DIRIGO COUGARS
Coach: Gunnar Bradbury (third year)
Conference: MVC; Class: C
Last year’s results: Boys: Ninth at C South regionals, fourth at MVCs; Girls: Sixth at C South regionals.
Returning runners: Girls: McKenzie Boyle, Sophia Archer, Ella Cote, Aurora Breau, Phoenix Lee, Amelia Maillet. Boys: William Morris, Hayden Robbins, Stetson Thurston, Mitchel Wolf, Tomlin Suttles, Whyatt Perham, Kayden Swan, Vince Chapmen.
Promising newcomers: Girls: McKenzie Daigle, Kadence Daigle, Madison Savige. Boys: Dominic Archer.
Season outlook: Both the boys are girls teams are aiming to compete for the Mountain Valley Conference championship, as well as qualifying for the state meet. Bradbury said Morris and Boyle will also both be competing for individual MVC titles.

EDWARD LITTLE RED EDDIES 
Coach: Katie Byrne (third year); assistant: Gretchen Slover (second year)
Conference: KVAC; Class: A
Returning runners: Boys: Seniors — Gavin Anderson, Owen Doucette, Joe LeBlanc, Quinn St. Peter Scott, Kai Thistle, Declan Howe; Juniors — Ahmed Ali, Tristyn Chapman, Finn Kunas, Calvin Vincent; Sophomores — Nathaniel Bigos-Lowe, Carter Hill, Thomas LeBlanc, Gabriel Newson. Girls: Seniors — Samira Awil, Kandace Bowden-Fuller, Solana Coy, Azaraya May, Leilani Mitchell, Payton Newson; Juniors — Raegan Mulliner.
Key loss: Jaden Baril.
Promising newcomers: Boys: Seniors — Elijah Fogg, Giacomo Bean; Juniors — Harper Borden, Kaden Haider, Charles Ellis; Sophomores — Aaden Demers, Johnny Dresdner, Aidan Howe; Freshmen —Riley Bennett, Asah Gould, Ethan Longley, Gideon Varney, Luke Wilson. Girls: Seniors — Serenity Mungin-Doyle, Elizabeth Boutwell; Juniors — Alyssa Daigle, Jade Lamontagne, Gabrielle Langelier, Kayliana Madore, Katie Morgan, Miles Quinlivan; Sophomore — Alexis Marconi; Freshmen — Nuria Diaz, Charlie Dresdner.
Season outlook: The Red Eddies cross country team has doubled in size over the past two years, which Byrne attributes to the energy on the team. She added that the “strong group of seniors” have run together since their freshmen year and are now setting the tone for team. Calvin Vincent, a state championship qualifier the past two years, is poised to lead the team. “The team has been learning how to train efficiently, worry about hydration, nutrition and rest and take on each workout and race with mindful attention,” Byrne said.

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER PATRIOTS
Coach: Adam Zukowski (17th year)
Conference: WMC; Class: B
Last year’s results: Boys: fourth at Class B state meet.
Returning runners: Boys: Seniors — Gavin Gerry, Colby Mitchell; Junior — Jackson Libby; Sophomores — Neal LaVallee, Tyler Scribner, Declan Swanson.
Key losses: Carter Libby (2023 Sun Journal Boys Runner of the Year), Preston Gerry.
Promising newcomers:  Boys: Freshmen — Ian Aubut, Chase Diffin, Holden Handley, Christian Lacadie, William Mitchell; Girls: Juniors — Callista Strattard, Madelyn Humphrey; Sophomore — Ivy Ouellette.
Season outlook: The boys return three of their top five runners from last year — Mitchell, Gavin Gerry and Jackson Libby — who will hopefully help lead the team to the state meet for the second consecutive year. Ouellette will lead the girls team, Zukowski said, especially while the Patriots struggle to get roster numbers back. Zukowski said the girls will be running their best at the end of the season. “We have a great mix of veterans and newcomers and will be looking to run our best come late October,” he said.

