Today: Andy Reifman-Packett (2012-Mt. Ararat HS), & Dan Curts (2014-Ellsworth HS)
Posted (9-1) Katie McMahon (2012-Brunswick) & Nick Morris (2012-Scarborough)
Posted (8-30) Emma Wood (2012-Mt. Ararat) & Tim Follo (2012-Falmouth, HS)
Posted (8-29) Shannon Conley (2014-Cheverus HS) & Chase Brown (2012-Boothbay HS)
Posted (8-26) Abby Mace (2012-Maranacook HS) & Silas Eastman (2013-Fryeburg Academy)
Posted (8-24) Emily Durgin (2012-Cheverus HS) & Matt McClintock (2012-Madison HS)
Daniel Curts
Ellsworth High School
2014
5k pr?
16:26 at the Eastern Maine Class B Championship at Belfast. 3 mile pr:16:19 at the Caribou invitational (Caribou)
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training has been pretty limited due to a bone tumor in my right knee and a broken toe. I attended Acadian Running Camp and ran there 3 days and since then have ran 3-4 times.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I have one goal for the 2011 X-C season and it is to break 16:00 over 5 kilometers.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running since 6th grade on the X-C and track teams at my school. And have loved it since. Making this my 5th year of running.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
The only out of state race I am currently considering competing in is the New England Championship. If I qualify of course.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
My favorite course in the state is Caribou's course.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
The hardest course in the state in my opinion will be Ellsworth's new X-C course.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite memory of X-C is going down to the Manchester Invitational in NH with my team. It was also my favorite race to run since there were so many spectators cheering you on.
Favorite cross country memory?
When not running my favorite thing to do is to just be outside whether its biking or hiking or swimming.
Favorite quote?
Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.-Vince Lombardi
Andy Reifman-Packett
Mt. Ararat High School
YOG: 2012
Best times for 5k?
5k(xc):16:28 2010 Class A State Meet
5k(road race) 16:16 Moxie Day 5k 2011
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training has been going well. I worked during the week so many of my runs took place early morning before the sun rose. I think I'm rather well prepared for the season but I won't really know until it actually starts.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goal for the season is to get close to 16 minutes, if not breaking 16 minutes. I'd love to be State Champion, but with Harlow hopefully being healthy, it could be a tough race to win.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since Kindergarten, we had a cross country team at my elementary school and I just kinda took off. I just kinda took to it. The reason I tried it in the first place was because my older brother was on the team and so my mom wanted us both in one place after school.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
I'm hoping to make it to New England’s, so I'll be out of state then. If I make it to States and New England’s and manage to stay injury free this year I'll definitely be making a return trip to Footlocker regionals
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
I'd say my absolute favorite course to run would be a tie between the Brunswick course and my own team’s course. I think I like my teams just a bit better though, it always seems to be the race where I really hit my stride and do well.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
I think the hardest course to run would probably be Maranacook. It's usually our first course of the season (not this year) and it's just really hilly. For a lot of kids it's their first 5k, and throwing in two huge hills just hurts badly.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
I think my favorite race would be last years State meet. I just had a really great meet, everything seemed to click for me, and the only downside was being outsprinted at the end.
Favorite cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memory is telling Nick Parsons that we got second at the state meet last year which meant we were going to New England’s. He flipped out and jumped and gave me a hug. It was pretty awesome.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
To be honest, when I'm not running I can often be found sitting at my computer gaming. It's definitely a hobby of mine. I do enjoy reading a lot too though.
Favorite quote?
"Somebody may beat me, but they are going to have to bleed to do it."
Katie McMahon
School: Brunswick HS
Year of Graduation: 2012
Best times in XC 5k?
19:11
Tell us how your summer training is going?
I'm happy with how my training is going so far this summer. Though illness kept me from training for a few weeks, I'm confident that I'll be able to make up for it during preseason. I know that running with my teammates will push me and make me a better runner.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
After struggling during track season, my goal for this cross country season is to at least get back to where I was last year, though I would love to better my 5K time.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since I was nine years old when my parents signed me up for a summer track program. I've been running track and cross country ever since.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
As of right now, my only out of state competitions will be the New England Championship, if I am able to qualify, and maybe the Footlocker Regional in November if my season goes well.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
I love my home course, because it's pretty fast, much of it is on trails through the woods, and there's a challenging hill at the end (hills are one of my strengths so it's the perfect way to end a race for me). It's also at a farm, which is kind of fun, too.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
I personally think that the toughest course my team runs is the one at Mt. Ararat high school (our rival school). After the first mile it gets pretty hilly through the woods, followed by more challenging hills of loose sand. One of the reasons that it is so challenging is that the first mile is deceivingly easy, so many people go out too fast considering how tough the last two miles are.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite race was New England’s last year (Thetford Academy), because honestly I was kind of intimidated by the course, but going out more slowly for once and using the hills to my advantage allowed me to make my way into the top 25. That was something I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to do.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When I'm not running I love to spend time with my friends and family. I read a lot, and I'm also pretty into baking (which becomes a problem when I'm training...).
