Eastern Maine Class B Boys XC Preview

Derek Veilleux

 

With the 2008 XC season nearly upon us, it is time to look at the contenders for both team and individual glory this fall in the Eastern Maine Class B. The season is sure to provide XC fans in Maine with the opportunity to watch several top notch athletes chase their dream of a state title come late November. The battle for the team title this fall is also sure to be close with several of the top teams from last fall returning key members of their squads. Caribou & Medomak Valley return a majority of their squads, both teams were top 3 last fall, add in a young MDI squad and things could get interesting. Who will be victorious? Who will emerge? Who will surprise?

Teams

Caribou: No surprise here as the Vikings are a perennial threat year in and year out, since 1993 the Vikings have been a top 4 team in the Eastern Regional, easily qualifying for states each year. This year looks to be no different. Caribou returns 5 runners from a team that finished 3rd a year ago at the Eastern Regional and then an impressive 2nd at the State Meet. The top returner for the Vikings is Jesse Stephens (Sr. 10th in 2007); the supporting cast behind him includes Timothy Freme (Jr. 22nd in 2007), Stephen Melbourne (Sr. 25th in 2007), Christian Sleeper (So. 36th in 2007) & Finn Bonderson (Jr. 42nd in 2007).