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) is forced into the starting quarterback position after QB1, Jason Street, gets paralyzed in the first game of the season. His job is a little rocky at first. Nobody in Texas, except for Coach Taylor, thinks that this 5’8” quarterback can lead Dillon to its first state title in a long time. Things get better for him though. His confidence in his passing game grows, and with the help of running back sensation Brian “Smash” Williams, Saracen leads Dillon to the state game where they eventually win on a game winning touchdown pass. In season two, Saracen turns into one of the better quarterbacks in Texas. Dillon fails to make the state game, but he has a great season despite some issues with “Smash” Williams. Saracen is an inspiration to many young players who want to play at the high school level in Texas.

And the winner is......

Benson Worthington Brunswick

SB: 16:45.57

Benson Worthington emerged as one of the top runners in Class A this year as evidence to his fourth place finish at the state meet this year. Some of his highlights include an 11^th place finish at the Festival of Champions where he ran a time of 17:12.08, and runner up finishes at the KVAC Championships, and the Eastern A Regional meet. Look for Worthington to translate his cross country success onto the track as he looks to perhaps follow in the foot steps of his former teammates Will Geoghegan and Liam Cassidy.

2. Nate Madeira Greely

SB: 16:58.00

3. Cam Nadeau Biddeford

SB: 16:37

4. Jon Stanhope Bangor

SB: 17:19.66

5. Jay Lesser Falmouth

SB: 17:30

The Trya Collette Award

This award is given to the most improved female runner in the state.

Tyra Collette (Adrianne Palicki) was a key component to the stellar television series, Friday Night Lights. Tyra was known as the rebellious girl in school who attended Dillon High School sporadically during her first couple of years. By season two, she started to focus more on her studies, and less about her popularity status in high school. With the help of Landry Clarke, Tyra turned into a fine student and eventually continued her studies at the University of Texas.

And the winner is.....

Laura Broderick Kennebunk

SB: 19:57.0

Laura Broderick had a fantastic Sophomore season at Kennebunk high school highlighted by her 12^th place finish at the Class A state meet as she ran a time of 20:48.99. Broderick's breakout race this season came at the Festival of Champions where she placed 13^th running a time of 20:41.01. With Abbey Leonardi gone next year, look for Laura Broderick to take the SMAA by storm next year and make a strong push for a top five finish at the Class A state meet.

2. Kiera Murray Cheverus

   SB: 19:27

3. Adrienne Carmack John Bapst

   SB: 19:37.40

4. Maggie Painter MDI

   SB: 20:16

5. Talia McKay Windham

   SB: 20:05

The Henry Rowengartner Award

This award goes to the top freshman in the state.

Previous Winner

2010: Dan Curts Ellsworth

In the movie Rookie of The Year, Henry Rowengartner (Thomas Ian Nicholas) led the Cubs to the World Series behind his stellar arm. Here’s the catch, he was only twelve. That’s right, a twelve year old who could throw 103 mph. It was a little rocky at first. The players in the club house didn’t enjoy his presence, and one of his best friends was very envious of him. With the help of Chet “The Rocket” Steadman (Gary Busey) Rowengartner quickly rose to fame, and the Cubs started their run towards the post season. In the final game against the Mets, Rowengartner re-broke his arm as he headed out to warm up for the final inning. He didn’t have the firepower that he once had, and had to rely on his craftiness to get the Cubs to the World Series. He may go down as the best rookie of all time.

And the winner is......

Spencer Brown Falmouth

SB: 17:54.12

Brown had a great Freshman campaign highlighted by his runner up finish in the Freshmen race at the Festival of Champions. His time of 17:54.12 that day was 29^th fastest time overall that day. Brown was a key component to Falmouth's championship run this fall. He was consistently their fifth or sixth runner. At the state meet, Brown placed 26^th running a time of 18:00.74 as he was Falmouth's fifth runner. Look for Brown to contend with some of the top WMC runners next fall.

2. William Fletcher MDI

SB: 17:22.2

3. Caleb Lord Hampden Academy

SB: 17:45.52

4. Jacob Archer Bangor

SB: 17:59.39

5. Matt Malcom NYA

SB: 18:18.00

The Erin Hannon Award

The Erin Hannon Award

The Erin Hannon Award is given to the top Freshman girl in the state

and the winner is.....

Willow Parker Camden Hills

SB: 18:59.43

Parker had an outstanding Freshman campaign topped off with a 23^rd place finish at the New England Championships this past Saturday as she achieved All-New England status. Parker placed 8^th at the Festival of Champions running a time of 20:06.15 as she led her team to a runner up finish. A few weeks later she placed third at the KVAC Championships running a time of 20:42.20. Parker came up big when it counted as she placed fifth at the Class B state meet running a time of 20:18.45. Her time was the 12^th fastest time of all classes. Look for Parker to continue her dominance of the KVAC throughout her career.

2. Gabrielle Johnson Massabesic

   SB: 19:40

3. Kristina Smith Poland

   SB: 20:26.69

4. Eva Bates Greely

   SB: 20:19

5. Caroline Driscoll MDI

   SB: 20:36.11

End of Season Awards

Schedule of Awards

The Erin Hannon Award- Tomorrow Morning

The Henry Rowengartner Award- Tomorrow Night

2010 Winner: Dan Curts Ellsworth

Tuesday

The Tyra Collette Award- Morning

The Matt Saracen Award- Night

2010 Winner: Harlow Ladd Messalonskee

Wednesday

The Summer and Marrisa Award- Morning

The Corey and Shawn Award- Night

2010 Winner: Jacob Brooks and Peter LePage Massabesic

Thursday

The Big Three Award (Female)- Morning

The Big Three Award (Male)- Night

2010 Winner: Nick Morris, Tom Hague, Zach Brown Scarborough

Friday

The Alex Russo Award- Morning

The Jack Kelly Award- Night

2010 Winner: Silas Eastman Fyreburg