Boys Class A Distance Preview

Don't expect any of the distance record to get broken tomorrow, but with quality depth in each of the distance races, expect to see close finishes in all of them. Caleb Lord of Hampden will be looking to win the mile and the two mile.

 

800

Record: Sam Fletcher 1:56.29 Edward Little 2004

 

The 800 will be one of the premiere events of the day as there are eight different runners who are all capable of winning on any given day. Hany Ramadan of Deering comes into the meet with the fastest time in Class A in 2:02.71 which he ran back in mid-January. He also has a 400 personal record of 50.69, so if the race is tactical expect him to make a big move at the end. Ben Salinas of Bangor will pose a threat to Ramadan as he comes into the meet with a season best time of 2:03.72. He ran that time at the EMITL Championships in which he won. Don’t count out Salinas’ teammate Jonathan Stanhope. The senior is a big time racer, and comes into the meet with a 2:04.7 seed time. Expect him to be in the mix as well. Other runners to watch in this event will be Christopher Tanner of Brunswick, Jon Gray of Gorham and Alex Karam of Scarborough.

 

Mile

Record: Ben Fletcher 4:16.46 Edward Little 1999

 

The mile might lack the depth it’s had in previous years, but it will still be one of the more exciting races of the day. Expect a showdown between Bangor’s Jonathan Stanhope and Caleb Lord of Hampden. They both come in with a seed time of 4:33 with Stanhope’s only .02 seconds faster. Stanhope ran his season best time at the USM Relays. Lord’s 4:33 came at the EMITL Championships where he placed second to Dan Curts of Ellsworth. While these two have the fastest seed times, don’t count out Aaron Willingham of Mt. Blue and Osman Doorow of Lewiston. Willingham has been recovering nicely from his injury during the xc season, and is starting to round into shape. He’s a big time racer, and should be in the mix tomorrow. Osman Doorow has had a breakout season this winter as he comes into the state meet with a personal record of 4:39.84. The sophomore will hope to contend with the big dogs tomorrow. Other runners to watch out for in this event will be Jacob Bloom of Scarborough, John Salamone of South Portland and James Phelps of Westbrook.

 

2 Mile

Record: Harlow Ladd 9:21.87 Messalonskee 2012

 The two mile will be another wide open event tomorrow, as there are possibly six different runners who could win. Jacob Terry of Scarborough comes into the meet with the fastest time in Class A running 10:04.93. He’s had a tremendous year of running and should be favored as he has great leg speed for a final kick if needed. Iid Sheikh-Yusuf of Deering will also be in the running for the title as well. He’s had a great season thus far. He won the two mile at the Southwestern Championships running a season best time of 10:06.59 beating Jacob Terry and Ryan Cadorette of Thornton Academy in the process. Cadorette will be one to watch as well. He had a breakout year on the trails, and should be able to run with the top runners in eastern Maine. The aforementioned Caleb Lord should also be in contention for the title. We will see how much left he has in the tank after the mile. Other runners to look out for will be Osman Doorow of Lewiston, Aaron Willingham of Mt. Blue and Luke Rand of Brewer.

The Cory and Shawn Award

Best Dynamic Duo

Previous Winners
2012: Liam Simpson and Peter Doane Cape Elizabeth
2011: Stefan Sandreuter and Nate Madiera Greely
2010: Jacob Brooks and Peter LePage Massabesic




Josh Horne and Aaron Willingham Mt. Blue

The transfer of Aaron Willingham to Mt.Blue created one of the most feared duos in the state regardless of class this year. It all started at the Laliberte Invitational where Horne and Willingham placed first and second respectively. From there, both runners took off and became two of the states best runners. At the Festival of Champions, both Willingham and Horne clocked under 16 minutes (Willingham 15:42 and Horne 15:54) as they placed second and third respectively. At a meet as big as FOC, it's very impressive to see two guys from the same team place that high. Unfortunately, as the post season came Willingham was hampered by injuries which influenced his performance. With Horne graduating next spring, Willingham will get his chance to be the star as he hopes to win the state title next fall. 

2. Dan Curts and Brayden Beardsley Ellsworth

3. Liam Simpson and Peter Doane Cape Elizabeth

4. Isaiah Harris and Mohamed Awil Lewiston

5. Colin Tardiff and Jacob Terry Scarborough

Boys Individual Rankings Week 7

1. Josef Holt-Andrews Telstar

Pre: 1 Meet: MVC Championships Place: 1st Time: 17:14
Holt-Andrews took it easy at the MVC Championships as he cruised to a twenty second victory running a time of 17:14. If the weather is up to par, a sub 16 performance at Twinbrooks at the Western Regionals could very well be possible.

