2008 Maine XC season preview

 

Over the next two weeks we will have previews of the upcoming fall XC season in Maine. We will preview both Eastern/Western Maine Boys & Girls teams and top returning athletes. Hear is a brief look at the top teams and individuals.

In Class A Boys, the defending champion Lewiston Blue Devils will look to retain the title they won last fall, in doing so they became only the second team from Eastern Maine to win a Class A Boys state championship. One thing is for sure the competition will be intense as Cheverus & Scarborough from the west return very strong teams. Individually Jason Kaake (Jr. Morse), Will Geohegan (Jr. Brunswick) & Kelton Cullenberg (Jr. Mt. Blue) are the top returners from last year. Hopefully the Class A Girls title will be won without controversy this year, Massabesic had won the grueling battle at last year's state meet, only then to have two girls DQ'd for touching hands before they crossed the finish line. The outcome angered and upset many, and as a result the Brunswick Dragons walked away with the title. This year there is no clear cut favorite heading into the season and several of the top teams from last year return key members of their squads. Look for strong seasons from McAuley, Scarborough, Cheverus & Massabesic in the West. In the East, Brunswick & Brewer look to be the top teams. Individually, Amelia Lundkvist (Jr. Cheverus)& Lauren Dudley (Jr. Bonny Eagle) are the top two returners unless last year's surprise state champion Silver Hunt (Jr. Mt. Blue) decides to run this year. The influx of freshman talent may have something to say as well Abby Leonardi (Fr. Kennebunk) & Emily Durgin (Fr. Bonny Eagle) are two of the top incoming runners.

The run for the Class B Boys title this fall looks to be battle, with defending champion Greely Rangers in the mix along with fellow Western Maine foes, Cape Elizabeth. From the East watch out for the Caribou Vikings & Medomak Valley both squads return large numbers from last year 2nd and 3rd place teams. Matt Rand (Sr. Cape Elizabeth) is the top returner from last year and is the early pre-season favorite. James LePage (Sr. Greely) also figures to be on of the top individuals. On the girls side from Class B defending champion Cape Elizabeth has a chance to be one of the top girl’s teams in New England as they return their top 6. MDI, York & Freeport all look to have strong squads as well. The chase for the individual title could also go to Cape Elizabeth, as Marita Stressenger (Sr. Cape Elizabeth) is the top returner and had an outstanding track season. Heather Spurling (Sr. MDI) & Emily Atwood (Jr. Cape Elizabeth) also figure to contend.

On to Class C, where the defending champion Winthrop Ramblers despite losing there top 2 guys still figure to be in the mix along with Hall-Dale, Monmouth, Lisbon, & Foxcroft Academy. The individual champion will look to repeat his win in 2007, Wade Davis (Sr. Hall-Dale) is the top returner and defending state champion. He should be pushed by Graham Pearsall (Jr. Foxcroft Academy). On the girl’s side, Waynflete the defending champion, along with last years runner-up Mattanawcook look to be the top returning teams. Like the boys, the individual champion from 2007 returns, Adele Espy (Sr. Waynflete), she is the pre-season favorite to repeat.

Preview Schedule

Eastern Maine Class A Boys ---- Monday, August 11th

Western Maine Class A Boys ---- Tuesday, August 12th

Eastern Maine Class B Boys ----- Wednesday, August 13th

Western Maine Class B Boys ----- Thursday, August 14th

Eastern Maine Class C Boys ------ Friday, August 15th

Western Maine Class C Boys ------ Saturday, August 16th

Eastern Maine Class A Girls ------- Monday, August 18th

Western Maine Class A Girls ---- Tuesday, August 19th

Eastern Maine Class B Girls ----- Wednesday, August 20th

Western Maine Class B Girls ----- Thursday, August 21st

Eastern Maine Class C Girls ------ Friday, August 22nd

Western Maine Class C Girls ------ Saturday, August 23rd