CARIBOU, Maine — The Viking boys have a strong tradition in Class B cross country circles, placing in the top two in the Penobscot Valley Conference in each of the last eight years and either runner-up or champion in the North regional six times during that stretch.
As such, the aspirations remain high for coach Roy Alden’s team despite a young and inexperienced roster.
Michael Cyr, who finished sixth at the state meet, has graduated and will compete collegiately at the University of Southern Maine this fall. However, six runners return, led by seniors Ephraim Willey and George Ferland, who were top-20 finishers at last year’s state competition.
“They both had outstanding junior seasons and have put in an intense summer of training,” Alden said. “They are excited about the potential of what they can achieve this season.
“They feel like they can be top runners in the PVC, in the North region and in the state championships, and their goal is to achieve times that can qualify them for the New England championships,” he added.
Seniors Ephraim Willey, left, and George Ferland are the top returning runners for the Caribou boys’ varsity cross country team (Contributed photo/Roy Alden)
Sophomores Jacob Violette, Harrison Landis and Nick Anderson and junior Edward Bell are others back for the Vikings.
The remaining members of the roster include freshmen Isaac Anderson, Noah Anderson, Parker Bouchard, Robert DeMerchant and Scott Stubbs.
Alden, who is beginning his 33rd season as the head coach of the Vikings, is looking forward to seeing how his team will develop throughout the fall.
“I’m very pleased with the boys’ positive attitudes and willingness to learn, work hard and improve,” Alden said. “We will continue to work hard to develop the strength and endurance to be competitive in the PVC, in the North region and at the state level.”