Nick Morris
Scarborough High School
Year Of Graduation: 2012
Best Times:
5k - 16:25 @ 2010 State Meet, 3 Mile - 16:50 @ Westbrook
Tell us how your summer training is going?
The summer went well for me and my teammates. I worked to increase my mileage and cut down on doubles from last year have a great base of mileage to carry me through the tough workouts to the end of the season.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I want to improve my times over last year and help my team get a state championship. Defending my title would be nice, but personal improvement is first and foremost.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running in 5th grade through a summer recreation program. In middle school I did cross country since I was too small to do football and have been running ever since.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
The only out of state meet I plan to compete in is New England’s, provided that we make it. NXN and Foot Locker are great events, but I need to prepare for indoor track at that time.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
Belfast is definitely my favorite course. It's one of the fastest courses in the state and I really like the layout. The finish is always exciting because it's a short uphill followed by a finish chute that is packed with spectators.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
Vaughn Woods is the toughest course I have ever run on. In my 3 years, we have never been allowed to run all out on the course because it is extremely hilly and the trails are narrow and packed with roots. Not to mention the course record is in the mid 17 minute range.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite race was the 2010 State Meet. There is so much energy at the state meets and everyone has been working the whole season for that one race. I wasn't expected to do anything spectacular in the race, but I ran a patient race and it came down to a kick battle that I was lucky enough to win.
Favorite cross country memory?
Winning the individual title and team title in 2010. It wasn't my first state championship, but it was the first that I had really been a part of. As an individual, I had a great race, breaking my PR by 10 seconds. As a captain, it was great to see all of my teammates come through with great performances. Holding the trophy and knowing all the work that my teammates and I put into it made every mile worth it.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I'm content doing just about anything when I'm not running. Listening to music or playing it, video games, hanging out with my friends, eating, sleeping. Anything recovery makes me happy.
Favorite quote?
Pre has a ton of great quotes, but mine is from Bill Bowerman, "If someone says, 'Hey, I ran 100 miles this week. How far did you run?' ignore him! What difference does it make?... The magic is in the man, not the 100 miles."
Emma Wood
Mt. Ararat High School
Year of Graduation: 2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race and in which meet?
19:11 at Class A State Championships.
Tell us how your summer training is going?
This year my summer training has rough. I'm still recovering from double stress fractures in my shins which means that I haven't been able to run since May. I have been doing lots of base training on roller skis and with my road bike.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My first and most important goal for this season is to fully recover from my stress fractures and stay healthy! After that, I'd really like to be able to help bring my team to New Englands and improve from last year.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I got into running as a way to stay in shape for the Nordic season. I joined our XC team as a sophomore and found that I loved both the competitive running and the amazing team.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
no
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
Belfast
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
Maranacook
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
Mt. Blue Relays: It's an amazing race, a fun atmosphere, a great course and our girls team broke the course record.
Favorite cross country memory?
I'd have to say my favorite memory would be the cool down run after states last year with my team mates. We had just reached our dream of qualifying for New Englands and each one of us had PR'd.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Hands down, my favorite thing to do is Nordic skiing!
Favorite quote?
"Every morning in Africa, a Gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a Lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest Gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a Lion or a Gazelle... when the sun comes up, you'd better be running."
Tim Follo
Falmouth High
Year of Graduation: 2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race and in which meet?
5k: 16:21.30 @York
3m: 15:51.00 @States (Belfast 2010)
Tell us how your summer training is going?
I’ve been healthy all summer. With a full time job it has been hard to get my mileage above 40, but I’m done with that now and focusing on training.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
To be part of a state championship team, set a good example for the underclassmen, and have a blast along the way
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running competitively for the track season in 7th grade. It began as merely a way to start conditioning for Nordic season.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
No.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
GNG's Libby Hill, a long grueling climb with a thundering downhill finish.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
Twin Brook or Falmouth.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
The 2010 State meet. Despite the disappointment of having an injured teammate and narrowly missing the state title, we left with a stronger sense of team than ever before.
