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.

The David Cheney Award

(Previously the Jack Kelly Award)
Previous Winners
2012: Dan Curts Ellsworth
2011: Matt McClintock Madison
2010: Silas Eastman Fryeburg


The David Cheney Award is given annually to the top male runner in the state.

Words can not describe how great of a person, friend and brother Dave Cheney was. His life was cut short on November 16, 2012 in a plane accident in Owls Head, Maine. He was a person who could make you laugh until you're in tears. He was a person that you could depend on. He accomplished more in 22 years than many will in their lifetime. As great of a person he was, he may have been an even better leader. As the president of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at the University of Maine, he worked daily to better the efforts of everyone around him. He was the ultimate "people person". He was never afraid to say what he thought even if it came off as offensive. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest people I've ever met in my life. 



Josef Holt Telstar

SB: 15:06.92
Holt had a season for the ages this fall, and he isn't done yet. Right from the start of the season, we could tell he was a man on a mission. His lone loss of the regular season came at the Manchester Invitational where he placed second to Dan Curts running a spectacular time of 15:27, just four seconds behind Curts. He followed up that performance with one of the most legendary displays of running Maine has ever seen as he smoked the course record at Belfast running 15:06.92. He cruised at the Class C state meet as he ran 17:00.87. Last week at the New England Championships, Holt placed third running an amazing time of 15:12.9 at Derryfield Park in Manchester setting a new Maine record for fastest time on that course (Ben True ran 15:17 his senior year). Holt is favored to get a spot in the top ten at Footlocker Northeast, and make a bid at All-American at Nationals. 


2. Dan Curts Ellsworth
SB: 15:23
Before his hamstring injury, Curts (not Holt) was the top runner in the state. After weeks of rehabbing his injury, he clocked the fastest time of all classes at the state meet in 16:09.22. If he's healthy, expect Curts to challenge for a top ten finish at Footlocker Northeast.

3. Josh Horne Mt. Blue
SB: 15:54.21
Horne captured his first individual state title this year at Twinbrooks running a time of 16:43.79. He won the Eastern A Regional title at Belfast running 16:12.94. Look for Horne to run some fast times on the track this year. 

4. Liam Simpson Cape Elizabeth
SB: 15:45.1
Simspon was the top runner in the WMC this year as we saw him place second at the state meet running a fast time of 16:19. He just missed running sub 16 at Festival of Champions clocking 16:00.08. However, at New Englands, Simspon had a spectacular performance as he placed 8th running a life time best of 15:45.1

5. Will Shafer Gray New Gloucester
SB: 15:53.6
This was a tough decision between Shafer, Brayden Beardsley and Isaiah Harris. At the end of the day, Shafer had a better body of work this season. He placed fourth in Class B running a time of 16:32.00. At the New England Championships, Shafer placed 17th running a life time best of 15:53.6. Expect him to run some really fast times on the track this year. 

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 9

1. Josef Holt Andrews Telstar

Pre: 1 Meet: States Place: 1st Class C Time: 17:00.87
Holt-Andrews won his elusive first state title as he took it easy running a time of 17:00.87. His real season starts now as he looks to win the New England title and move towards clinching a spot at Footlocker Nationals.

2. Dan Curts Ellsworth

Pre: 2 Meet: States Place: 1st Class B Time: 16:09.22
Curts pulled away from Liam Simpson on Saturday as he cruised to the fastest time of all classes running 16:09.22. Rumor has it he may not run at New Englands in order to prepare for Footlocker Regionals. If he chooses to race, expect him to challenge Holt-Andrews this Saturday.

3. Josh Horne Mt. Blue

Pre: 3 Meet: States Place: 1st Class A Time: 16:43.79
Horne took the lead at the first mile and didn't look back as he went out in style winning the Class A state title his senior year. Look for Horne to challenge for a top ten finish at the New England Championships on Saturday.

4. Liam Simspon Cape Elizabeth
Pre: 4 Meet: States Place: 2nd Class B Time: 16:19.45
Simpson placed second to Dan Curts as he ran the second fastest time of all classes stopping the clock at 16:19.45. Look for Simspon to challenge for a top ten finish at New Englands.

