Boys Individual Rankings Week 4

1. Dan Curts Ellsworth

Pre: 2 Meet: Manchester Invitational Place: 1st Time: 15:23
Curts defended his Manchester Invitational win in an epic race between Josef Holt-Andrews. His time of 15:23 was only six seconds off of Ben Trues course record of 15:17. His performance indicates he's ready to run a course record at Belfast. If the forecast is up to par, a sub 15:20 performance for Curts is definitely possible.

2. Josef Holt-Andrews Telstar

Pre: 1 Meet: Manchester Invitational Place: 2nd Time: 15:27
A very impressive tidbit about Holt-Andrew's performance on Saturday was that he raced in the MVC preview on Wednesday running a time of 17:24. Holt-Andrews was right behind Dan Curts running a spectacular time of 15:27. A sub 15:20 performance from him wouldn't surprise me as well.

3. Ben Decker Yarmouth

Pre: 4 Meet: Manchester Invitational Place: 4th Time: 16:07

Decker showed what kind of athlete he truly is as he ran a personal best time of 16:07 the morning after an intense soccer game that went into overtime against Cape Elizabeth. With the weather looking bright, a sub 16 effort from him could definitely be in the cards at FOC.

4. Aaron Willingham Mt. Blue
Pre: 10 Meet: at Brunswick Place: 1st Time: 15:54
Willingham defeated some of his top competitors in the KVAC as he ran a very fast time of 15:54. To put his time in perspective, Will Geoghegan ran 15:52 on that course his senior year. Look for Willingham to contend for a top five finish at FOC.
5. Will Shafer GNG
Pre: 5 Meet: at GNG Place: 1st Time: 17:13
Shafer clocked an impressive 17:13 on one of the toughest courses in the state in Libby Hill. He's incredibly fit right now and threat at a top five finish at the Festival of Champions.
6. Ben Trapani Camden Hills
Pre: 3 Meet: at Cony Place: N/a Time: N/A
Trapani get his first rest week of the season, and it couldn't have come at a better time. With a rested Trapani, look for him to challenge for a top three or five finish at FOC. A sub 16 effort could very well be possible for him.

7. Liam Simpson Cape Elizabeth
Pre: 9 Meet: Manchester Invitational Place: 9th (elite race) Time: 16:13
Simpson ran a lifetime best of 16:13 at the Manchester Invitational as he placed ninth overall in the elite race. Look for Simpson to contend for a top five finish at FOC.

8. Braden Becker Yarmouth
Pre: 9 Meet: Manchester Invitational Place: 5th (small school) Time: 16:21
Becker ran for an impressive fifth place finish in the small schools race as he clocked a lifetime best of 16:21. Look for Becker to contend for a top five finish at FOC.

9. Ryan Cadorette Thornton Academy
Pre: 7 Meet: at Marshwood Place: 1st Time: 18:01
Cadorette was victorious once again as he placed first at Marshwood running a solid time of 18:01. Marshwood has one of the toughest courses in the state. Look for Cadorette to contend for a top ten finish at FOC.

10. Josh Horne Mt. Blue
Pre: 5 Meet: at Brunswick Place: 2nd Time: 16:24
Horne placed second to his teammate Aaron Willingham running a strong time of 16:24 at Brunswick. Look for Horne to contend for a top ten finish at FOC.

Runner of the Week: Dan Curts Ellsworth

Runners Knocking: Jonathan Stanhope Bangor, Peter Doane Cape Elizabeth, Sam Wood Mt. Ararat, Nate MacKenzie Mt. Ararat, Logan Moses Messalonskee, Colin Tardiff Scarborough, Nate Skvorak Windham, Caleb Lord Hampden, Bryce Murdick Falmouth

Boys Individual Rankings Week 3

1. Josef Holt Telstar
Pre: 2 Meet: at Carrebec Place: 1st Time: 15:21

Holt's 15:21 performance at Carrebec earns him the number one spot this week. To put his performance in perspective, Footlocker All-American Matt McClintock ran 15:38 on the same course two years ago. Look for Holt to contend for the win at the Manchester Invitational this Saturday.