Favorite cross country memory?
Vomiting repeatedly at the First Annual Falmouth Chocolate Milk Mile.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Eat and Sleep
Favorite quote?
Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up.
It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed.
Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up.
It knows that it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve.
It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or a gazelle.
When the sun comes up you'd better be running.
-Abe Gubenga
Shannon Conley
Cheverus High School
Year of Graduation: 2014
Best 5k Time?
My best 5k time was 19:08 in Belfast
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training is going well. I've enjoyed meeting the new members of my team.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goal for the upcoming season is to better my 5k time and to stay healthy and injury-free!
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I ran cross country and indoor/outdoor track in middle school. My freshman year at Cheverus I ran cross country and outdoor track.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
I might be going to New York over Columbus Day weekend and I hope to compete again in New Englands in Rhode Island in November. I might run Footlocker. It sounds like a fun race.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
My favorite course in the state was Belfast. I had my best times on the course.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
The Thetford Academy course in Vermont was by far one of the toughest courses I've run on! The course was very hilly and with 277 runners, the path into the course was very narrow. The race was intense. I'm proud of what I accomplished there but I hope I don't have to go back!
Favorite cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memories were winning states and placing 4th as a team in New Englands. It was a very exciting freshman year.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When I'm not running I enjoy sea and lake kayaking, biking, and going to the beach. I really enjoy shopping and hanging out with my friends and family. I just received my driving permit...so I've been enjoying driving!
My favorite quote is:
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." By: Gandhi
Chase Brown
Boothbay Region HS
Year of Graduation: 2012
Best times in a 5K:?
16:12 at the Festival of Champions
Tell us how your summer training is going?
I have run around 35 miles per week during the summer and will build up to 50 miles in the following weeks.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I want to run 15:44 for 5k this season.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running since the 7th grade. The middle school XC coach and other runners pressured me into joining the team.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Hopefully I will run a fast time at New England’s, which is held in RI this year. I will also most likely compete at the Northeast Footlocker Regional in NY.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
I like running at Belfast because it is a PR course.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
The Mount Blue course is the hardest course because it has a ton of monster hills.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite XC race must be my conference race last year when I put 10 seconds on the State Champ in the last 600m for an underdog style win.
Favorite cross country memory?
When my XC team won states by 1 point in 2009!
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I enjoy hanging out with my amazing girlfriend Arden, playing cards, swimming, and watching programs on Netflix.
Favorite quote?
A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more-Steve Prefontaine
Abby Mace
Maranacook Community High School
Year of Graduation: 2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 mile race and in which meet?
5k- 18:36 at 2009 Festival of Champions (I haven't run many 3 mile races)
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training is going very well. I've been doing more hills, trail runs, strength work, and cross training than I normally do, which will improve my fitness and help me stay injury-free heading into the fall.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I'd really like to improve my times and get closer to the 18:00 barrier. I'm also hoping to place well at the New England Championships and the Foot Locker Northeast Regionals.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
The summer before I entered middle school I joined a USATF summer track program in Augusta. The coach, Taylor Harmon, thought I had potential as a mid/long distance runner and encouraged me to try cross country in middle school. I had played soccer in previous years but decided I would try cross country in 6th grade. I loved it and have been running track and cross country ever since.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes--I'll race at the New England Championships and the Foot Locker Northeast Regionals.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
My favorite course is definitely the Twin Brook course in Cumberland because it's both scenic and challenging. Luckily the state championships will be there this year!
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
My home course--it's really hilly and all of the trails are rough and uneven.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
The New England Championships my freshman year. It was my biggest high school race yet, so I was very excited. During the race, I had a great group of girls to run with and crossed the finish line completely spent. I was so happy after the race not only because I'd done better than I thought I could but because I had put in my very best effort.
Favorite cross country memory?
I came into my first high school race completely unaware of what I was capable of. Although in this race the boys and girls ran together, I expected to be running alongside other girls during the race. However, I ended up running just with boys, so there was this little freshman girl keeping up with these bigger, older boys. That felt pretty cool!
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I love spending time with my family and friends.
Favorite quote?
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine
Silas Eastman
Fryeburg Academy
Year of Graduation: 2013
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race and in which meet?
16:02 5k at Belfast (States), 16:18 3 mile at Falmouth (Conferences).
