HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton boys and girls cross country squads may be short on numbers, but are certainly not lacking in talent.
Houlton has five members on the girls team, which means the group will be able to accumulate team scores at meets this season. The boys squad only has three runners and will be unable to score as a team. In order to qualify as a team, a school must have five runners on their respective teams.
Coach Chris Rines said he is hoping that once school begins Aug. 31 that other students will decide to join the team.
Members of the varsity girls squad include senior Olivia Winslow, juniors Rylee Warman, Victoria Holmes, Taylor Reed and Kate Newman.
Warman will look to improve on her 2014 personal best time of 21 minutes, 13 seconds. The 2014 Aroostook County champion and top 15 Class C state finisher will likely pace the Lady Shires this year. “Rylee’s base work this summer has really picked up as we approached the start of the season,” Rines said.
Winslow is coming off a breakthrough junior season that saw her set a personal best time of 24:44. “With an expanded mileage base under her, Olivia had a strong track and field season that really catapulted her into the summer being able to put in some long hard miles,” the coach said. “We are really looking forward to seeing her let loose this year.”
Holmes set a personal best of 25:32 during her sophomore season and appears poised to take her efforts to the next level, the coach said. “Last year, we saw (Victoria) improve a little each race — a trend we will work toward continuing,” Rines said. “Her training will shift to develop the rest of her base volume to start out the season.”
Reed is a new runner to the program, after completing a brief, yet successful, track and field season in the last spring for the Shires. “Taylor turned in some great mile times in the spring and will look to expand on that success as she takes on the longer distances this fall,” Rines said.
Newman is another new runner to the program. “Kate comes to us new this year with a good background in recreational running and is looking to take her skills into the competitive realm,” Rines said. “We are very excited to have her join the squad and can’t wait to hit the trails.”
Members of the varsity boys team include senior Adam Casillas and juniors Isaiah Brown, and Tim Glatter.
Brown’s 2014 season started off on a slow note, but it did not last for long, the coach noted. His personal best time a year ago was 18:10. “Isaiah’s ability to pace combined with a dedicated work ethic helped him to peak at the state meet and capture a top 25 performance,” Rines said. “He returns this fall after a stellar track and field season to continue his 2014 success.”
Casillas ended his 2014 campaign at regionals last year missing a state appearance by just one place. He set a personal best time of 19:58. “Adam continued into track season focusing on the mile and two mile, knowing cross country was the end goal,” Rines said. “We look forward to his leadership as we get the season underway.”
Glatter is a first-year cross-country runner who had a successful track and field season this past spring. “Though he specialized in javelin throwing, Tim hopes the lessons, training and fitness he gains from cross country this season will translate positively back to track.”
Assisting coach Rines is Heidi Warman.
The Shires hope members of the community come to their Oct. 14 home meet this year. Friends, family, and anyone who can attend are all encouraged to come watch as Houlton and GHCA co-host the Aroostook County League meet.
Houlton opens its regular season Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Fort Kent.
