Girls Team Rankings Week 9

1. MDI
Pre: 1 Meet: States Place: 1st Class B
MDI won their third Class B title in a row in dominating fashion as they placed three runners in the top six overall. They are a legitimate threat for a top ten finish at New Englands in Manchester on Saturday.

2. Bonny Eagle
Pre: 2 Meet: States Place: 1st Class A
Bonny Eagle took home the Class A title once again as they were led by the individual winner Kaileigh Marston and fourth place finisher Mary Szatkowski. Look for Bonny Eagle to contend for a top fifteen finish at New Englands. 

3. Massabesic
Pre: 3 Meet: States Place: 2nd Class A
Massabesic was the runner up in Class A as they were led by Gabby Johnson and Angel Waters as they placed fifth and seventh respectively. Look for Massabesic to contend for a top fifteen finish at New Englands. 

4. Freeport
Pre: 4 Meet: States Place: 2nd Class B
Freeport was the runner up in Class B as they were led by Sydney Ambrose's seventh place finish. Look for Freeport to contend for a top 20 finish at New Englands.

5. Falmouth
Pre: 5 Meet: States Place: 3rd Class A
The Yachtsmen placed third in Class A and earned their first trip to the New England Championships since 2007. Madeline Roberts led the way for them as she placed 14th overall.

6. Brunswick
Pre: 6 Meet: States Place: 4th Class A 
Brunswick placed fourth in Class A and just missed earning a trip to New Englands as they were led by Teresa Murphy who placed fifteenth overall. With three of their top five coming back, look for Brunswick to be the favorites in the KVAC next year.

7. Hampden Academy
Pre: 7 Meet: states Place: 5th Class A
Hampden Academy placed fifth in Class A as they were led by Elizabeth Labun who placed ninth overall. Look for Hampden to be very strong next year as they bring back three of their top five returners. 

8. Orono
Pre: UR Meet: States Place: 1st Class C
Orono took home the Class C title as they were led by freshmen Kassidy Dill who placed fifth overall. Expect them to be the favorites to defend their title next year. 

9. Greely
Pre: 9 Meet: States Place: 3rd Class B
Kirstin Sandreuter led the Rangers to a third place finish on Saturday as she ran an incredible time of 18:38. Expect them to be one of the top teams in the WMC next fall.

10. Washburn
Pre: UR Meet: States Place: 2nd Class C
Washburn was the runner up in Class C as they were led by Carsyn Koch who won her fourth state title. Look for Washburn to contend for a top 20 finish at New Englands. 

Girls Team Rankings Week 8

1. MDI
Pre: 1 Meet: EMR Class B Place: 1st
MDI took home the Eastern Maine Regional class B title in dominating fashion as they placed seven runners in the top 13 overall. MDI is the overwhelming favorite to win the Class B title this Saturday.

2. Bonny Eagle
Pre: 4 Meet: WMR Class A Place: 1st
Bonny Eagle won the class A Western Regional title as they were led by Kaleigh Marston and Mary Szatkowski as they placed first and second overall. They are the favorites in Class A going into the state meet this Saturday.

3. Massabesic
Pre: 3 Meet: WMR Class A Place: 2nd
Massabesic placed second in Class A at the WMR as they placed three runners in the top 11 overall. Look for them to challenge Bonny Eagle for the state championship on Saturday.

4. Freeport
Pre: 5 Meet: WMR Class B Place: 1st
Freeport won the Class B WMR on the strength of having five runners place in the top 25. Look for them to try and challenge MDI for the Class B title on Saturday.

5. Falmouth
Pre: 2 Meet: WMR Class A Place: 3rd
Falmouth placed third behind Bonny Eagle and Massabesic behind a strong individual effort from  Vishva Nalamalapu as she placed ninth overall. Look for Falmouth to challenge for a top spot in Class A on Saturday.

