Every team in the state has been training for this moment where the champions will be decided and the best will be separated from the rest. The Lewiston High School Cross Country team has never won a State Championship in their history but this was their time to emerge as champions. With star runners on the team such as Mohamed Noor, who has gone undefeated in every race since preseason, Sadam Abdi, Robbie Leeman and Matt Driscoll, this is the best team Lewiston has ever had. Other stars that have helped shoot Lewiston to the top are Joey Travaligni, Tom Tripp and Jeff Lucier, who has been out for most of the season due to injury. They were all ready for this race, knowing that every day of training would pay off. Coach Ray Putnam and Assistant Coach Joe Fitzsimmons were obviously very proud of their team’s effort all season but were not overconfident.

This team was favored to win States with Cheverus and Portland right behind them in the coaches’ polls. There was worry on the team’s faces as the results were coming in. The Lewiston coach, Ray Putnam, was doubtful. Our number four runner had lost his shoe early in the race and with all of the mud and hills it was difficult to run well. Fortunately, Matt Driscoll had enough to finish fifth for the team right behind teammate Tom Tripp. Noor also had a great race finishing first with Eric Marceau and Riley Masters not far behind. Every team gave outstanding performances and it was obvious it was going to be a close finish. As Portland was named third, the whole gym became quiet. The next sentence out of the announcer’s mouth would make it or break it for both teams in the fight for the title. No one was in more suspense than the Lewiston Cross Country team and the coach. When Cheverus was announced runner-up, the whole gym exploded with applause and everyone stood on their feet. Lewiston was amazed at the results as they jumped from their seats to congratulate each other. They congratulated the Cheverus team for the effort put in by their opponents. Finally, the Lewiston cross country team has been crowned State Champions for the first time in history!

It was an honor to run on the Lewiston team and to witness the performance of all the other runners. Cross Country has taught me friendship, sportsmanship, and most of all, the ability to succeed. I would like to thank the Lewiston team, the coaches, and every runner that has the guts to run in a race and support their team.