Red Riot Invitational: Orono shows its depth
Photos & article provided courtesy of Paul Nantkes
The 4th Annual Riot Challenge was held Friday afternoon in Orono, Maine. 85 runners had their first taste of running in the cold rain this XC season. Machias Memorial High School, Searsport, Central, Dexter, Foxcroft Academy, Lee Academy, Jonesport-Beals and host Orono High School competed.
Gabe Piquette of Foxcroft Academy finished ahead of the field in the boys race with a time of 14:17.2 for the 2.5 mile course. Gavin McDonald and Jonathan Steelman both freshman from Orono High School finished 2nd and 3rd overall with a time of 14:32.1 and 14:41.5. Evan Merchant of Jonesport-Beals and Jacob Godfrey of Machias rounded out the top five. Orono High School won the meet finishing ahead of Foxcroft Academy 25-59. The Red Riots showed their depth by sitting out their varsity squad and still finished 2,3,5,6,9,10 and 14.
Orono's freshman star Camille Kohtala won the girls race finishing 7 seconds ahead of teammate Olivia Fandel with times of 16:45.8 and 16:52.4. Jen Clawson of Foxcroft Academy had a great kick at the end finishing 3rd with a time of 17:17.7. Lilianna Levitsky of Orono and Jenna Clukey of Foxcroft Academy rounded out the top 5 runners. Shelby Shea and Savanna Waite of Lee Academy had great runs finishing the 2.5 mile course 6th and 9th overall. Orono High School won the event finishing ahead of Foxcroft Academy 22-56.
After the races each year prior to the awards ceremony, an amazing dinner is provided to the runners, coaches and parents. Orono Coach Lin White came up with the idea a few years ago and it is always a big hit with the kids. The parents of the Orono XC team provide the home cooked meals. Coach White has coached for Orono High School for 14 years. His boys and girls teams are heavy favorites looking forward to PVC's, Regionals and State Championships later this month.