2. Dan Curts Ellsworth
Pre: 1 Meet: at GSA Place: 1st Time: 16:43

Curts ran with his pack of teammates as he notched another victory at GSA running a solid time of 16:43. Look for Curts to contend for the win at the Manchester Invitational this Saturday.

3. Ben Trapani Camden Hills
Pre: 3 Meet: at Medomak Valley Place: 1st Time: 17:00

Trapani made it look easy at Medomak Valley as he scorched the competition winning by nearly a minute. Look for Trapani to win once again when Camden heads to Cony on Friday.

4. Ben Decker Yarmouth
Pre: 4 Meet: N/A Place: N/A Time: N/A
Decker's soccer schedule conflicted with Yarmouth's meet at Falmouth on Friday. He should still be considered one of the favorites in Class B. Look for him to run a fast time at the Manchester Invitational on Saturday.

5. Josh Horne Mt. Blue
Pre: 6 Meet: at Leavitt Place: 1st Time: 16:52
Horne clocked in a very impressive sub 17 performance on the historically tough Leavitt course which was good enough for an eleven second victory. He will face a tough challenge when Mt. Blue heads to Brunswick on Thursday.

6. Will Shafer GNG
Pre: 5 Meet: ? Place: ? Time: ?
Shafer's senior season has gotten off to a great start thus far. He will get his first real challenge of the season when he races against Liam Simpson of Cape on Friday.

7. Ryan Cadorette Thornton Academy
Pre: UR Meet: Home Place: 1st Time: 15:53 (5k)
Cadorette has shown that he belongs in the discussion as the top Class A runner after his impressive 15:53 5k on his home course. He faces a tough challenge when Thornton heads to Marshwood on Friday.

8. Braden Becker Yarmouth
Pre: 8 Meet: at Falmouth Place: 1st Time: 16:59
Becker had a very impressive showing as he placed first running a fast time of 16:59 on the tough Falmouth course. Look for Becker to run a fast time at the Manchester Invitational on Saturday.

9. Liam Simpson Cape Elizabeth
Pre: 9 Meet: at NYA Place: 1st Time: 16:25
Simpson was victorious once again this season as he cruised to a fast time of 16:25 at NYA. Simpson faces a tough challenge when he races against Will Shafer on Friday.

10. Aaron Willingham Mt. Blue
Pre: 10 Meet: at Leavitt Place: 2nd Time: 17:03
Willingham continues to shine after his second place finish at Leavitt as he ran a very solid time of 17:03. He will face the top runners in the KVAC this Thrusday at Brunswick.

Runner of the Week: Ryan Cadorette Thornton Academy

Runners Knocking: Jonathan Stanhope Bangor, Sam Wood Mt. Ararat, Nate Mackenzie Mt. Ararat, Isaiah Harris Lewiston, Mohamed Awil Lewiston, Bryce Murdick Falmouth, Jesse Southard Gorham, Colin Tardiff Scarborough

Boys Individual Rankings Week 2

1. Dan Curts Ellsworth

Pre: 1 Meet: N/A Place: N/A Time: N/A
Ellsworth was one of the many teams who didn't compete this weekend. That shouldn't effect Curt's ranking for the time being. Look for Curts to run a fast time when Ellsworth competes at Blue Hill on Friday.

2. Josef Holt Telstar

Pre: 2 Meet: at Telstar Place: 1st Time: 16:26
Holt made it look easy as he cruised to a winning time of 16:26 on his home course. He was nearly two minutes ahead of the runner up. Look for Holt to run another fast time this week.

3. Ben Trapani Camden Hills

Pre: 3 Meet: at Belfast Place: 1st Time: 17:10
Trapani had no difficulty taking the win at Belfast as he cruised to a time of 17:10. Look for Trapani to notch another win at Medomak Valley on Friday.

4. Ben Decker Yarmouth
Pre: 4 Meet: at LR Place: 1st Time: 15:16 (2.8m)
Decker was impressive in his xc debut as he took home the victory at Lake Region winning by over twenty seconds. Let's hope he continues to run more races this season. If he runs this week, he will be the favorite to win at Falmouth on Friday.

5. Will Shafer GNG
Pre: 9 Meet: at Sacopee Valley Place: 1st Time: 17:31
Shafer continued his fine season last Friday as he took home his third win of the season running a time of 17:31. Look for him to run a fast time at Lake Region on Friday.