5. Brayden Beardsley Ellsworth
Pre: 8 Meet: States Place: 3rd Class B Time: 16:26.79
Beardsley capped off a brilliant senior season on Saturday as he placed third running a fast time of 16:26.79. A top 25 finish at New Englands would be the icing on the cake for him.

6. Will Shafer GNG
Pre: 5 Meet: States Place: 4th Class B Time: 16:32.00
Shafer placed fourth in Class B as he ran a fast time of 16:32 lowering his personal best at Twin Brooks. Look for him to challenge for a top 25 finish at New Englands.

7. Peter Doane Cape Elizabeth
Pre: 10 Meet: States Place: 5th Class B Time: 16:37.64
Doane continued his late season surge as he placed fifth in Class B running a fast time of 16:37.64. A top 25 performance at New Englands could be in store for Doane as he hopes to lead Cape to a top finish.

8. Isaiah Harris Lewiston
Pre: UR Meet: States Place: 2nd Class A Time: 17:01.27
Harris used his excellent track speed to out kicked Caleb Lord of Hampden for the runner up spot in Class A as he posted a time of 17:01.27. Look for Harris to challenge for a top 30 finish at New Englands.

9. Ben Decker Yarmouth
Pre: UR Meet: States Place: 6th Class B Time: 16:54.28
Decker had a very impressive sixth place showing considering the fact he hasn't been running much due to his soccer schedule. If Yarmouth beats Greely this Wednesday, Decker won't likely race on Saturday.

10. Caleb Lord Hampden Academy
Pre: UR Meet: States Place: 3rd Class A Time: 17:01.93
Lord placed third in Class A as he was out kicked by Isaiah Harris. He ran a very solid time of 17:01.93. Look for Lord to challenge for a top 40 finish at New Englands.

Runner of the Week: Dan Curts Ellsworth

Runners Knocking: Robert Looker Ellsworth, Mitch Morris Cape, Mohamed Awil Lewiston, Chris Cote Waterville, Chandler Vincent Freeport, Jonathan Stanhope Bangor, ben Trapani Camden Hills

Boys Individual Rankings Week 8

1. Josef Holt-Andrews Telstar

Pre: 1 Meet: WMR Class C Place: 1st Time: 15:54.75
Holt-Andrews never made a sub 16 performance look so easy like he did on Saturday as he cruised to the fastest time of the day running 15:54.75. A state title is definitely in the works for him, but I'm sure he'd also like to have the course record at Twin Brooks as well. 

2. Dan Curts Ellsworth

Pre: 2 Meet: EMR Class B Place: 1st Time: 16:00.95
Curts looked like he had no ill-effects from his time off as he cruised to a time of 16:00.95 at the Eastern B regional. Curts looks poised to win another state title as well as a sub 16 performance this weekend.

3. Josh Horne Mt. Blue

Pre: 3 Meet: EMR Class A Place: 1st Time: 16:12.94
Horne outdistanced himself from Jonathan Stanhope of Bangor as he ran the third fastest time of the day winning the Eatern A regional in a time of 16:12.94. He's the favorite to win his first Class A state title on Saturday.

4. Liam Simpson Cape Elizabeth
Pre: 6 Meet: WMR Class B Place: 1st Time: 16:15.92
Simspon pulled away from Will Shafer to run an impressive time of 16:15.92 on the historically tough Twin Brooks course. With Curts likely to set a fast pace, look for Simpson to bring his time down to the low 16's depending on the weather.

5. Will Shafer GNG
Pre: 5 Meet: WMR Class B Place: 2nd Time: 16:36.93
Shafer was the runner up at the Western B regional as he ran a lifetime best at Twin Brooks by over a minute. Shafer will be out for revenge against Simpson in what could be an epic battle for second place in Class B on Saturday.

6. Ryan Cadorette Thornton Academy
Pre: 7 Meet: WMR Class A Place: 1st Time: 17:00.60
Here's an interesting fact: besides Holt-Andrews, Ryan Cadorette is the only other runner in the state who is undefeated thus far. He showed why he is a huge threat to win the Class A title as he pulled away from the field to come out with a three second victory over Colin Tardiff of Scarborough. 

