XC Watchlist: Kassidy Dill Orono HS


XC Watchlist: Kassidy Dill

School: Orono HS

Year of Graduation: 2017

2015 State Meet Finish: 3rd in Class C 20:17.34



Tell us how your summer training is going?

My summer training has been more cross training this year, I've played a lot of basketball, done many swimming workouts, and spent time focusing on activities that were less impact on my legs, but the same level of intensity and training to keep in shape, mainly because I want to stay injury free. The time I have spent running has been a blast, from training with Hannah Steelman, to running the Beach to Beacon mile and 10k with some amazing running friends (shoutout to Katherine Leggat-Barr, Tia Tardy, Carolyn Todd, & Meg Alberding), and participating in the Slovenski XC camp.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

For this season, I'm looking to break the 19 minute barrier in the 5k.

Orono is the defending champions, what have you done to stay motivated this summer?

It is important to acknowledge that while we may have been the champions last year, it's a brand new season, and anything can happen..the scores are wiped clean and it's back to square one. Many teams have lost and gained new members, including ours. However, we continue to follow our same traditions and training methods, we spent many summer Tuesday's and Thursday's together on team runs, and helped keep each other motivated by most importantly having fun while working hard.

Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?

I hope to make it to New England's for a fourth and final year, and if that occurs, I believe the race is in Rhode Island, so yes!

What is your favorite course to run in Maine?

Twin Brook

What is the toughest course to run in Maine?

Ellsworth!

What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasis on to compete well at?

Festival of Champions, it's such a great opportunity to PR, it's highly competitive & there's so many fast runners!

What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career & favorite cross country memory?

My Sophomore year at states was definitely my favorite race, and my favorite memories exist in our annual team hikes and team dinners. The time spent with my team not running is when I get to learn the most about them, and that's a really special opportunity, because they're all such amazing people.

When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?

Play basketball

Favorite quote?

Before every race, I write "No Excuses" on my wrist..it's more of a montra than a quote, but it's a great reminder during the pain of a tough race. What shoes do you race/train in? I have trained in Brooks my entire life, this year they are the Brooks Ravenna 6's, and I really enjoy the Nike XC spikes for racing.

What was your favorite Olympic Moment in Rio?

Even though I wanted Allyson Felix to win the 400, I thought Shaunae Miller's finish was incredible, and the amount of effort she put into winning the race was insanely admirable.

What professional athlete would you most like to meet?

Last year I believe I said Jordan Hasay, however I recently got to meet her (dreams do come true!!), so I would now have to say Allyson Felix.


  • 800m - 2:28.59
  • 1600m - 5:38.39
  • 3200m - 12:03.83
  • 2.x Mile (xc) - 16:55.00
  • 3 Mile (xc) - 18:35.71
  • 5K (xc) - 19:21.83