MaineTrackXC Freshman Girls 2011 Rewind
The freshman class of 2015 was another strong one in 2011. Although there was no state champions from this year's class, there were several standouts including an All-New England performance. Headlining the class was Willow Parker (Camden Hills) who had an outstanding fall individually & was an essential part in the success of the Windjammer team. She earned All-State & All-NE honors. Parker known for running in her vibram five figer shoes despite the conditions clocked the fastest 5k time for her class 18:59.43. She would end her season with a 23rd place finish in the Footlocker Northeast Regional, the top freshman in the race. Massabesic's Gabby Johnson made a big impact on the Class A state 3rd place team, Johnson was one of the Mustangs top runners all year & was the top Class A freshman finishing 10th in the state meet. Another freshman that provided a big boost to a team effort was Caroline Driscoll (MDI), Driscoll was the #5 runner for the Class B State Champion Trojans finishing 16th overall, and at the Eastern Maine regional championship she was the top runner finishing 7th overall for MDI. There is plenty of talent in the class of 2015 expect big things the next three years.
(All Photos below by Dave Flewelling)
Willow Parker-Freshman of the Year
Willow Parker (Camden Hills) made a big impact on the Camden Hills XC program in her rookie campaign, the Windjammer went from a team that didn't qualify for the state meet the year before to the Class B runner-ups, with every back next year expect them to be even better. Willow won 3 regular season races this year. She was the only freshman who opted for the seeded race at Festival of Champions, she finished an impressive 8th. Parker also had a strong postseason run that saw her finish 3rd at the KVAC Championship, followed up by a 3rd place finish at the Eastern Maine Class B Championship, & capped off with a 5th place finish at the Class B State meet. Willow qualified for the New England meet & stepped up to the plate once again and hit a homerun with her 23rd place finish to earn all new england honors as she ran 19:00 for 5k. Willow is at the tops of the class of 2015, it'll be fun to see how much faster she can be the next 3 years.
2. Gabby Johnson (Massabesic)
Gabby Johnson (Massabesic) was a key component to the success of the Mustangs XC team this fall as they caoture the Class A Western Maine runner-up trophy, 3rd place in the state meet & a team trip to the New Englands. Johnson won her first 5k race of the season on her home course. The bigger the meet the better Johnson ran, she placed 6th in the Western Class A regional running 20:19.84 at Twin Brook. Gabby followed that up with a 10th place finish at the Class A state meet, she was the top freshman in Class A. Johnson finished her seaosn out with a personal best effort of 19:40 good for 51st in the New England Championships, most likely the best race of her season. For her outstanding performance throughout the season she was named honorable mention MTCCCA All-State.
3. Kristina Smith (Poland)
Kristina Smith (Poland) had a great freshman campaign that included winning the Western Maine Conference title. On the season Smith won 4 races, she had a 5k personal best of 20:26.69 (St. Joe's course). Kristina also had a good championship season with a win at the WMC championship, 3rd place finish in the Western B regional & a 15th place finish at the Class B State meet. Smith showed that she'll be one to watch, her aggressive racing style was very effective this fall.
Top 20 Freshman Girls Performances 2011
Top 10 Class A Freshman
Top 10 Class B Freshman
Top 10 Class C Freshman
Top 20 Freshman at the State Meet in 2011
1. Willow Parker FR Camden Hills 20:18.45 2. Gabrielle Johnson FR Massabesic 20:38.02 3. Eva Bates FR Greely High School 20:47.08 4. Kristina Smith FR Poland 20:57.01 5. Caroline Driscoll FR MDI 21:00.84 6. Elizabeth Labun FR Hampden Academy 21:17.58 7. Bronte Elias FR Madison High School 21:25.33 8. Hannah Depres FR Maranacook 21:29.20 9. Nerissa Larrabee FR Caribou High School 21:31.75 10. Olivia Swan FR Mt. Ararat 21:41.53 11. Robyn Larrabee FR Caribou High School 21:48.81 12. Gabi Stone FR Telstar 21:54.00 13. Samantha Morse FR Camden Hills 21:54.70 14. Ella Scott FR Camden Hills 21:54.78 15. Haley Lawrence FR Ellsworth 21:56.50 16. Katherine Gunther FR Mt. Blue 21:56.66 17. Mackenzie Worcester FR Washburn 22:01.68 18. Brooke Escoe FR Brunswick 22:05.09 19. Natalie Murphy FR Islesboro 22:05.12 20. Gabrielle Beaulieu FR Yarmouth 22:05.22