7. Aaron Willingham Mt. Blue
Pre: 4 Meet: EMR Class A Place: 14th Time: 16:59.43
Willingham had a rare off day on Saturday as he placed 14th running a time of 16:59.43. Expect Willingham to bounce back and challenge for the state title in Class A. 

8. Brayden Beardsley Ellsworth
Pre: UR Meet: EMR Class B Place: 2nd Time: 16:03.29
Beardsley cracks into the top ten after having the race of his life on Saturday as he placed second to teammate Dan Curts running a spectacular time of 16:03.29. His time was the second fastest of all classes. Look for him to challenge for a top five finish on Saturday.

9. Jonathan Stanhope Bangor
Pre: UR Meet: EMR Class A Place: 2nd Time: 16:19.21
Stanhope ran his best race of the season on Saturday as he clocked in the fourth fastest time of all classes running a time of 16:19.21. Look for Stanhope to contend for a top five finish this Saturday.

10. Peter Doane Cape Elizabeth
Pre: UR Meet: WMR Class B Place: 3rd Time: 16:37.87
Doane's emergence this post season has been truly amazing to watch. His confidence seems to be sky high after his third place finish at Twin Brooks as he ran a fast time of 16:37.87. Look for him to keep this momentum going as he hopes to challenge for a top five finish this Saturday.

Runner of the Week: Brayden Beardsley Ellsworth

Runners Knocking: Ben Decker Yarmouth, Braden Becker Yarmouth, Colin Tardiff Scarborough, Ben Trapani Camden Hills, Michael Aboud Massabesic, Matt Malcom NYA, Ben Allen Winthrop, Jesse Southard Gorham, Isaiah Harris Lewiston, 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

The Cory and Shawn Award

The Cory and Shawn Award is given annually to the top male duo in the state

 

Cory: Shawn, I refuse to believe anything from those idiotic supermarket tabloids.

Shawn Hunter: It's the New York Times, baby.

Cory: The New York Times trailer park edition.

Shawn Hunter: It's exactly the same thing, except you can eat it.

 

 

 

And the winner is….

 

Liam Simpson and Peter Doane Cape Elizabeth

It’s always a luxury to have two of the top runners in you Class on the same team. That is what Cape Elizabeth had this year with Liam Simpson and Peter Doane. These two runners switched off numerous times throughout the season, and pushed each other to greatness which led to Cape’s first state title since 2005. Both Simpson and Doane continued to step up their game once the post season rolled around. It was Doane who led the way for Cape at the Western Maine Regional Championships with his third place finish running a time of 17:28.20, and right on his heels was Simpson placing fourth running a time of 17:31.31. They flip flopped at the state meet with Simpson placing fifth running 16:55.42 and Doane following closely with a ninth place finish running 17:03.29. These two studs will be back next year, and will lead a loaded Cape Elizabeth team looking for a second straight title.

2. Josh Horne and Justin Tracy Mt. Blue

3. Sam Wood and Nathan MacKenzie Mt. Ararat

4. Dan Curts and Robert Looker Ellsworth

5. Caleb Lord and Nick Kopf Hampden Academy

The Matt Saracen Award

The Matt Saracen Award is given annually to the most improved male runner in the state

You don't have to worry about me, in a fight I just kinda stand in the back and just yell stuff.

Previous Winners

2011: Benson Worthington Brunswick

2010: Harlow Ladd Messalonskee

 

And the winner is….

 

Josh Horne Mt. Blue

Last fall, Josh Horne placed 46^th at the Eastern Maine Regional Championships, and failed to qualify for the state meet. Fast forward a year late, and Horne took the state by storm, and concluded his spectacular season with a 4^th place finish at Class A state meet running a time of 16:47.89. It was believed that Mt. Blue would be led by veterans Justin Tracy and Sully Jackson this fall, but Horne surprised everybody and showed what he is capable of. His breakout race came at the Festival of Champions where he placed 15^th running a time of 16:47.97. From then on, Horne established himself as one of the best runners in the KVAC during the post season. He is the top returner for next fall, and will be the favorite to win the Class A title.

2. Ben Trapani Camden Hills SB: 16:36.12

3. Robert Looker Ellsworth SB: 16:50.00

4. Mohamed Mohamed Lewiston SB: 16:48.57

5. Liam Simpson Cape Elizabeth SB: 16:41.26