They arrived at the Twin Brook course in Cumberland as the favorites. The Scarborough High boys were not only expected to take first in the Southwest Classic, but be contenders for a state title later this month.

But at Twin Brook, Scarborough discovered it was not invincible. The Red Storm finished third, behind Gorham and Greely, and just a point ahead of Massabesic. Sure, the Scarborough team was slowed with a few ailments, colds and whatnot, but this was not expected.

Could the Red Storm recover?

“Sometimes,” Scarborough Coach Jim Harmon said, “a loss is just what you need.”

When the Red Storm showed up at the Tournament of Champions in Belfast last Saturday, Harmon saw a different team. Not only were they healthier, but there ready.

“They were psyched up,” Harmon said. “And everything went right.”

Scarborough bested a 55-team field to win and re-establish the Red Storm as state contenders, if not the outright favorite.

Scarborough got the expected push from its top runners – Nick Morris (sixth, 16:36.44); Tom Hague (12th, 16:51.67); Zach Brown (16th, 16:56.99) and Bobby Hall (31st, 17:17.80).

Junior Wout Moulin continues to improve as the No. 5 runner (71st, 18:07.26). Ian Morris ran 18:28.45; Mike Tudor ran 18:53.47.

“After Twin Brook, they needed that boost of confidence,” Harmon said. “The nice thing is that it came on the same course (as the state meet).

“Now, they just have to hold it together for four more weeks.”

Harmon laughed as he said it, knowing that nothing is so simple.

 

THE CHEVERUS GIRLS were expected to do well in Belfast, but their victory Saturday was overwhelming, with 74 points, 122 points ahead of second-place John Bapst. The junior duo of Emily Durgin (18:21.90) and Fiona Hendry finished second and fourth, and they were followed by two freshman teammates — Shannon Conley (seventh, 19:43.35) and Kiera Murray (17th, 20:27.27).

Maddie Woods was the Stags’ No. 5 runner (44th, 21:26.04), followed by Lizzie Gwilym (21:46.19) and Greta Niedermeyer (23:29.55).

 

JACK TERWILLIGER, the Cheverus No. 1 runner who was expected to be among the state’s best this year, sat out both the Southwest Classic and Festival of Champions. He is slowed by Iliotibal (IT) Band Syndrome, according to Stags Coach Kristen Barry, and his cross country season is in doubt.

“It’s pretty uncertain,” Barry said. “He’s taking two weeks off. We’re hoping.”

IT Band Syndrome is an inflammation of the band of tissues that run down the leg, especially around the knee area.

Barry said she suffered from the injury last year and was sidelined two months.

 

THE WESTERN MAINE Conference meet is Thursday at Falmouth Community Park. The boys varsity begins at 3:30 p.m., the girls at 4 p.m.

The Cape Elizabeth girls, three-time defending champions, are favored again. The Greely boys, also three-time defending champs, will receive a strong challenge from Falmouth.

The Yachtsmen’s Tim Follo was the top local boys runner in the Festival of Champions, finishing fifth (16:29.51).

 

BRANDON BONSEY, a three-time Maine Sunday Telegram All-State selection while running for Falmouth, is now an assistant coach at Syracuse University. Bonsey, who graduated from Falmouth in 2004, went on to Georgetown, where he was an All-Big East selection. After graduating from Georgetown last year, Bonsey served on the Hoyas’ coaching staff before joining conference rival Syracuse.

 

Staff Writer Kevin Thomas can be contacted at 791-6411 or at: kthomas@pressherald.com