LEAVITT HORNETS 
Coach: Jen Grant (third year)
Conference: KVAC; Class: B
Last year’s results: Girls: 11th at Class B regionals, fourth at KVACs; Boys: Seventh at KVACs.
Returning runners: Girls: Seniors — Annabelle Chabot, Charlotte Merrill; Juniors — Haley Marston, Cambrielle Poole, Reed Petrin; Sophomore — Addyson Turmel.
Key losses: Gabe Durazo, Dominic Toscano.
Promising newcomers: Boys: Junior —Liam McKee; Freshman — Keegan Buckingham. Girls: Junior — Emma Albert.
Season outlook: The Hornets graduated 95 percent of last year’s boys team, leaving the need to rebuild and aim for individual over team success this season. Grant said the girls will be competitive contenders for the championship season. She added that Marston “blasted onto the scene midseason and dominated every race she ran in.” Marston placed third at both KVACs and Class B regionals, fifth at states and competed at New Englands as a sophomore, cutting time and hitting a personal record each race.

LEWISTON BLUE DEVILS
Coach: Craig John (second year); assistant: Vicky Crouse (fourth year)
Conference: KVAC; Class: A
Returning runners: Girls: Seniors — Annie Spurr (captain), Amelia Wooten, Anna Weiss, Gwenyth Jordan; Sophomore — Lily Douglass. Boys: Juniors — Evan Brousseau (captain), Enzo Giampaolo, Gage Oliver; Sophomore — Lucas Wooten.
Promising newcomers: Girls: Junior — Lubesso Sauca; Sophomore — Alahna Hart. Boys: Juniors — Victor Puanha, Noah Wellarsson; Sophomores — Jose Makanda, Abdillahi Omer; Freshmen — Alex Miranda, Max Miranda, Sebastian Pambo.
Season outlook: The Blue Devils’ first priority is for the runners to have fun, John said. To do that, a large amount of the season is spent building inter-team relationships. John added that Lewiston is concentrating on building the size of the team, as well as retaining athletes because there are not many seniors. “We are looking to help the runners we have increase their ability so we have a more productive team as the season progresses and over the next few seasons,” John said.

LISBON GREYHOUNDS 
Coach: Jeremy Williams (10th season)
Conference: MVC; Class: C
Last year’s results: Boys: third at MVCs, fourth at regionals, 12th at states.
Returning runners: Boys: Juniors — Isaac Scribellito, Malachi Ganong, Isaiah McDonough, Sam Liudvinaltis, Kylan Dugal, Liam Kuhl, Ryan Hanlon, Eric Soucie; Sophomores: Kendal McGehee, Brody Hall, Autumn Fox, Ethan Ferro. Girls: Sophomores — Adaya Ganong, Lauren Moreau, Elly Blake.
Promising newcomers: Boys: Sophomores — Mason Moore, Emmaus Kay; Freshmen — Nolan Williams, Reid Laudieri, Simon Lord. Girls: Sophomores — Zoe Desrosier, Elizabeth Ferero.
Season outlook: On the boys side didn’t graduate any runners, so the Greyhounds are working with the same squad as last year. Additionally, there is young talent coming on to the team, looking to build on last year’s success while having a strong presence throughout the season, Williams said. “With the experience that the junior boys bring to the younger runners, the team has put themselves in the right spot to be in the mix for a strong competitive season,” Williams said. He added that the boys are looking to make a strong showing at the conference and regional meets again, as well as qualifying for the state championship. The girls team adds two new runners, which allows Lisbon to field a full scoring team for the first time in over 10 years. Williams said that the three returning runners had a successful season last year, and will pass on their gained experience to the newer runners. “The girls are excited to be in the position of scoring as a team and potential possibilities as we move through the season and gain experience through every week,” Williams said.

