XC Countdown 2024: Sam Laverdiere (Lake Region High School)

2024 Maine XC Preview

Sep 13, 2024

#1 Sam Laverdiere Lake Region

Class of 2025

2023 Results

Class B State Champion (15:52.36)
Class B Southern Regional Champion (16:29.36)
WMC Runner-up (16:50)
Festival of Champions 6th place (15:45.32)
New England Championship 35th place (16:14.77)
Footlocker Northeast 45th place (16:25)

Laverdiere is coming off a season that saw him win the Class B XC state title. He'll be looking to repeat come November. Look for him to get off to a slower start than usual as he broke his collarbone at the end of the summer, but if he stays healthy he should be stronger during the championship season. Sam won the Class B indoor 2-mile title and was second in the mile, outdoor he won the 3200m and was second in the 1600m. During the outdoor season, he ran 4:19.72 for 1600m and 9:28.91 for the 3200m. Look for everyone to be chasing Laverdiere this fall.

Getting to Know Sam

How has your summer training gone? Approximately how many miles have you logged?

Summer training was going well late into July until I broke my collarbone. After that, I took some time to recover from surgery and then I have been going after it on weight lifting and cross-training. Honestly, I have zero clue how many miles I've logged as I've been more focused on time of activity than distance.

What are you looking forward to during the 2024 XC season?

Because of my new predicament, I am looking forward to seeing the impact of cross-training throughout the season and being fresh for the races that count. I also look forward to big meets where I can use my experience to improve in championship and post-season settings.

What are your goals for the season?

In a perfect world, go undefeated in Maine and make sure I have no regrets. Specifically, though, I want to break the 15-minute barrier and set my self up for a successful post-season (New Englands, Footlocker).

Biggest takeaway from the 2023 XC Season?

I have quite a bit. First is to realize that a bad first race doesn't define your season. Second, taking calculated risks are sometimes necessary and are a fact of racing. Third, this season taught me what it truly means to take the momentum from a prior race and apply it to the next. I unfortunately learned the hard way when not taking this seriously.

What's the best piece of advice you've gained from your coaches?

When stepping to the line, just learn to live in the moment and understand you've done everything to have the best race possible

Favorite XC Course?

Twin Brook, I think it truly represents what a championship XC course should be like.

Starbucks, Aroma Joe's or Dunkin?

I don't drink a lot of coffee but those Dunkin refreshers are amazing

What spikes do you race in?

Nike Dragonfly XC

Favorite pre-race meal?

I like to have variety but I consistently have a shake in the morning.

What was your favorite moment from the Olympics?

Cole Hocker was definitely one of them but Sifan Hassan managing to win the Olympic gold in the marathon while beating the world record holder after racing 2 other Olympic finals is just otherworldly.