6. Brunswick
Pre: 10 Meet: EMR Class A Place: 1st 
Brunswick narrowly edged Hampden Academy for the Eastern Maine A title on the strength of their sixth runner via the tie break. Teresa Murphy led the way for them as she placed second overall. Look for Brunswick to challenge the top teams in the west for the state title on Saturday.

7. Hampden Academy
Pre: 6 Meet: EMR Class A Place: 2nd
Hampden Academy finished second to Brunswick in the most excruciating way as it went down to the infamous sixth runner tie breaker. Elizabeth Labun was their top finisher as she placed third overall. Look for them to bounce back in a big way at the state meet on Saturday.
8. Cape Elizabeth
Pre: UR Meet: WMR Class B Place: 2nd
Cape Elizabeth placed second in Class B at the WMR as they were led by Rhoen Fitak's fifth place finish. Look for Cape to challenge for a top three finish on Saturday.

9. Greely
Pre: UR Meet: WMR Class B Place: 3rd
Greely finally got Sandreuter back as they placed third to Freeport and Cape. Look for Greely to challenge for a top three finish on Saturday.

10. Yarmouth
Pre: 9 Meet: WMR Class B Place: 4th
Yarmouth placed fourth in Class B at the WMR as they were led by Caitlin Teare who placed fifth overall. Look for Yarmouth to contend for a top three finish on Saturday.

Team of the Week: MDI

Teams Knocking: South Portland, Windham, Lewiston, York, Maranacook

Girls Team Rankings Week 7

1. MDI
Pre: 1 Meet: PVC Championships Place: 1st
MDI easily defended their PVC title as they were led by Isabel Erickson's second place finish. They are the favorites to win the Eastern B Regional title on Saturday.

2. Falmouth
Pre: 3 Meet: WMC Championships Place: 1st
Falmouth took home the WMC Championship behind a brilliant race from Madeline Roberts who placed third overall. They are the slight favorite heading towards the Western A Regionals on Saturday.

3. Massabesic
Pre: 2 Meet: at Marshwood Place: 1st
Massabesic placed first on the tough Marshwood course last Friday as they were led by Angel Waters' first place finish. Look for Massabesic to challenge Falmouth for the Western A title on Saturday.

4. Bonny Eagle
Pre: 4 Meet: at Windham Place: 2nd
Bonny Eagle placed second to Windham as they were running without top runner Kaileigh Marston. Mary Szatkowski was the individual winner. Look for Bonny Eagle to challenge Massabesic and Falmouth for the Western A title.

5. Freeport
Pre: UR Meet: WMC Championships Place: 2nd
Freeport placed second at the WMC Championships as they were led by Sydney Ambrose as she placed fourth overall. Look for Freeport to contend for a top three finish at the Western B Championships this Saturday.

6. South Portland
Pre: 8 Meet: at Westbrook Place: 1st
South Portland got the victory at Westbrook despite running without number one runner Shannon Conley. Look for South Portland to contend for a top five finish at the Western A Regionals on Saturday.

7. Hampden Academy
Pre: UR Meet: KVAC Championships Place: 1st
Hampden Academy was somewhat of a surprise victor at the KVAC Championships as they were paced by Elizabeth Labun who placed sixth overall. They are the slight favorites heading towards the Eastern A Championships this Saturday.

8. Maranacook
Pre: UR Meet: KVAC Championships Place: 1st Class B
Maranacook won the Class B KVAC Championship as they were led by Hannah Depres as she placed eleventh overall. Look for Maranacook to contend for a top three finish at the Eastern B Championships this Saturday.

9. Yarmouth
Pre: 5 Meet: WMC Championships Place: 4th 
Yarmouth won their respective division, and placed fourth overall at the WMC Championships as they were led by Caitlin Teare who placed ninth overall (2nd in D2). Yarmouth is the favorite to win the Western B title on Saturday.

10. Brunswick
Pre: 9 Meet: KVAC Championships Place: 2nd Class A
Brunswick placed second in Class A behind Teresa Murphy's individual victory. Look for Brunswick to contend for the Eastern A Championship this Saturday.