6. Josh Horne Mt. Blue
Pre: 6 Meet: at Lawrence Place: 1st Time: 17:29
Horne cruised past his teammate Aaron Willingham at Lawrence as he ran a solid time of 17:29. He will face a tough challenge when he races against Lewiston's best this Friday.

7. Jonathan Stanhope
Pre: 7 Meet: N/A Place: N/A Time: N/A
Bangor's meet at Waterville was another casualty of the unfortunate weather. Look for Stanhope to run a fast time at MCI on Friday.

8. Braden Becker Yarmouth
Pre: UR Meet: at LR Place: 2nd Time: 15:36 (2.8m)
Becker outkicked Cape's Liam Simpson by two seconds at Lake Region to take second place. Look for Becker to run a fast time at Falmouth on Friday.

9. Liam Simpson Cape Elizabeth
Pre: 8 Meet: at LR Place: 3rd Time: 15:38 (2.8m)
Simpson placed third at Lake Region running a fast time of 15:38. Look for him to go unchallenged at NYA on Friday.

10. Aaron Willingham Mt. Blue
Pre: 5 Meet: at Lawrence Place: 2nd Time: 17:49
Willingham placed second to teammate Josh Horne at Lawrence last Friday as he ran a time of 17:49. He will face off against the talented Lewiston squad this Friday.

Runner of the Week: Josef Holt Telstar

Runners Knocking: Caleb Lord Hampden, Sam Wood Mt. Ararat, Isaiah Harris Mt. Blue, Jesse Southard Gorham, Farhan Abdillahi Lewiston, Colin Tardiff Scarborough, Jacob Terry Scarborough, Ryan Cadorette Thornton, Bryce Murdick Falmouth

Boys Individual Rankings Week 1

1.   Dan Curts Ellsworth

      Previous:1 Meet: Ellsworth Invitational Place: 1st Time: 15:43
Curts dominated on his home course running the 3.05 mile race in 15:43.He’s time was over 80 seconds ahead of the runner up. Look for him to go unchallenged once again when Ellsworth heads to the Presque Isle Invitational.


2.   Josef Holt Telstar

Previous:2 Meet: N/A Place: N/A Time: N/A
Holt has yet to race this season, but expect him to be the heavy favorite to win his first state championship this fall.


3.   Ben Trapani Camden Hills

Previous: 4 Meet: at Winslow Place: 1st Time: 17:27 (3.2 miles)
Trapani came out victorious in his first meet of the season covering the 3.2 mile course in 17:27. Look for him to run a fast time at Belfast this Friday.


4.   Ben Decker Yarmouth
Previous: 3 Meet: N/A Place: N/A Time: N/A
Like Holt, Decker has yet to race this season, but should be considered one of the favorites in Class B. Yarmouth races at Lake Region this Friday in what we hope will be his xc debut.


5.   Aaron Willingham Mt. Blue
Previous: UR Meet: Home Place: 1st Time: 17:01
Willingham broke Kelton Cullenberg's course record at Mt. Blue running a spectacular time of 17:01. His emergence has put himself into the discussion as the best runner in Class A.


6.  Josh Horne Mt. Blue
Previous: 5 Meet: Home Place: 2nd Time:17:19
Horne placed second on his tough home course running a great time of 17:19. Mt. Blue heads to Lawrence on Thursday where Horne should challenge for the win.


7. Jonathan Stanhope Bangor
Previous: 10 Meet: Home Place: 1st Time: 16:08
Stanhope pulled out an impressive victory on his home course running a solid time of 16:08 for the 3.05 mile course. Bangor heads to Waterville on Friday where he should go unchallenged.


8. Liam Simpson Cape Elizabeth
Previous: 7 Meet: Home Place: 1st Time: 16:03
Simpson lead wire to wire on his home course as he covered the three mile course in 16:03. His time is now the 11th fastest in course history. Expect Simpson to challenge Ben Decker for the win when Cape heads to Lake Region on Friday.



