Orono girls goes 1-2-3, George Stevens takes boys title in Class C
Interviews: Orono 1-2-3 | John Hassett | Tucker Pierce
The Orono girls lived up to expectations as the Red Riots went 1-2-3, and had 5 of the first 11 finishers as they scored 24 points to win their 3rd consecutive Class C State title.
"We talked about how it would be cool to finish 1-2-3 as we had done many times this season." Runner-up Hannah Steelman commented.
Right from the gun it was obvious Orono was going to control things the way they have all year long, and a new course wasn't going to stop them as they seized control of the race.
Leading the way was Tia Tardy, who transferred from Mattanawcook Academy before the season started, the junior won her first individual xc title as she crossed the finish line in 19:43.81 to finish 15 seconds in front of 2014 individual champion Hannah Steelman
Tardy who came into the race looking to run under 19 minutes didn't meet her goal. "I think the hills were what got to me the most." she said post race.
"We were actually on pace for the first mile." the runner-up Steelman said. "That set us up for a great race."
The course soften throughout the day as the heavy rain on Wednesday night made the fields soggy, which slowed the track down as the day progressed
"The course was a slick in most of the corners, you had to be careful." Third place finisher Kassidy Dill commented.
With Tardy & Steelman across the line under 20 minutes next came Kassidy Dill in 20:17. Southern Regional champion Faith Blethen of Boothbay was next as the freshman secured a 4th place finish.
Rounding out the top 5 was Eliza Broughton of George Stevens Academy, she clocked a 20:45.49.
Orono with 6 points through 3 runners was well on their way to the team title, sealed the deal with a 9th place finish from senior Olivia Fandel, and freshman Camille Kohtala in 11th.
The bad news for the rest of Class C is 4 of the top 5 are back for the Red Riots next year, they'll enter 2016 as the favorites for a 4 peat.
George Stevens Academy was the runner-up with 51 points.
On a sad note, Waynflete learned after they race that sophomore Payton Sullivan, who ran as their 5th runner at last week's Southern Maine Regional had taken her life on Friday evening. Our thought and prayers are with her family, and Waynflete community.