Team of the Week: Hampden Academy

Teams Knocking: Windham, Cape Elizabeth, Greely, Camden, Lewiston, Mt. Ararat

Girls Team Rankings Week 6

1. MDI
Pre: 1 Meet: Hancock County Championships Place: 1st
MDI recorded a perfect score at the Hancock County Championships as they were led by individual winner Waylon Henggeler. Look for them to win once again at the PVC Championships.

2. Massabesic
Pre: 3 Meet: at Gorham Place: 1st
Massabesic was very impressive in their win at Gorham as their top five compiled an average 5k of 19:33. Massabesic heads to Sanford on Friday.

3. Falmouth
Pre: 2 Meet: at Greely Place: 1st
Falmouth was victorious once again at Greely as they were led by Madeline Roberts who placed second overall. Falmouth is the slight favorite going into the WMC Championships this Friday.

4. Bonny Eagle
Pre: 6 Meet: Home Place: 1st
Bonny Eagle won easily on their home course as they were led by Mary Szatkowski who placed first running a time of 18:35. Bonny Eagle heads to Windham on Friday.

5. Cape Elizabeth
Pre: 5 Meet: at Kennebunk Place: 1st
Cape Elizabeth continued their late season surge as they won at Kennebunk behind Rhoen Futiak who placed third overall. Look for Cape to challenge Falmouth at the WMC Championships.

6. Greely
Pre: 4 Meet: Home Place: 2nd
Greely ran without their top two runners as they placed second on their home course. Look for Greely to bounce back and contend for the win at the WMC Championships.

7. Yarmouth
Pre: 7 Meet: at Merriconeag Place: 4th
Yarmouth ran without several of their top runners at Merriconeag as they placed fourth. Expect Yarmouth to contend for the win at the WMC Championships.

8. South Portland
Pre: 8 Meet: at Scarborough Place: 1st
South Portland placed first at Scarborough behind first and second place finishes from Shannon Conley and Casey Loring. Look for South Portland to win at Westbrook on Friday.

9. Brunswick
Pre: UR Meet: Camden Hills Invitational Place: 1st
Brunswick placed first at the Camden Hills Invitational as they were led by Teresa Murphy's individual victory. Brunswick is the slight favorite heading into the KVAC Championships this Saturday.

10. Camden Hills
Pre: 10 Meet: Camden Hills Invitational Place: 2nd
Camden Hills placed second at their own invitational as they were led by Brittany Bowman who placed third overall. Look for Camden Hills to challenge for a top finish at the KVAC Championships

Team of the Week: Massabesic

Teams Knocking: Washburn, Hampden, Freeport, Windham, Washburn

Girls Team Rankings Week 5

1. MDI
Pre: 1 Meet: FOC Place: 1st
MDi showed they are the toughest team in the state by easily defeating the sixty plus teams at the Festival of Champions for the third straight year. Maggie Painter led the way for them as she placed fifth overall. Look for MDI to go unchallenged at the Hancock Invitational on Friday.

2. Falmouth
Pre: 5 Meet: FOC Place: 2nd
Falmouth showed they are the favorites in Class A after they placed second at the Festival of Champions as they were led by Madeline Roberts who placed 13th overall. Falmouth faces a tough challenge when they head to Greely on Friday.

3. Massabesic
Pre: 7 Meet: FOC Place: 5th
Massabesic placed fifth at FOC behind Gabby Johnson's 31st place finish. Massabesic races at Gorham on Friday.

4. Greely
Pre: 4 Meet: N/A Place: N/A
Greely hold the four spot for the time being as they head towards the post season with Kirstin Sandreuter leading the way. Greely hosts Falmouth on Friday.

5. Cape Elizabeth
Pre: UR Meet: FOC Place: 4th
Cape Elizabeth had a breakout race at the Festival of Champions as they were led by Rhoen Fiutak who placed 21st overall. Cape heads to Kennebunk on Friday.