9. Will Shafer GNG
Previous: 8 Meet: at York Place: 1st Time: 15:54
Shafer pulled away from Yarmouth's Braden Becker for a four second victory at York high school running an impressive time of 15:54. Look for Shafer to go unchallenged at Sacopee Valley on Friday.


10. Caleb Lord Hampden
Previous:UR Meet: at Bangor Place: 2nd Time: 16:12
Lord placed second to Jonathan Stanhope of Bangor running a great time of 16:12. He has emerged as one of the top runners in the KVAC and should challenge for the state title in Class A.




Runner of the Week: Aaron Willingham Mt. Blue




Runners Knocking: Braden Becker Yarmouth, Isaiah Harris Lewiston, Chris Cote Waterville, Bryce Murdick Falmouth, Sam Wood Mt. Ararat, Nate Mackenzie Mt. Ararat, Ryan Cadorette Thornton

Preseason Rankings: Boys Individuals

1.       Dan Curts Ellsworth

              SB: 15:42 States 2013: 1^st Class B

Curts looks poised to have a spectacular final season on the trails as he hopes to win his second straight xc title. He had a tremendous outdoor season running 4:14 and 9:15 in the 1600 and 3200 respectively. Look for Curts to contend for the individual title at the New England Championships and perhaps make a run at Footlocker Nationals.

2.       Josef Holt Telstar

SB: 15:59 States 2013: 2^nd Class C

 

 

The senior from Telstar will be gunning for his elusive first xc title this fall. His outdoor track season indicates he’s ready to do that after he set the All-Time Maine record in the 5k running 14:57. Along with Curts, he’s a threat to win the New England title and make a run at Footlocker Nationals.

3.       Ben Decker Yarmouth

SB: DNR States 2013: DNR

Decker hasn’t run a single cross country meet in his career, but his 32:40 at Beach to Beacon indicates he’s ready for a monster year on the trails. He had some great success on the track as well as we saw him run 9:41 in the 3200. Look for him to contend for the runner up spot in Class B.

4.       Ben Trapani Camden Hills

SB: 16:36 States 2013: 3^rd Class B

Trapani had a breakout season last fall as we saw him place third in the Class B state meet. He’s the top returner in the KVAC and should challenge Ben Decker for the runner up position at the state meet.

5.       Josh Horne Mt. Blue

SB: 16:47 States 2013: 4^th Class A

Horne emerged late in the season as one of the top runners in Class A last fall as evidence to his fourth place finish at the state meet. He’s already off to a great start as he came out victorious at the Laliberte Invitational running the 2.4 mile course in 13:21.95. He’s the early favorite in Class A this year.

6.       Isaiah Harris Lewiston

SB: 16:50 States 2013: 6^th Class A

Harris’s emergence last year was one of the biggest storylines of the entire season. After a sixth place finish at the state meet, he became one of the best 800 runners Maine has ever seen running 1:53.35. With his blazing speed, look for Harris to contend for the individual title in Class A.

7.       Liam Simpson Cape Elizabeth

SB: 16:41 States 2013: 6^th Class B

The senior from Cape Elizabeth is returning after a great outdoor season in which we saw him run 9:49.5 in the 3200. He was also the third Maine high school finisher at Beach to Beacon running 34:54. Look for Simpson to challenge for a top three finish in Class B.

8.       Will Shafer GNG

SB: 17:04 States 2013: 10^th Class B

The mid-distance star from Gray has already gotten off to a great start this season as he placed first at the Lake Region Invitational covering the 2.75 mile course in 15:22. Shafer is as talented as anybody in the state and could very well challenge for a top three finish in Class B this fall.

9.       Jesse Southard Gorham

SB: 17:22 States 2013: 19^th Class A

Southard is out to prove he belongs amongst the best runners in Class A after his 16:51 performance at the Jack Wilkinson Invitational. He’s the top returner in the SMAA and should contend for the state title.

10.   Jonathan Stanhope Bangor

SB: 16:24 States 2013: 14^th Class A

Stanhope has been one of the most consistent runners in Class A for the past two years. He had a great year on the track as we saw him run 10:10 in the 3200. He is amongst the handful of runners who will contend for the individual title.

