The Class B state meet for boys will take place next Wednesday, November 11 at Saxl Park in Bangor. With the State of Maine latest updates to the Community Sports guidelines, all athletes will be required to wear a mask when competing which is an interesting twist to an already unique season. The competition is expected to tight with a handful of athletes with a chance to take home the state title. Below we highlight five athletes we think you should keep an eye on based on how they have performed this fall.
State meet XC Hub
Sam Wilson (Greely)
2019 State Meet Finish: 5th place
2020 Best 5k: 16:26.34
Wilson has had a great senior season winning all five races he has run in. Last time out he clocked a seasonal best 16:26.34 to win the WMC Class B title turning back a strong effort from Martin Horne. Sam currently ranks MileSplit Watchlist #8. He finished fifth in the state meet last week helping his team to the title. He's made it clear his goal is to win on Wednesday and also help his team to a repeat win.
Wilson's Outlook: "My goal is to get first, and I think I can, but I know that Martin is going to go hard for it, and it's going to be a close race between the top four or five runners."
Duplissie is undefeated on the season winning six races so far in 2020. Jordan has been consistently running every 5k under 17 minutes including a best of 16:20.70 this fall. Last time out he won the PVC Class B title on the state meet course at Saxl Park. A year ago he finished 9th and is certain to contend for the win this year.
Martin Horne (Freeport)
2019 State Meet Finish: 65th place
2020 Best 5k: 16:25.76
Horne hasn't raced much this fall so his legs have plenty of run left in them. Martin has won two races this fall and has a seasonal best of 16:25.76. Last time out he raced Sam Wilson to the line as he finished less than a second out of first with his runner-up finish. Expect Horne to challenge for the win on Wednesday.
Ponce Saltysiak (MDI)
2019 State Meet Finish: 13th place
2020 Best 5k: 16:42.47
Saltysiak has had a strong senior season that has seen him win three races. Ponce finished as the runner-up to Jordan Duplissie in the PVC Class B meet last week, his only loss to Class B competition this fall. Expect Saltysiak to be in the lead pack with a shot to win, and improve on his 13th place finish from a year ago.
Joshua Way (Waterville)
2019 State Meet Finish: DNR
2020 Best 5k: 17:14.01
Way will be running in his first state meet but don't expect that to stop him from being a top contender. Joshua is undefeated on the season with five meet wins under his belt. Last time out he ran away with the KVAC Class B title running his fastest time of the season of 17:14.01 on the Quarry Road Trails.