6. Bonny Eagle
Pre: 4 Meet: FOC Place: 16th
Bonny Eagle was running without Mary Szatkowski on Saturday as they placed 16th overall behind Kialeigh Marston's first place victory. Bonny Eagle races in their home course on Friday.

7. Yarmouth
Pre: UR Meet: FOC Place: 7th
Yarmouth placed seventh at FOC behind strong performances from the Teare sisters as they both placed in the top 60. Yarmouth heads to Merriconeag on Friday.

8. South Portland
Pre: UR Meet: FOC Place: 8th
South Portland nabbed 8th place at the Festival of Champions behind top ten finishes from Shannon Conley and Casey Loring. South Portland heads to Scarborough on Friday.

9. Windham
Pre: UR Meet: FOC Place: 10th
Windham placed tenth at the Festival of Champions behind Mackenzie Joy's 37th place finish. Windham races on their home course this Friday.

10. Camden Hills
Pre: 2 Meet: FOC Place: 24th
Camden Hills was running without number one runner Emma Trapani on Saturday as they placed 24th overall. Brittany Bowman was their top finisher placing 22nd. Camden races at the Mt. Blue relays on Friday.

Team of the Week: Falmouth

Teams Knocking: Washburn, Hampden, Maranacook, Lewiston, Brunswick

The Big Three Award

The Big Three Award is given annually to the best male trio in the state

Had to change the picture for obvious reasons...

And the winner is...

Lewiston- Mohamed Barre, Mohamed Awil, Mohamed Mohamed (Isaiah Harris)

Yes, I did list four runners right here, but with the emergence of Isiah Harris it was tough to break it down to their top three. Lewiston's top three was interchangeable which made them incredibly hard to beat this fall. Even if one runner had a bad day, Lewiston had three runners who could place near the top of the pack in any race. Even when Barre was injured earlier this year, Lewiston had enough fire power to succeed without him. Both Awil and Barre graduate next spring which means Isaiah Harris and Mohamed Mohamed will fight for the number one position next fall, and try to lead a young Lewiston squad to the promised land.

2. Cody Vachon, George Morrison, Michael Aboud Massabesic
3. Josh Horne, Justin Tracy, Sully Jackson Mt. Blue
4. Bryce Murdick, Jay Lesser, Scott Lambert Falmouth
5. Dan Curts, Robert Looker, Brayden Beardsley Ellsworth

Week 9 Power Rankings: Boys Teams

1.      Massabesic

Previous: 2

Meet: States

Place: 1^st Class A

Like UConn in the 2011 NCAA Tournament, this Massabesic team got hot at the perfect time as they won their first title in school history as they were led by George Morrison and Michael Aboud as they placed 9^th and 11^th respectively. With their tight pack, and familiarity with Twinbrooks, look for Massabesic to cause some damage at the New England Championships.

2.      Cape Elizabeth

Previous: 3

Meet: States

Place: 1^st Class B

Cape Elizabeth took home their first state title since 2006 behind the dynamic duo of Liam Simpson and Peter Doane who placed sixth and ninth respectively. Look for the Capers to contend for a top fifteen finish at the New England Championships.

3.      Lewiston

Previous: 1

Meet: States

Place: 2^nd

Lewiston nabbed the runner up spot in Class A as they placed three runners in the top seven, and four in the top fifteen. Mohamed Awil led the way for them with his fifth place finish. Look for Lewiston to contend for a top fifteen finish at New England’s.

4.      Scarborough

Previous: 5

Meet: States

Place: 3^rd

Scarborough just missed the runner up spot as they got a huge run from Robby Hall who placed second running a time of 16:39.88. Look for the Red Storm to contend for a top fifteen finish at New England’s.

