OLD TOWN, Maine — The Greater Houlton cross country girls team secured a historic victory at the 73rd Old Town Sectional Invitational on Sept. 23. The girls put on display why they are one of the top programs in the state and showed why they will contend for a state championship later this fall.
Taking the individual honors in the varsity girls race was Teanne Ewings, who etched her name into Sectionals history by not only winning the race but also setting a remarkable new course record. Ewings blazed through the course with an astounding time of 18:01.66, lowering the previous record by almost a full minute.
Ewings’ incredible achievement was further bolstered by the exceptional performances of her teammates. Natalie Johnson’s effort secured a 3rd-place finish, while Leanne Ross ran to place 4th. Andrea Ross brought in a 15th overall and Katie McQuarrie’s hard earned 23rd place finish solidified the win for the girls. Amelia Drake added displacing points to several teams with her 47th place finish which further separated the team standings in favor for our team.
1. Houlton/GHCA – 39 points
2. MDI – 44 points
3. John Bapst – 59 points
4. GSA/Blue Hill – 113 points
5. Presque Isle – 132 points
6. Mattanawcook Academy – 149 points
7. Caribou – 154 points
8. Ellsworth – 175 points
No Score – Bucksport, Washington Academy, Brewer, Hermon, & Old Town
Full girls results – https://me.milesplit.com/meets/568532-sectionals-2023/results/963656.
In the boys meet, we faced formidable competition and some challenges. The absence of our No. 4 runner added to the extra competitive nature of the race. Despite this, the boys demonstrated their composure with several commendable performances. Leading the charge was freshman standout Malachi Witmer, who ran tough and ended with a commendable 10th place overall.
(Courtesy photo)
Fellow freshman Brayden Drake secured a strong 12th place finish, while sophomore captain James Brady claimed a 16th place finish. Another promising freshman, Shawn Coty, contributed to the team’s overall score with a 47th place finish. The team’s scoring lineup was completed by Shayne Grass, another talented freshman, who secured 73rd place overall.
Despite the adversity, the Greater Houlton boys team earned a lot of season and career bests. They finished the meet with a team score of 150 points, earning them a respectable 7th place overall. The MDI boys claimed the top position with a low score of 64.
1. MDI 64
2. John Bapst 72
3. Bucksport 99
4. Ellsworth 128
5, Caribou 129
6. GSA/Blue Hill 131
7. Houlton/GHCA 150
8. Foxcroft Academy 215
9. Brewer 230
10. Washington Academy 249
11. Presque Isle 291
No score – Deer Isle, Schenck, Mattanawcook Academy, Central, Old Town, & Hermon
Full boys results – https://me.milesplit.com/meets/568532-sectionals-2023/results/963663.
In addition to our girls varsity team’s success we saw some additional breakthroughs at the JV level as well. Making her season debut and running to victory in the girl’s JV race was Dalayna Mincey. Teammate and sister Dalylah Mincey was not far behind with her in 17th place and Danlen Espenscheid closed out the race with her 21st place finish. On the boys side, Ethan Casale continued his senior campaign to finish with his career best time in 39th place overall.
Girls JV – https://me.milesplit.com/meets/568532-sectionals-2023/results/963667.
Boys JV – https://me.milesplit.com/meets/568532-sectionals-2023/results/963670.
Our team will next travel to Belfast for the famed Festival of Champions meet at Troy Howard Middle School. The course will also be host to the Northern Maine regional, Class C state, and New England championships this season. It is generally regarded as one of the best courses in the state and New England. This year’s meet will feature 65 Maine high schools and 18 out of state (New England and Maritime Canada) teams. It is one of the largest high school competitions on the east coast and we couldn’t be more thrilled getting back to Belfast! If you have a free weekend Belfast is lovely this time of year, come on down and see all the action!
Our middle school team will travel to UMPI on Wednesday as Presque Isle Middle School will host the Aroostook League middle schools in one of their last meets of the season. The Aroostook League Championship will be in Caribou on Oct. 4.
