LIMESTONE, Maine — Last year featured an exciting final week for the Maine School of Science and Mathematics boys cross country team and coach Dylan Marrero would like to keep the momentum going this fall.
The Penguins qualified for the Class C state meet by a slim margin. With the top five teams moving on, MSSM grabbed the No. 5 position by edging out Lee Academy by a mere two points.
“If even just one of my athletes had been passed by one runner from another team, we never would have had an opportunity to go to states,” said Marrero, who begins his second year at the helm. “The guys were so happy and excited to have another week of cross country and compete at the state championship level.”
The Penguins have several runners back from that team, including No. 1 Morris McCall, who placed 27th in the regionals.
“Morris loves to work hard, and this season is going to be huge for him,” Marrero said of the senior. “I expect him to make improvements he never thought were possible.”
Marrero also has high hopes for junior Griffin Duigan, who is competing in the sport for the first time after experiencing a successful track season in the spring.
“I foresee Griffin having a huge breakout season,” Marrero said. “He will definitely be fighting for a top spot and I’m excited for him to show the county and the state what he’s capable of.”
Senior Brian Evans was also one of MSSM’s top performers last fall, while seniors Makai Moody-Broen, Sam Griffin and BaoBao Nguyen also competed at the state meet.
Other team members are senior Jack Tetreault, junior Gabe Austin, sophomore Calvin Akom and freshman Ben Uhlenhaki.
For the girls team, Marrero said even though MSSM is struggling to get its numbers up, “I love who we have so far.”
Senior Evyn Lally is returning and will compete for the top spot on the girls team.
“My favorite thing about her is her willingness to run. I feel like she could run forever if she had to, and she would probably enjoy it,” Marrero said. “She has a strong spirit and loves to push herself.
Freshman Maeve Lakin has shown her talent during early workouts.
“She pushes herself as hard as she can, and she’s extremely coachable,” Marrero said. “I expect her to have an amazing career in high school cross country.”
Junior Emeko Peck is the other competitor on the girls’ squad.
The coach is looking forward to seeing how his runners develop as the season unfolds and already is impressed with the camaraderie that has been on display.
“I have a team this year that has great leadership and an unbreakable work ethic. Any time there’s a chance to run or compete, they jump at the opportunity,” Marrero said. “The culture on the team is awesome too. They’re all friends and the vibe at practice is super laid back, like we’re one big family.
“We have something that other teams have to work months for to achieve,” he added.
