ELLSWORTH, Maine — Cross country runners from Houlton, Hodgdon and Katahdin competed in the Ellsworth Invitational meet Saturday, joining 12 other schools and more than 200 runners from around the state.
“The 70-degree weather mirrored the runners’ excitement, causing their attitudes and energy to be enthusiastic and well received,” Houlton coach Chris Rines said. “The Ellsworth course consisted of a 1.45-mile trail that was repeated, resulting in the total course being 2.9 miles in length. The first mile was a difficult trek, with a hilly terrain in the direct sunlight. Ellsworth had sectioned off several lanes running up and down a very steep hill. This series of lanes hit runners midway through the first mile, and again as they complete the second mile. At times the grade was as steep as running up the backside of Derby Hill.”
In the varsity girls race, Jordyn Ritchie of Katahdin finished 21st with a time of 22 minutes, 52.58 seconds, while Houlton’s Emmalyne Drake was 34th at 24:28.92.
“Despite a few injury concerns earlier this season with Jordyn she was able to race this course nearly pain-free which was a bigger goal for us than performance,” the coach said. “We’re excited how she will progress as we continue our season and she gets healthier.”
In the varsity boys race, Joel Bond of Hodgdon finished eighth, 17:54.80 and Jeremy Cook was 46th at 20:40.75. “Joel went out smart staying just behind the leaders to start, however, the pace setters created separation through the hills,” coach Rines said. “Although Joel always had them in sight he just couldn’t quite reel them in.
“Jeremy had to wait for the last race of the day, but he saved his energy and prepared himself well,” Rines added. “He has really evolved as a runner since his sophomore season of track, and he’s starting to see all those miles pay off now.”
In the junior varsity boys race, Nolan Jacobs was 50th, 27:42.09 and Ean Bolstridge was 51st, 27:42.59.
