Class B Boys Distance Preview: Expect Sophomores to Run Big Times

Shafer has had a breakout season this spring. Look for him to run fast times in both the 1600 and 800. 

1600

GNG sophomore Will Shafer has been on a tear for the last month. At the WMC Championships last weekend Shafer became the first runner since Eric Giddings back in 2003 to break the 4:20 barrier as a sophomore. Shafer will without a doubt be the favorite to take the title on Saturday, but the race for second will be one to watch for as well. Falmouth junior Tim Follo has had a great season thus far. He comes into the meet with the second fastest seed time (4:30.44). Look for Follo to try and close the gap between himself and Shafer. The Greely duo of Stefan Sandrueter and Nate Madiera have stepped up in a huge way this season. They both come into the meet with a 4:31 seed time. They should challenge Follo for the runner up spot. Other runners to watch will be Matt Eager of Presque Isle, Henry Briigs of Falmouth, and Ben Trapani of Camden Hills.

Prediction

1. Will Shafer GNG
2. Tim Follo Falmouth
3. Nate Madiera Greely
4. Stefan Sandrueter Greely
5. Matt Eager Presque Isle

800

Shafer, once again, will be the favorite to take the 800 meter title on Saturday. He comes into the meet with the fastest time with a time of 1:57.80. While Shafer is the favorite, look for him to be pushed by Nestor Taylor of Greely. Taylor won the 800 last weekend at the WMC Championships running a time of 2:00.91. Also watch out for Tom Rasche of York. Rasche has completely evolved over the course of his career. He recently ran 2:01.15 at the WMC Championships which was good enough for a second place finish. Other runners to watch in this event will be Liam Campbell of Greely, Tucker Corbett of York, and Cody Whitcomb of Gardiner.

Prediction

1. Will Shafer GNG
2. Nestor Taylor Greely
3. Tom Rasche York
4. Liam Campbell Greely
5. Cody Whitcomb Gardiner

3200

The 3200 will be the premiere event of the Class B state meet on Saturday. Six runners come into Saturday having all broken the 10 minute barrier. Dan Curts is the favorite to win his first state title. He comes into the meet with the fastest time in Class B (9:38.86). He has had a heck of a year in general most notably his 9:28 2 mile at the New England Indoor Championships. Watch out for Silas Eastman as well. We all know of Eastman's capabilities, so look for him to challenge Curts for the win. Don't count out Falmouth senior Tim Follo. Follo is a kid who lives for the big stage, so expect him to be in the mix with Eastman and Curts. Follo recently won the 3200 meter title at the WMC Championships with a time of 10:07. Look out for other runners such as Mitch Finitz of York, Ben Decker of Yarmouth, and Nate Madiera of Greely to make a run for a high finish as well.

Prediction

1. Dan Curts Ellsworth
2. Silas Eastman Fryeburg
3. Tim Follo Falmouth
4. Mitch Finitz York
5. Ben Decker Yarmouth