Just a few Saturdays ago, on Nov. 1 when the sun was really shining and autumn alieady made its mark, many of the greatest distfuice ruiuieis from many of Maine’s distant locations came to compete In the race of the X-C season,( the face of my high school running career), me Maine X-C State Championship. Fifty high school teams met Up in Belfast, Maine, to put on a quite blaming show for the many fanatic vieweisl
In this wildly astonishing race, runners demonstrated their guts of fortitude and intuition, based on theiidedlcatlon to daily practices, determination, Bhcer-will for some, and for others, just sheer-luck. Individually, as a racet for this grand finale meet I felt veiy pumped up, torched blue by the fiery green flames of the yellow sun, simply reflected by that day’s setting…
Our highly respected Coach of the Year 2003 would say, “unbelievable!” Coach Dan Campbell is wise in his words in the following interview:
G. Pound asks: “coach Campbell, what do you mean “unbelievable” pertaining to Saturday’s Nov. 1 State Race? How did you feel about this race compared to the many other Saturday races earlier in the season?”
Coach Campbell: “It was by far the best dtate Meet in my 20 plus years as a coach. It is one we prepare for as a team starting back in July. the races throughout the season are stepping stone? for the state meet!”
G. Pound: “Besides just practices, you spent much time preparing and devising tactics for this state, meet. What are some developing key factors for a runner?”
Coach Campbell: “The biggest factor is to understand as a runner it takes 3-4 years to develop into a great runner. One needs to define greatness to them.”
G. Pound: “Throughout your coaching career, what was you most memorable event?”
Coach Campbell: “Watching a runner who ran an eleven minute mile in the beginning of the season and finish up breaking 6 minutes by the end of the season!”
G. Pound: “Well, as Coach of the Year, who would you say has inspired you and is your honored idol? What kindled up your fire to get a flame heavy blue and blistering green?”
Coach Campbell: “Any and all coaches who have passion for the sport of country running.”
G. Pound: “How did we (ELHS) do as a team?”
Coach Campbell: “As a team, we did all and more than I thought we were going to do before the season started,” Coach Campbell’s Words of Wisdom for all Runners “never give up on yourself.”
The Red Eddies Races from State Qualifying Teams were also asked the most remarkable highlight of this race was ,,, and their after thoughts…
Ben Mowhinney – “If was awesome to see the team put everything out there and give their hardest even with some disappointing outcomes.”
Laura Gardner – “It just felt really great.”
Greg Noack – “I never found my race and just thought of cowing through, it was a totally messed up race for me, but I learned a valuable lesson that day… I was very well prepared for that race, I slept good ate good and drank, lots of water and of course we practice hard for this!”
Karina Klonoski – “I hoped it was almost over. I felt good when in race mode, and like I was ready to go. To prepare for the race, I did a short warm up which got my legs ready and helped me run the race, I felt excited about the nice and ready logo, but I was nervous. Cross country is a great activity to do because it requires a lot of focus and hard work, but provides excellent rewards, owning cross country has fumed me into an athlete!”
Riley Bergeron – “The start was the best, I didn’t, prepare, we just did good!
Tanashe Costlowe – “I’t wasn’t your best, but I liked just being at States!” “Just relax and stay calm, run just run!”
Carobn – “In the beginning it was an adrenaline rush. I took time to listen to music and think about it so I could get myself pumped. Great season and a lot of fun until next year.”
Sam Fletcher – “Happy with my performance, but disappointed how the team title ended up.”
Sarah Gardner – “The Worst Race of the Season – absolutely terrible – it was muddy and hot, and we were preparing for running in snow. But regional is a big different story compared to states (although held in the same location course)… a more challenging and woodsy course, during both races in Belfast like the woods better – I did what always did, raced! But I wasn’t motivated.”
Garrett Gaetani – “I liked the finish, I did the same things I did all season and got ready to do it!” “Work hard, don’t give up, Stay strong!”
And a good man also. Coach Bill Lelansky, can show the appreciation and satisfaction one might get from assisting a head coach with a state qualifying team! Lelansky says:
G. Pound: ‘what do you think, of this year’s state race colored to the others?
B Lelansky:“Very exciting, best state meet I’ve seen in my seven years of coaching, most competitive!”
G. Pound: “Which teams did you look forward to seeing at this meet? “
B Lelansky: “Looked forward to racing Deering and, Scarborough, specifically from the SMAA Southern Division.”
G. Pound: “What was the biggest highlight of the season and race you saw?”
B Lelansky: “We were very fortunate to get our top-liner runner Greg Noack, his addition to the team led us to making-it to the state meet… without him, we would not have been in position to win the State Title! Lelansky’s Words of Encouragement: “Run, and enjoy running…” “It needs hard work and dedication to become a good X-C runner!”
As for the state meet, it was a fight: for placement and for ranking rights, all proven by the natural laws of the survival of the fittest . . . through fire, desire, a heat full of courage and a sense of well trained stamina!
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