In a typical summer of a typical year, Luke Fontaine would run anywhere from 60 to 70 miles a week in preparation for a cross country season, whether it was at Cony or his current school, the University of Miami.

But this was no typical offseason for the Miami junior.

“A lot different,” Fontaine said. “This summer, our coach told us we had to step it up. We wanted to get our mileage up. Halfway through the summer, I went back to Miami and started training. When I was in Maine, I was doing 60 to 70 miles a week. I got up to 80 to 90 at Miami. I feel good. I’m in good shape. I am ready to go.”

The Miami cross country team, which competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference, is counting on Fontaine this fall, particularly after yet another disappointing outdoor track season in the spring. The Hurricanes finished last in the ACC.

“Our goal was to finish eighth and it didn’t happen,” Fontaine said. “We weren’t happy about it and we knew we had to step it up this year.”

Added Miami cross country coach Damon Griffiths: “We are on a mission. We have put a lot more emphasis on doing well at the ACC championships.”

Griffiths added Fontaine will shoulder a bigger role on the Hurricanes this season.

The former Cony standout runner is off to a good start.

Fontaine finished fourth on the team at a season-opening meet at the University of Southern Florida in Tampa. He finished the 8-kilometer race in 28 minutes, 27.41 seconds.

Miami finished fourth out of 10 teams.

“I am honestly looking for him to get to the next level,” Griffiths said. “He’s a junior now, so hopefully he can now be a player in the ACC. We are hoping for a top-40 finish at the ACC championships. We want to see him break 25 minutes in the 8K by the end of the season. Luke has much more responsibilities at meets now. We’re counting on him now.”

Fontaine, a nursing major, said he expects to break that barrier.

“Last year, my (personal record) in the 8K was 25:54,” he said. “We need guys this year to go below 25 minutes if we want to compete. I know I can go 25 flat. I know I can break it.”

Miami will next compete at the University of Florida Invitational on Saturday.

Fontaine and Griffiths hope another strong showing can boost the program.

“We still need that fifth runner to step up,” Fontaine said. “After the first race I was fourth on the team. I know I can get into the top two. If we can get some good races together, I think we can get some good recognition. We’d like to be regionally ranked, and that hasn’t happened in years.

“Track-wise we have some of the best sprinters, but we’re not known for our distance runners. We’re trying to put that on the map now. We have the talent. We have no excuses now. If there is any year to do it, it’s now.”

Bill Stewart — 621-5640

bstewart@centralmaine.com