2. Dan Curts Ellsworth

Pre: 2 Meet: PVC Championships Place: Idle Time: Idle
Curts was still nursing his hamstring last weekend as he watched his teammates take home the team victory. Hopefully Curts will be able to go on Saturday and run a fast time.

3. Josh Horne Mt. Blue

Pre: 4 Meet: KVAC Championships Place: 1st Time: 17:05.40
Horne outkicked Caleb Lord of Hampden, and his teammate Willingham to place first at the KVAC Championships running a time of 17:05.40. Expect him to run a fast time of the Eastern A Regionals this Saturday.

4. Aaron Willingham Mt. Blue
Pre: 3 Meet: KVAC Championships Place: 3rd Time: 17:07.80
Willingham placed third at the KVAC Championships as he ran a good time of 17:07.8. Look for Willingham to try and get the better of his teammate this weekend at the Eastern A Regionals.

5. Will Shafer GNG
Pre: 6 Meet: WMC Championships Place: 1st Time: 16:26
Shafer used his stellar track speed to pull away from Liam Simpson to take home the victory in 16:26 at the WMC Championships. Look for Shafer to contend for the win at the Western B Regionals this Saturday.

6. Liam Simpson Cape Elizabeth
Pre: 5 Meet: WMC Championships Place: 2nd Time: 16:34
Simpson placed second to Shafer at the WMC Championships as he ran a fast time of 16:34. Look for Simspon to challenge Shafer again at the Western B Regionals.

7. Ryan Cadorette Thornton Academy
Pre: 9 Meet: at Westbrook Place: 1st Time: 16:32
The top runner in the SMAA took home another victory as he cruised to a fast time of 16:32 at Westbrook. He's the favorite going into the Western A Regionals.

8. Ben Trapani Camden Hills
Pre: 7 Meet: KVAC Championships Place: 1st Class B Time: 17:17.5
Trapani was the top class B finisher at the KVAC Championships as he ran a solid time of 17:17.5 Look for Trapani to run a fast time at the Eastern B Regionals.

9. Ben Decker Yarmouth
Pre: 8 Meet: WMC Championships Place: DNR Time: DNR
Decker didn't compete at the WMC Championships last Friday. Hopefully we will get to see him run once more this season.

10. Caleb Lord Hampden Academy
Pre: UR Meet: KVAC Championships Place: 2nd Time: 17:07.l
Lord placed second at the KVAC Championships running a time of 17:07.1. Look for Lord to contend for a top three finish at the Eastern A Regionals this Saturday.

Runner of the Week: Will Shafer GNG

Runners Knocking: Jonathan Stanhope Bangor, Peter Doane Cape, Isaiah Harris Lewiston, Chris Cote Waterville, Brayden Beardsley Ellsworth, Bryce Murdick Falmouth

Boys Individual Rankings Week 6

1. Josef Holt Andrews Telstar

Pre: 1 Meet: Idle Place: Idle Time: Idle
Holt-Andrews is in the middle of one of the most dominant seasons Maine has ever seen. Look for him to win easily at the MVC Championships this Saturday.

2. Dan Curts Ellsworth

Pre: 2 Meet: Hancock CC Place: Idle Time: Idle
Curts, like Holt-Andrews, has been on a tear this fall. Hopefully he's back at 100 percent when Ellsworth races at the PVC Championships on Saturday.

3. Aaron Willingham Mt. Blue

Pre: 3 Meet: Mt. Blue Relays Place: 1st Time: 10:32 cr
Willingham continues to break records this season as he cruised to a record time of 10:32 at the Mt. Blue Relays. It took five seconds off Kelton Cullenberg's record back in 2009. Willingham is the heavy favorite going into the KVAC Championships.

4. Josh Horne Mt. Blue
Pre: 4 Meet: Mt. Blue Relays Place: 2nd Time: 10:39
Horne placed second at the Mt. Blue Relays as he ran the third fastest time in course history in 10:39. Horne will be gunning for his teammate at the KVAC Championships this Saturday.

5. Liam Simpson Cape Elizabeth
Pre: 5 Meet: Idle Place: Idle Time: Idle
Simspon has been the top runner in the WMC this fall and will get his chance to prove it at the Conference Championship's this Friday. Expect him to be challenged by Ben Decker if Decker races.

6. Will Shafer GNG
Pre: 7 Meet: at Greely Place: 3rd Time: 17:29
Shafer used his meet at Greely as a tempo run as he cruised to a fine time of 17:29 on the historically tough Twinbrooks course. Look for Shafer to challenge for the win at the WMC Championships this Friday.

7. Ben Trapani Camden Hills
Pre: 8 Meet: Camden Hills Invitational Place: 1st Time: 17:12.17
Trapani picked up another win amongst his fine season as he cruised to a time of 17:12.17 on his home course. He's the heavy favorite to win the Class B race at the KVAC Championships on Saturday.