5.      Falmouth

Previous: 6

Meet: States

Place: 2^nd Class B

Falmouth placed second in Class B behind their duo of Bryce Murdick and Jay Lesser who placed 11^th and 12^th respectively. Look for Falmouth to contend for a top fifteen finish at New England’s.

6.      York

Previous: 10

Meet: States

Place: 3^rd Class B

York placed third in Class B as they were led by Nick Eaton and Alec Jordan as they placed 8^th and 13^th respectively. York will graduate four seniors from their top five.

7.      Bangor

Previous: 7

Meet: States

Place: 4^th Class A

Bangor placed fourth in Class A as they were led by Jonathan Stanhope’s 14^th place finish. Expect Bangor to be one of the favorites in Class A next fall with a majority of their top five coming back.

8.      Ellsworth

Previous: 4

Meet: States

Place: 4^th Class B

Ellsworth placed fourth in Class B as they were led by individual winner Dan Curts, and seventh place finisher Robert Looker. They will be tough to beat next fall as they bring back four of their top five runners.

9.      Mt. Blue

Previous: 9

Meet: States

Place: 5^th Class A

Mt. Blue placed fifth in Class A as they got a huge run by Josh Horne who placed fourth overall. Justin Tracy also had a very strong race as he placed 10^th. Expect Mt. Blue to be one of the better teams in the KVAC next fall.

10. Hall-Dale

Previous: UR

Meet: States

Place: 1^st Class C

Hall-Dale dominated the field to win the Class C championship behind Josh Ringer’s seventh place finish. Look for Hall-Dale to be competitive at New England’s.

Week 9 Power Rankings: Girls Teams

1.      Bonny Eagle

Previous: 1

Meet: States

Place: 1^st Class A

Bonny Eagle took home the Class A title on Saturday as they placed four runners in the top 16 overall. They were led by Mary Szatkowski and Samantha Cox as they placed fourth and sixth respectively. Look for Bonny Eagle to contend for a top ten finish at the New England Championships.

2.      MDI

Previous: 3

Meet: States

Place: 1^st Class B

MDI won their second straight state title as they were led by Maggie Painter and Waylon Henggeler who placed 11^th and 12^th respectively. MDI’s 1-5 split was an astounding 34 seconds. A tight pack will help them place high at the New England Championships.

3.      Camden Hills

Previous: 2

Meet: States

Place: 2^nd Class B

The Windjammers placed second in Class B as they were led by Brittany Bowman’s third place finish. Look for Camden to contend for a top 15 finish at the New England Championships on Nov. 10^th.

4.      Massabesic

Previous: 4

Meet: States

Place: 2^nd Class A

Massabesic nabbed the runner up spot in Class A thanks to number six runner Marie Harrington as she broke the tie breaker between them and Cheverus. Jocelyn Acheson placed third overall running a time of 19:04.58. Look for Massabesic to contend for a top 15 finish at the New England Championships.

5.      Cheverus

Previous: 6

Meet: States

Place: 3^rd Class A

Cheverus just missed getting the runner up spot in Class A as they were led by Shannon Conley and Kiera Murray who placed fifth and seventh respectively. Look for the Stags to contend for a top 15 finish at the New England Championships.

6.      Waterville

Previous: 10

Meet: States

Place: 3^rd Class B

Bethanie Brown did what she does best, and Tiana Thomas ran to a 13^th place finish to help Waterville to a third place finish. Losing these two great runners next fall will be a huge hit, but expect them to rebound with two of the top freshmen in Class B.

7.      Greely

Previous: UR

Meet: States

Place: 4^th Class B

Greely’s duo of Kirstin Sandrueter and Eva Bates helped the Rangers garner a fourth place finish in Class B. Sandrueter and Bates placed second and fourth respectively. With their top five coming back next year, expect Greely to be one of the favorites in Class B.

8.      Brunswick

Previous: 9

Meet: States

Place: 4^th Class A

Brunswick placed fourth in Class A behind Tessa Cassidy’s ninth place finish. Teresa Murphy had a very strong race as well, as she placed 14^th. Expect Brunswick to be the favorite in the KVAC with their top five coming back next fall.

