Boys XC Individual Rankings: 9. Jon Stanhope Bangor

SB: 17:19.66
Place at Regionals: 10th 17:34.91 Class A East
Place at States: 12th 17:40.52 Class A

Jon Stanhope was one of the most improved runners in the state this year as he led the Bangor Rams to a runner up finish at the Class A state meet. He really emerged as one of the top KVAC runners early in the season as he had a breakout performance at Lawrence where he placed first running a season best time of 17:19.66. Stanhope continued to progress as the postseason rolled along as evidence to his tenth place finish at the Class A East Regional meet and his 12th place finish at the Class A state meet. Look for Stanhope to contend for the KVAC title next fall, and make a run at a top three finish in Class A.

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