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Greater Houlton cross-country runners claim spot at state championships

New personal records set

Saturday was a great day for the Greater Houlton cross country runners as many hit new personal records, as they tried to claim their spots at the state championships next weekend in Cumberland.

“The weather provided some of the best conditions I can remember at a regional in recent memory and the kid’s really took advantage of that and the championship atmosphere,” said Coach Chris Rines. “We were able to put through one individual boy (James Brady) along with the girl’s team who are Northern Maine Class C Runners Up!”

The boys entered the day ranked seventh out of a possible 13 teams.  After registration, it was revealed that only 10 full teams were in attendance.  The rule for advancement onto states is the top half of competing teams will move on. The boys gave it

Andrea Ross jockeying for position at the start of the Saturday’s championship race. (Teagan Ewings photo)

their all, but in the end, they were not able to overcome their incoming rank. Out of the 10 teams they finished as predicted in seventh.  James Brady is Greater Houlton’s lone individual who will move onto to states next weekend, he finished 12th overall.  The top 30 individuals move onto states.

1 George Stevens Academy 60
2 Sumner Memorial High School 82
3 Limestone/MSSM 102
4 Orono High School 106
5 Bucksport High School 111

6 Washburn 123
7 Houlton/GHCA 150
8 Washington Academy 217
9 Central High School 239
10 Machias High School 249

The girls were ranked second coming into the championship and they too

 McKenna Phillips crossed mile 1 of Saturday’s regional championship. (Teagan Ewings photo)

would finish the day meeting that rank. Teanne Ewings led the way to the individual runner-up spot, and she was followed by a pack of Orono girls that would solidify their spot in first. The girl’s side also sported 10 full teams which is the most Rines can remember there being in recent years.

From the South Region there were eight full-scoring teams, and the top 4 among those teams were 1. Waynflete 50, 2. Maranacook 55, 3. Maine Coast Waldorf 105, 4. Traip Academy 110.  Early projections at the state meet have Orono favored to win, with Houlton/GHCA, Waynflete, and Maranacook in a tight race for the State runner-up spot.
Greater Houlton Colton Simoes breaking away from a pack of runners early on in the regional cross-country meet.
1 Orono 29
2 Houlton/GHCA 51
3 George Stevens Academy 90
4
Fort Kent Community High School 123
5 Maine Central Institute 138

6 Bucksport High School 165
7 Mattanawcook Academy 187
8 Lee Academy 207
9 Machias High School 223
10 Washburn 229
Colton Simoes, Ethan Casale, Andrea Ross, Mckenna Phillips, Joelle Hanscom, and Tori Ervin all had amazing races as they were able to hit new career-best times. Teanne and Natalie may not have improved their times, but they did outperform their individual ranks by one position, as Teanne was expected third and Natalie was expected sixth  James, as well as the entire girl’s team in general, finished inside the top 30 individually and were recognized at the awards ceremony for that achievement along with the other team and individual qualifiers.
Individual Houlton/GHCA Results
12. James Brady 18:44.34
35. Jack Philbrook 20:02.10
40. Colton Simoes 20:27.62***
47. Phillip Espenscheid 20:53.24

66. Kristian Kellerhals 23:06.15

Jack Philbrook, front, and Phil Espenscheid ran much of the course together until the last half mile of Saturday’s regional cross-country championship. (Teagan Ewings photo)
90. Ethan Casale 33:24.81***
2. Teanne Ewings 19:01.90
5. Natalie Johnson 20:32.30
15. Andrea Ross 22:36.27***
16. Leanne Ross 22:38.41
19. McKenna Phillips 22:46.48***
20. Joelle Hanscom 22:50.95***
23. Victoria Ervin 23:47.56***
*** Career Personal Best Time

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