 

Runners Knocking on the Door: Braden Becker Yarmouth, Peter Doane Cape Elizabeth, Caleb Lord Hampden, Robert Looker Ellsworth, Mohamed Mohamed Lewiston

The Matt Saracen Award

The Matt Saracen Award is given annually to the most improved male runner in the state

You don't have to worry about me, in a fight I just kinda stand in the back and just yell stuff.

Previous Winners

2011: Benson Worthington Brunswick

2010: Harlow Ladd Messalonskee

 

And the winner is….

 

Josh Horne Mt. Blue

Last fall, Josh Horne placed 46^th at the Eastern Maine Regional Championships, and failed to qualify for the state meet. Fast forward a year late, and Horne took the state by storm, and concluded his spectacular season with a 4^th place finish at Class A state meet running a time of 16:47.89. It was believed that Mt. Blue would be led by veterans Justin Tracy and Sully Jackson this fall, but Horne surprised everybody and showed what he is capable of. His breakout race came at the Festival of Champions where he placed 15^th running a time of 16:47.97. From then on, Horne established himself as one of the best runners in the KVAC during the post season. He is the top returner for next fall, and will be the favorite to win the Class A title.

2. Ben Trapani Camden Hills SB: 16:36.12

3. Robert Looker Ellsworth SB: 16:50.00

4. Mohamed Mohamed Lewiston SB: 16:48.57

5. Liam Simpson Cape Elizabeth SB: 16:41.26

Week 8 Power Rankings: Boys Individuals

 1.      Dan Curts Ellsworth
 

Previous: 1

Meet: EMR

Place: 1^st Class B

Time: 16:49.68

Curts dominated the field on Saturday as he cruised to a time of 16:49.68. His time was the fastest of all classes. He is the favorite win his first Class B title this weekend.

2.      Silas Eastman Fryeburg
 

Previous: 2

Meet: WMR

Place: 1^st Class B

Time: 16:47.39

Eastman took control of the race right from the gun to win easily running a time of 16:47.39. He will be looking for revenge on Saturday as he looks to avenge his only loss of the season against Dan Curts.

3.      Jack Pierce Merriconeag

 

 

Previous: 4

Meet: WMR

Place: 1^st Class C

Time: 16:38.28

Pierce got the better of Josef Holt-Andrews on Saturday as his time of 16:38.28 was the fastest of all classes. Pierce will be gunning for his first championship this weekend.

4.      Josef Holt-Andrews Telstar

Previous: 3

Meet: WMR

Place: 2^nd Class C

Time: 16:46.70

Holt-Andrews lost for only the second this season as he ran to a time of 16:46.70. Look for him to rebound this weekend and face off against Pierce for the Class C Championship.

5.      Ben Trapani Camden Hills

Previous: 5

Meet: EMR

Place: 2^nd Class B

Time: 17:39.93

Trapani settled for the runner up spot on Saturday as he ran a time of 17:39.93. Look for Trapani to contend for a top three finish in Class B this weekend.

6.      Nate Madiera Greely

Previous: 9

Meet: WMR

Place: 2^nd Class B

Time: 17:10.61

Madiera has been a model of consistency this year as he nabbed the runner up spot to Silas Eastman on Saturday running a time of 17:10.61. Look for Madiera to contend for a top three finish this weekend.

7.      Sam Wood Mt. Ararat

Previous: UR

Meet: EMR

Place: 1^st Class A

Time: 17:00.81

Wood surprised a lot of people on Saturday as he came out victorious at the Class A EMR running a time of 17:00.81. The field in Class A is wide open, so look for Wood to contend for a top five finish.

8.      Cam Nadeau Biddeford

Previous: 6

Meet: WMR

Place: 3^rd Class A

Time: 17:32.10

Nadeau had an off race on Saturday as he placed third at the Class A WMR running a time of 17:32.10. Look for Nadeau to rebound and contend for the win this weekend.

9.      Mohamed Barre Lewiston

Previous: 8

Meet: EMR

Place: 6^th Class A

Time: 17:12.46

Barre placed sixth at the Class A EMR as he ran a time of 17:12.46. Look for Barre to contend for the title this weekend.

10. Justin Tracy Mt. Blue

Previous: 7

Meet: EMR

Place: 8^th

Time: 17:18.68

Tracy placed 8^th at the Class A EMR as he ran a time of 17:18.68. Look for Tracy to contend for the title this weekend.

