The combined Seahawks and Wolverines cross-country teams dominated the competition at the University of Maine in Augusta Sept. 20. The girls team placed first overall by a comfortable lead over Monmouth Academy and Richmond High School. Glory Blethen took first place in 22:35, nearly one minute ahead of the next contender. The boys team also placed first, well ahead of Dirigo and Hall-Dale high schools, Monmouth Academy and Richmond High School.

“It was a hot afternoon and when combined with the hilly terrain and low key atmosphere the times were going to be slower than in the previous two weeks,” said Coach Nick Scott. “However, the slower times don't negate the strong individual performances.”

The boys ran mainly in two packs with Nathan Chatterton leading the first. Chatterton placed sixth in 19:56, followed by Graham Harris, Mason Erhard and Gryffin Kristan in seventh through ninth place, in 20:17, 20:29 and 20:33 respectively. Lucas Hardwick followed the pack closely at 11th place in 20:50 and Ryan Russell next at 13th in 21:01. Brian Gagnon led the second pack at 23rd in 23:23 and was followed by Nate Gilliam, Ryan Amaral, Quinn Ranta and Ryan Clark all placing 25th through 28th, in 24:21, 24:25, 24:33 and 24:34 respectively. Owen Barter came 40th in 29:58.

The girls achieved victory chiefly by individual performance. Wiscasset Middle High School Wolverine Lily Yeaton followed Blethen at fifth place in 25:34 with Ava Schlosser and Emerson Harris neck and neck in seventh and eighth in 25:54 and 25:55. Leni Elder came in 12th, 27:31; Zada Smith, 14th, 28:46; Reese Hesseltine, 17th, 33:18; and Delly Clarkson, 23rd, 35:38.

Scott said since the course is a considerable challenge, it makes more sense to compare last year’s times on the same course rather than the rest of the season’s meets. Gilliam took one minute off his time; Russell, 1:08; Ranta, 2:19; Hardwick, 3:30; Chatterton, 5:11; and Yeaton, 8:26. Others to best last year’s efforts included Blethen and Harris.

The next meet will be the Seahawks’ annual home meet, but it will be much more than that, said Scott. For the first time in recent memory, Seahawks cross-country will be the first of many events for homecoming.

“And not only is it the kickoff to homecoming week, but we are also hosting, for the second year in a row, the MVC Mid Season Race where all the cross-country teams in the conference converge.”

The meet is at 4:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at Sherman Field.