8. Ben Decker Yarmouth
Pre: 6 Meet: Idle Place: Idle Time: Idle
Yarmouth soccer is off this Friday which means Ben Decker will most likely compete at the WMC Championships. Look for him to challenge Simpson and Shafer for the win on Friday.

9. Ryan Cadorette Thornton Academy
Pre: 9 Meet: at Gorham Place: 1st Time: 15:50
Cadorette has been the top runner in the SMAA this fall and he proved it once again last Friday as he pulled out a six second victory over Jesse Southard running a time of 15:50. Thornton heads to Westbrook on Friday where he should win easily.

10. Braden Becker Yarmouth
Pre: UR Meet: Idle Place: Idle Time: Idle
Becker has been one of the most consistent runners in the WMC this fall. Look for him to challenge for a top five finish at the conference championships this Friday.

Runner of the Week: Aaron Willingham Mt. Blue

Runners Knocking: Isaiah Harris Lewiston, Jesse Southard Gorham, Bryce Murdick Falmouth, Robert Looker Ellsworth, Mohamed Awil Lewiston, Brayden Beardsley Ellsworth, Colin Tardiff Scarborough, Peter Doane Cape Elizabeth, Jon Stanhope Bangor, Chris Cote Waterville

Boys Individual Rankings Week 5

1. Josef Holt Andrews Telstar

Pre: 2 Meet: FOC Place: 1st Time: 15:06.92
Holt Andrews reclaims the number one position after his legendary performance at the Festival of Champions as he ran a course record time of 15:06.92. Look for him to continue to roll as the post season comes along.

2. Dan Curts Ellsworth

Pre: 1 Meet: FOC Place: DNF Time: DNF
Hamstring issues caused Dan Curts to drop out midway through the race. Hopefully it's nothing major as the post season comes along. He is still the heavy favorite to defend his Class B championship.

3. Aaron Willingham Mt. Blue

Pre: 4 Meet: FOC Place: 2nd Time: 15:42.11
Willingham just nipped Kelton Cullenberg's school record of 15:44 on Saturday to run 15:42.11. He was second overall. Look for him to run a fast time on his home course at the Mt. Blue Relays on Friday.

4. Josh Horne Mt. Blue
Pre: 10 Meet: FOC Place: 3rd Time: 15:54.21
Horne was the second Mt. Blue runner to clock in under 16 minutes on Saturday as he placed third overall. Look for him to challenge his teammate Willingham at the Mt. Blue Relays on Friday.

5. Liam Simpson Cape Elizabeth
Pre: 7 Meet: FOC Place: 5th Time: 16:00.08
Simpson was less than a second away from break the elusive 16 minute barrier as he placed fifth. He was the first Class B finisher. Look for Simspon to run a fast time a Kennebunk on Friday.

6. Ben Decker Yarmouth
Pre: 3 Meet: N/A Place: N/A Time: N/A
Due to his soccer schedule, Decker was unable to make the Festival of Champions. Hopefully we will see him run again this year. Despite this, he is still one of the favorites in Class B no matter what.

7. Will Shafer GNG
Pre: 5 Meet: FOC Place: 6th Time: 16:07.91
Shafer had his first real competition on Saturday and didn't disappoint as he placed sixth running a personal best of 16:07.91. Look for him to run a fast time at Greely on Friday.

8. Ben Trapani Camden Hills
Pre: 6 Meet: FOC Place: 7th Time: 16:20.81
Trapani was the third KVAC runner to cross the line on Saturday as he ran a life time best of 16:20.81. Look for him to challenge the dynamic duo of Mt. Blue on Friday when Camden heads to the Mt. Blue Relays.

9. Ryan Cadorette Thornton Academy
Pre: 9 Meet: Dogs Day Invitational Place: 1st Time: 16:00
Cadorette cruised to an easy win on his home course as he ran  a fast time of 16:00. Thornton heads to Gorham on Friday where Cadorette will face off against Jesse Southard.

10. Isaiah Harris Lewiston
Pre: UR Meet: FOC Place: 8th Time: 16:21.70
Harris always seems to run great in big meets, and he proved it once again as he placed tenth overall running a lifetime best of 16:21.70. Look for Harris to challenge for a top three finish at the Mt. Blue Relays.

Runner of the Week: Josef Holt Andrews

Runners Knocking: Braden Becker Yarmouth, Bryce Murdick Falmouth, Robert Looker Ellsworth, Mohamed Awil Lewiston, Brayden Beardsley Ellsworth, Colin Tardiff Scarborough, Peter Doane Cape Elizabeth, Jon Stanhope Bangor, Chris Cote Waterville

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 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