Tell us how your summer training is going?
It has been better than in past years but I still haven't been running as much as I should be. I've been mixing in a lot of cross training like biking, roller skiing, and swimming, in hopes that it will give my legs a nice break.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I would like to run around a 15:30 5k and to make top 10 at New Englands. Also to stay healthy and injury free.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running in local road races such as the 4 on the 4th since I was about 8 years old. I started running XC in 7th grade and have been doing it ever since. I ran in the hershey track program for one or two years before starting regular track 8th grade year.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
I haven't decided if I'm going to try and qualify for Footlockers yet, but I hope to be racing in New Englands at the end of the season.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
I have to say that Twin Brook is my favorite course so far. It is a challenging course with its rolling hills and curvy trails, but that just makes it more fun to run.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
I dont think I can answer this one because I don't remember many of the courses I ran freshman year, but I feel that some of those were harder than the ones I ran last year.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
I dont have one race that is my favorite, but my top few are States last year, my homecoming meet last year, and States freshman year.
Favorite cross country memory?
Going on long adventure runs with my team. The most memorable one was getting lost and running through the middle of a corn field before realizing that we were 5 miles away from the school and it was getting dark.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I enjoy building things, both in shop class and on my own. This past spring i built a small boat with the help of some friends, and over the summer I have been working on a fairly elaborate treehouse that will be insulated and have electricity.
Favorite quote?
"I'm going to work so that it's a pure guts race at the end, and if it is, I am the only one who can win it." Steve Prefontaine
Emily Durgin
Cheverus High School
Year of Graduation: 2012!!!
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race and in which meet?
Well I’m not sure about the 3mile, but I think last year states at Belfast I ran 18:03 for 5k. (ed. note 18:03.64 to be exact)
Tell us how your summer training is going?
Very well, I basically started running on the 1st of July with very light miles and cross training, and slowly building up my mileage.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goals for this season are pretty simple. I would love to win the State title as a team for a third year, and also have an amazing season of my own and be satisfied with my performances in my last year of high school.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started back in the summer of 6th grade running for the Windham summer track program with a few friends. My mom was a big distance runner back in the day so she’s the one that convinced me to try distance running.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
I HOPE SO! We're suppose to run at the race at Van Cortland Park, in New York on Columbus day weekend, but it’s a Sunday race, so it’s still up in the air. There is still New England’s, and Footlocker regionals which are out of state later in the season.
What is your favorite course to run in your state?
I don't know if I have a favorite course, but I guess I’ll just say Twin Brooks, because we run there a lot.
What is the toughest course to run in your state?
Well everyone would probably say Twin Brook, but for some reason I think Belfast is harder, just because of the awful turns and I just feel all over the place whenever I run there.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite race is probably states. I like it because that’s the only day I get to see everyone from all over the state run. Even though we don’t compete against each other we still can cheer each other on in each race. I have always loved the State meet.
Favorite cross country memory?
Definitely 2009 New England’s in Connecticut. Even though at the time I was miserable because it was down pouring, our bus got stuck so we almost missed awards, and we were all starving. It was just a really fun day and a great experience.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Well, I have a lot of favorite things. In the summer I love to go to the beach, and spend time with my friends. I also really enjoy snowboarding in the winter. My family especially my dad and mom are a really important part of my life, and I spend a lot of time with them.
Favorite quote?
“failure leads to success..”
Matt McClintock
Madison Area Memorial High School
Year Of Graduation: 2012
Best Times in a 5k and 3 mile and in which meet?
5K: 16:00.91 (State Class C Championship) 3 Mile: 15:47.00 (Valley Homecoming Meet)
Tell Us How Your Summer Training Is Going?
Very good, I'm very happy with the way I'm feeling physically and mentally entering this season.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Repeat as State Class C Champion and run sub 15 minutes for 5k
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I don't really know what made me begin running, but I joined the cross country team in 5th grade and I've been running ever since.
What is your favorite course in your state?
The "Twinbrook Recreation Center" Course
What is your toughest course to run in your state?
The "Telstar Regional High School" Course
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your career?
The Maine Festival Of Champions
Favorite Cross Country Memory?
After I got dq'd in my first high school meet I remember my coach grabbing my shoulder right before the start of my second race and he said "Matt, this time leave no doubt".
Favorite Quote?
"There may be people out there that can beat me, but they're gonna have to bleed to do it." - Steve Prefontaine
