Class B Girls Distance Preview: Brown Eyeing Legendary Status

Rain is expected to fall in Mount Desert Island on Saturday, but that shouldn't slow down Waterville junior Bethanie Brown. She's had a season for the ages this spring and will look to add to her already impressive resume. While Brown will be the favorite in the distance races, the competition after her will be exciting to watch.

800

        The 800 will be one of most compelling races in Class B on Saturday with the two top seeds having both run under 2:20. Junior Bethanie Brown of Waterville will be the overwhelming favorite to take the 800. She set the KVAC meet record last Saturday running a blistering time of 2:18.51. Don't expect her to go unchallenged though. Sophomore Aleta Looker has had an outstanding spring season thus far. She ran 2:18.38 at the PVC Large School Championships last week. Melissa Blackstone's record time of 2:17.83 will certainly be in jeopardy with these two fabulous runners battling in out. The race for third will be one to watch as well as there are a number of girls who are worthy of stepping up to the challenge. Look for Kirstin Sandrueter of Greely, Kelsey Maxim of Old Town, and Isabel Erickson of MDI to battle for the third spot.

Prediction

1. Bethanie Brown Waterville
2. Aleta Looker Ellsworth
3. Kirstin Sandrueter Greely
4. Kelsey Maxim Old Town
5. Isabel Erickson MDI

1600

        Brown will, yet again, be the overwhelming favorite to take the 1600 on Saturday. The question is how fast will she run. Brown ran 4:53 at the KVAC Championships last Saturday en route to completing the difficult distance triple. The record time of 5:01.10 set by Melissa Blackstone back in 2001 should be enough for Brown. She has broken the five minute barrier multiple times this season. While Brown is the odds on favorite, the race for second should be exciting to watch. Greely sophomore Kirstin Sandrueter has had a fantastic spring season thus far. Last weekend at the WMC Champsionships Sandrueter won the 1600 running a blazing time of 5:11.31. Also watch for Brittany Bowman of Camden Hills. She placed third in the 1600 at the KVAC Championships running a time of 5:23.05. Don't count out Aleta Looker of Ellsworth. She has run under 5:20 this spring and she will be hoping to pick up some hardware on Saturday. Other runners to watch for will be Abby Hersom of Oceanside, Heather Evans of York, and Catherine Hebson of Falmouth.

Prediction

1. Bethanie Brown Waterville
2. Kirstin Sandrueter Greely
3. Aleta Looker Ellsworth
4. Brittany Bowman Camden Hills
5. Heather Evans York

3200

      Should we just give her the trophy? Brown is once again the favorite to take the 3200 having already run 10:32.9 this spring. The question is will she have enough stamina to beak the record of 10:39 set by Cassie Hintz after running the 800 and 1600. Don't expect Brown to go unchallenged though. Kirstin Sandrueter ran 10:55 at the Loucks Games earlier this month. She should be able to push Brown. Also look out for Brittany Bowman of Camden Hills. As a freshman last year Bowman placed fourth running a time of 11:42. Expect her to compete for a high finish as well. Other runners who will contend for a top five finish will be Willow Parker of Camden Hiils, Abby Hersom of Oceanside, Catherine Hebson of Falmouth, and Maggie Painter of MDI.

Prediction

1. Bethanie Brown Waterville
2. Kirstin Sandrueter Greely
3. Brittany Bowman Camden Hills
4. Willow Parker Camden Hills
5. Abby Hersom Oceanside