What are you looking forward to this cross country season

With the season in Maine officially starting on Monday, we asked the running community what they are excited about looking toward this fall's season.  Here is what they said...

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Patrick Horan, Brunswick Athlete

“Finally having a chance to do something great, having a chance to shine now that the class of 2010 is gone.”

Henry Briggs, Falmouth Athlete

“I am looking forward to the race for the state championship between Falmouth and Greely, I think that’s going to be fun to watch and be a part of.”

Chris Dunn, Kennebunk Athlete

“Probably seeing the results of the good base I have built up this summer, and competing with cheverus on a more even level”

Meaghan Collier, Messalonskee Athlete

“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone that I ran against and running the Laliberte relays and Festival of Champions”

Katie McMahon, Brunswick Athlete

“I think I'm most looking forward to seeing how well our team does.  It looks like we have a great opportunity this season to improve on what we've done the past two years, and I think that if we work hard at it we can be really great.”

Eben Hodgkins, Erskine Academy Athlete

“Well, this year our team looks to be stronger overall despite the loss of Sam Seekins; so I am looking forward to seeing us fight for a chance to qualify for the state meet.”

Will Geoghegan, Dartmouth College Freshman  

“I'm excited to see what I can do after stepping up my training, but the number goal is just getting through the season healthy.”

Nicole Court-Menedez, Lewiston Athlete

“Getting back on the trails and seeing how much better i have gotten since last year.”

Rob Gomez, Biddeford XC Coach and one of the top runner on the roads in Maine

“On the whole, I think the team is looking to build upon the foundations we built last year. With a first year coach and a lot of younger runners, the program was in a bit of a transition or 'rebuilding' period. This year I believe our squad is poised to make a leap forward. Everyone is a year older, a year more experienced, a year more familiar with each other, a year hungrier. That goes for me as well.  Personally, I'm just excited to see the progression of the athletes on our team. They enjoy coming out to practice and running for the team and so it makes my job coaching them and putting together a training plan for them that much more challenging but also that much more rewarding and enjoyable.

Erica Reaser, Thornton Academy Athlete

“To the indoor track season that follows...just kidding! I'm eagerly looking forward to my team's and other athletes progression. We've all had our share of hard work throughout these past few years and it will be utterly exciting to see the final outcome!”

Matt McClintok, Madison Athlete

“The state championship meet, and a rematch with Chase Brown after he beat me at the Beach to  Beacon.”

Nick Morris, Scarborough Athlete

“All of the invitational meets are really competitive and give us a chance to see teams that we wouldn't usually compete against. Those and states because everyone has worked their whole season for that one race and cutting this stupid hair.”

Will Lundquist, Cony Athlete

“I would have to say actually winning races and being able to shine, instead of being behind Luke Fontaine. I also feel like I can put together a pretty good 5k now, as compared to last year where I felt terrible the whole time.”

Craig Robinson, Bentley College

“I am most looking forward to be able to contribute to the team. Last year I had an injury during XC that really slowed me down. This year I got in a lot of miles over the summer and I’m ready to improve.”

Luke Fontaine, Univeristy of Miami

“I’m  looking forward to taking the next step into my running career. I know that big things may not come this year but upcoming years are looking good. I'm looking forward to traveling every weekend to different site such as Gainsville, Kentucky, Indiana and our conference meet in Boston.”