Koch claims another state cross country title
By Jon Gulliver
Staff Writer
CUMBERLAND — It was a special day, those words from Washburn cross country coach Michael Waugh as his team came very close to capturing the girls’ Class C championship.
The Beavers finished second, only eight points behind Merriconeag Waldorf High School of Freeport.
Sophomore Carsyn Koch won her second consecutive state championship by cruising the 3.1-mile course at the Twin Brook Recreation Center in a time of 20:17.74, more than 30 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor.
“She had a great race, she dominated,” said her coach. “She had a good lead at the mile and the downstate runners just couldn’t keep up.”
This race for Washburn wasn’t about just one runner. Coach Waugh said his top three runners were outstanding. Another sophomore, Carmen Bragg, finished ninth at 21:46.49. Freshman Mackenzie Worcester crossed the line in 22:01.68, good for 12th.
Waugh also praised another freshman, Joan Overman.
“Joan made a good charge late in the race and allowed us to move up a few positions,” Waugh said.
Freshman Marianne Helton also cracked the top 50, finishing 47th.
Other Washburn runners were Mikayla Churchill and Hannah Heald.
By virtue of winning the state championship Koch will have the opportunity to race at the New England’s Saturday, Nov. 12 at Ponaganset High School in North Scituate, R.I.
As for the future of the only two-year-old Beaver cross country program Waugh has high hopes.
“We only have sophomores and freshmen on the team, we should be the team to beat next year,” said Waugh.
The Washburn boys did not qualify as a team, but individual runners did. Nick Bragg finished 25th and Michel Ericson in 84th.
The Presque Isle Wildcat boys qualified for the Class B state meet, also held at Twin Brook.
Matt Eager continued his strong senior effort, finishing sixth in a time of 17:24.59. His finish qualifies him for the New England meet.
As a team PIHS finished 11th out of 16 teams. Falmouth placed first followed by Greely and Caribou.
Also competing for the Wildcats were Saul Nunez, Matt Tilley, Frank Nunez, Trevor Levesque, Noah Rossignol and Dustin Drabek.