 

Runner of the Week: Jack Pierce Merriconeag

 

Runners Knocking: Tyler White Orono, Jonathan Stanhope Bangor, Robby Hall, Cody Vachon Massabesic, George Morrison Massabesic, Peter Doane Cape, Liam Simpson Cape, Robert Looker Ellsworth, Mohamed Awil Lewiston

Week 7 Power Rankings: Boys Individuals

1.      Dan Curts Ellsworth

Previous: 1

Meet: PVC Championships

Place: 1^st

Time: 16:15.17

Curts won the PVC Championships cruising to a time of 16:15.17. Curts is the overwhelming favorite to win the Class B EMR title on Saturday. Depending on the weather, look for Curts to dip below 16 minutes.

2.      Silas Eastman Fryeburg

Previous: 2

Meet: WMC Championships

Place: 2^nd

Time: 16:10

Eastman took control from the gun and never looked back as he ran to a great time of 16:10. Eastman is the heavy favorite to win the Class B WMR title on Saturday.

3.      Josef Holt-Andrews Telstar

Previous: 3

Meet: MVC Championships

Place: 1^st

Time: 16:21

Josef’s season has been eerily similar to the one Matt McClintock had last year. Holt-Andrews dominated the MVC Championships running a spectacular time of 16:21 on one of the toughest courses in the state. To put his time in perspective, McClintock ran 16:23 at the same meet and course last year.

4.      Jack Pierce Merriconeag

Previous: 4

Meet: WMC Championships

Place: 2^nd

Time: 16:22

Pierce ran another fantastic race as he continued to chip away at Silas Eastman during the final mile at the WMC Championships. Unfortunately for Pierce, Eastman’s lead was too much. Look for Piercce to challenge Holt-Andrews for the Class C WMR title on Saturday.

5.      Ben Trapani Camden Hills

Previous: 8

Meet: KVAC Championships

Place: 1^st

Time: 17:09.8

Trapani used a devastating kick to run by Christian Heath of Gardiner to win the KVAC Championships running a time of 17:09.8. Trapani should contend for the runner up spot at the Class B EMR race on Saturday.

6.      Cam Nadeau Biddeford

Previous: 5

Meet: at Thornton

Place: 1^st

Time: 17:59

Nadeau picked up another victory on Friday as he cruised to a time of 17:59 at Thornton Academy. Nadeau is the favorite to win the Class A WMR race on Saturday.

7.      Justin Tracy Mt. Blue

Previous: 6

Meet: KVAC Championships

Place: 3^rd

Time: 17:14.1

Tracy was the first Class A finisher to cross the line at the KVAC Championships as he just nipped Mohamed Barre by .3 seconds. Tracy is the slight favorite to win the Class A EMR race on Saturday.

8.      Mohamed Barre Lewiston

Previous: 9

Meet: KVAC Championships

Place: 4^th

Time: 17:14.4

Barre has continued to improve over the course of the season, and he showed on Saturday that he is one of the many favorites to win the state meet this year as he placed second in Class A running a time of 17:14.4.

9.      Nate Madiera Greely

Previous: 10

Meet: WMC Championships

Place: 3^rd0

Time: 16:56

Madiera placed first in the division one race and was third overall at the WMC Championships running a time of 16:56. Look for him to contend for the runner up at the Class B WMR race on Saturday.

10. Tyler White Orono

Previous: UR

Meet: PVC Championships

Place: 2^nd

Time: 16:22.73

White may be the most improved runner in the state this year as he turned in another fine performance at the PVC Championships running a time of 16:22.73. He is the heavy favorite to win the Class C EMR race on Saturday.

 

 

Runner of the Week: Silas Eastman of Fryeburg and Josef Holt-Andrews of Telstar earn co-runners of the week after their performances this weekend.

 

Runners Knocking: Jonathan Stanhope Bangor, Robby Hall Scarborough, Liam Simpson Cape Elizabeth, Mohamed Mohamed Lewiston, Mohamed Awil Lewiston, Peter Doane Cape Elizabeth, Braden Becker Yarmouth, Christian Heath Gardiner, Will Shafer GNG