Boys Class B Distance Preview

Bruce Bickford's two mile record could potentially be in jeopardy tomorrow as Dan Curts of Ellsworth looks to run a fast time.

800

Record: Kevin Floster Lake Region 1:56.12 2005

Will Shafer of Gray New Gloucester is the overwhelming favorite to take the 800 title tomorrow. The switch from basketball to indoor track has paid massive dividens as he comes in with the fastest time of all classes (1:57.76). Shafer should have an outside shot at chasing down Kevin Floster’s record. The only way for him not to is if he decides to hold his energy to run a very fast mile. The race for second should be exciting to watch as well. Ben Trapani of Camden Hills has run 2:02.49 this winter, and should be one of the favorites for the runner up. Don’t count out Robert Looker of Ellsworth. Looker has had a brilliant year of running, and he’s a big time racer. Expect him to be in the mix. Other runners to watch for will be Jared Schrader of Fryeburg, Ralph Magnani of MDI and Will Britton of Cape Elizabeth.

Mile

Record: Louie Luchini Ellsworth 4:19.76 1998

Louie Luchini’s mile record will be in serious jeopardy tomorrow as Will Shafer comes into the meet with the second fastest time in the state running 4:18.22. Shafer has been one of the top milers in New England this winter, and will hope to run a very fast time in order to get into a fast heat at the New England Championships. Last week, Shafer dominated the WMC Championships as he won both the mile and the 2 mile running 4:18 and 9:41 respectively. There should be a duel between Ben Trapani of Camden Hills and Chris Cote of Waterville for the runner up tomorrow. Trapani edged Cote at the KVAC Championships last weekend as he ran 4:32.05 to Cote’s 4:33.65. Cote will be out for revenge, so expect this duel to get heated. Other runners to watch for will be Chandler Vincent of Freeport, Ben Garcia of Gray New Gloucester and TJ Rose of Fryeburg.

2 Mile

Record: Bruce Bickford Lawrence 9:15.5 1975

The two mile will be the deepest event of all the distance races as there are six runners who have run 10:00 or faster. Dan Curts of Ellsworth is the odds on favorite to win tomorrow. He comes in with the fastest time in the state in 9:27.41 which he ran at the EMITL Championship’s last weekend. With the two mile being the focus tomorrow, look for Curts to potentially break Bickford’s long standing record. Curts has a lifetime personal record of 9:19 in the two mile, and with his recent performances Curts looks poised to go after the record. The race for second will be intriguing to watch as a pair of Cape Elizabeth teammates—Liam Simpson and Mitch Morris—will likely run shoulder to shoulder against Ben Decker of Yarmouth. The Cape teammates got the better of Decker last week at the WMC Championships as Simpson and Morris placed second and third respectively. Other runners to watch tomorrow will be Matt Malcom of NYA, Chris Cote of Waterville and Kyle Kennedy of Cape Elizabeth.

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 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