9.      Falmouth

Previous: 5

Meet: States

Place: 5^th Class B

Falmouth placed fifth in Class B as they were paced by Vishva Nalamalapu’s 17^th place finish. Geneva White also had a strong race as she placed 21^st overall. Look for Falmouth to be one of the top WMC teams next fall as they bring back three runners from their top five.

10. Washburn

Previous: UR

Meet: States

Place: 1^st Class C

Washburn took home the Class C state championship in dominating fashion as they were led by individual winner Carsyn Koch. Look for Washburn to be competitive at the New England Championships in two weeks.

 

Week 8 Power Rankings: Boys Teams

1.      Lewiston

Previous: 1

Meet: EMR

Place: 1^{st Class A}

Even if one runner has an off day, Lewiston has three other guys who can all place in the top five on any given day. Isaiah Harris continues to breakout as he placed third overall. Mohamed Awil placed second overall running a time of 17:04.84. They are the favorite to win the Class A title on Saturday.

2.      Massabesic

Previous: 7

Meet: WMR

Place: 1^{st Class} A

Massabesic put on a dominating performance on Saturday as George Morrison and Michael Aboud took the top two spots overall. They placed five runners in the top 11. Massabesic should challenge Lewiston for the Class A title on Saturday.

3.      Cape Elizabeth

Previous: 3

Meet: WMR

Place: 1^st Class B

Cape Elizabeth flexed their muscles on Saturday as they cruised to another regional title behind their duo of Peter Doane and Liam Simpson who placed third and fourth respectively. They look like the slight favorite to win the Class B title on Saturday.

4.      Ellsworth

Previous: 5

Meet: EMR

Place: 1^st Class B

Ellsworth took home another regional title as they three runners in the top four, and five in the top ten. The Eagles will challenge Cape for the title on Saturday.

5.      Scarborough

Previous: 4

Meet: WMR

Place: 2^nd Class A

The Red Storm placed second at the Class WMR behind strong runs from Robby Hall and Jack Sullivan. Never count out Scarborough. They should be considered one of the favorites to win the Class A title on Saturday.

6.      Falmouth

Previous: 2

Meet: WMR

Place: 3^rd Class B

Falmouth slides down for the time being. They ran without Scott Lambert and Josh Simenski who are usually their third and fifth runners respectively. Jay Lesser had his finest race of the year as he placed 8^th. Like Scarborough, Falmouth should never be counted out and will challenge Cape and Ellsworth for the Class B title on Saturday.

7.      Bangor

Previous: 8

Meet: EMR

Place: 2^nd Class A

Bangor nabbed the runner up spot at the Class A EMR as they were led by Jonathan Stanhope’s seventh place finish. Look for Bangor to contend for a top five finish on Saturday.

8.      Mt. Ararat

Previous: 9

Meet: EMR

Place: 3^rd Class A

Mt. Ararat placed third at the Class A EMR as they got a huge run from Sam Wood who placed first running a time of 17:00.81. Look for Mt. Ararat to contend for a top five finish on Saturday.

9.      Mt. Blue

Previous: 6

Meet: EMR

Place: 4^th Class A

Mt. Blue placed fourth at the Class A EMR behind their duo of Justin Tracy and Josh Horne who placed 8^th and 9^th respectively. Look for Mt. Blue to contend for a top five finish on Saturday.

10. York

Previous: 10

Meet: WMR

Place: 2^nd Class B

York was the major surprise on the boys side as they nabbed the runner up spot in Class B behind top ten finished from Nick Eaton and Alec Jordan. Look for York to contend for a top five finish in Class B on Saturday.

 

Team of the Week: Massabesic

 

Teams Knocking: Hampden, Marshwood, Gorham, Caribou, MDI, Fryeburg, Brewer, Orono