#10 Ben Prestes (Portland High School)
Class of 2024
2022 Results
- Class A State meet 31st - 18:10.04
- Class A Southern Regional 6th - 17:36.08
- Festival of Champions 26th - 16:58.07
- Southern Maine Classic 7th - 16:35.20
- New England Championship 208th - 18:33.60
Prestes was one of the top runners for the Bulldogs last fall that saw them saw them finish as the runner-ups in Class A. While the season didn't end how he wanted Prestes made some huge improvements that saw him go from 36th in the Southern Regional to 6th, and from 78th at the states up to 31st a year ago. On the track, Prestes was 4th in the 800m at the Class A state meet indoors. He clocked a personal best in the 800 of 1:57.94 during the season, while also running 4:29.66 for the mile. During the outdoor season, he was once again 4th in the 800m at states and ran on Portland's 4x800 which clocked the fifth-best time in state history at New Balance Nationals. Prestes is ready for big senior season with the lessons he learned from a year ago and more focused training this summer.
Getting to Know Ben
How has your summer training gone? Approximately how many miles have you logged?
Summer training has gone really well. Put in around 216 miles before the pre-season.
What are you looking forward to during the 2023 XC season?
I'm excited to see how far I can help to take the team with the improvements I've made.
What are your goals for the season?
My goals are to break 16 and to be a contender at the state meet so I can help lead my team to a state title
The biggest takeaway from the 2022 XC Season?
Not every race will go as planned but you have to be able to move past it
How do you stay motivated when you don't want to go for a run?
You can't possibly be motivated for every single run so it's more about discipline and recognizing the end goal and that the work you do now will pay off later.
Favorite XC Course?
Twin Brook because it's taught me the most about my running and has shown me both highs and lows.
Favorite Ice cream flavor?
Vanilla, unfortunately.
What brand of shoe do you train in?
Either Nike or Saucony.
Favorite pre-race snack?
Kind almond butter clusters granola
What was your song of the summer?
Anything off Fearless by Taylor Swift.