MT. BLUE COUGARS
Coach: Kelley Cullenberg (32nd year)
Conference: KVAC; Class: A
Last year’s results: Boys: Fourth at Class A regionals, fifth at KVACs, ninth at states; Girls: Fourth at Class A regionals, fourth at KVACs, 10th at states.
Returning runners: Boys: Seniors — Henri McCourt, Noah Civiello, Eli Hoeft; Juniors — Luke Doscinski, Ben Hatch, Nick Bell; Sophomores — Damian Wynn, Nick DeMarco, Teddy McLeod, Wyatt Hall. Girls: Seniors — Nora McCourt, Brielle Tinker; Junior — Elizabeth Strickland; Sophomores — Elsa Feegel, Lily Jackson, Grace Drown.
Key losses: Ben Daku, Daniel Dalton, Owen Heseltine, Andrew Robinson, Lucinda Carroll, Natalie McCarthy.
Promising newcomers: Boys: Junior — Tyler Rackliff; Freshmen — Wyatt Oliver, Luka Burns, Jonny Bell, Joe Brown, Oak Medina, Cridder Hensley, Rory Whitmore, Teddy Renaud. Girls: Seniors — Astrid Jones, Lucy Knowles; Junior —  Juliette Poussier; Freshman — Karoline Gonzales.
Season outlook: The Cougars teams are a “unique blend of experienced veterans who bring leadership and grit, and new underclassmen eager to make their mark,” Cullenberg said. The returning runners have shown growth over the duration of their career, and now look to pass on their dedication to the newer runners and provide leadership when it comes to high-pressure meets and commitment to cross country. Cullenberg added that the newcomers bring “enthusiasm, talent and the drive to push boundaries.” The season will be about learning, growth and having the new runners become an integral part of the team’s success.

OAK HILL RAIDERS 
Coach: Jack Carney (sixth year)
Conference: MVC; Class: B
Last year’s results: Did not have enough runners for team competition.
Returning runners: Boys: Sophomore — Maxx Crowley. Girls: Sophomores — Robyn Babbidge, Abigail Gervais, Avery Pinard.
Key loss: Sebastian Doyle.
Promising newcomers: Boys: Freshman — Matthew Dupee. Girls: Sophomore — Lillian Hooper.
Season outlook: The Raiders are excited about setting personal bests and enjoying the sport. This season, the runners aim to build enthusiasm and generate excitement, and hope to reach the state championship meet in November, Carney said.

OXFORD HILLS VIKINGS
Coach: Luc Roy (19th year)
Conference: KVAC; Class: A
Last year’s results: Boys: seventh place at Class A regionals; Girls: seventh place at Class A regionals.
Returning runners: Boys: Seniors — Noah Kissel (captain), Lucas Hutchinson, William Kasperek; Juniors — Ronan Brown, William Abbot, Jeremiah Lawrence; Sophomores — Carson Holme, Asher Roy, Tristan Atwell, David Boos, Grady Miller. Girls: Seniors — Adelaide Harthorne (captain), Emily Sanborn, Lauren Hewson; Juniors — Cedar Worster, Emma Palmer, Victoria Noblin, Antonella Gilbert.
Key losses: Boys: Cody Roy, Hayden Heathcoat. Girls: Willow Adler.
Promising newcomers: Boys: Freshmen — Judah DosReis, Lennox Hill, Levi Pouliot, Alex Reyolds, Owen Schaff. Girls: Freshmen — Charlotte Home, Elja Partridge, Idella Merrill.
Season outlook: There are lots of new faces for the Vikings this year, with a strong group of freshmen and upperclassmen joining the team. Key leaders on the squad this season include Lucas Hutchinson and Cedar Worster, “who had great first races this season,” already, Roy said.

POLAND KNIGHTS
Coach: Sean Galipeau-Eldridge (23rd year)
Conference: WMC; Class: B
Last year’s results: Boys: 11th in Southern B regional championship; Girls: 10th in Southern B regional championship.
Returning runners: Boys: Senior — Johnny Bsullak; Juniors — Ethan Castonguay, George Dionne, Harper Doyle, Lucas Foss, Ryan Kelly, Riley Lamb, Cayden Michaud; Sophomores — Ben Comeau, Brayden D’Auteuil, David Farrell, Benny Fuller. Girls: Seniors — Brianna Corriveau, Autumn Demelia, Kayleigh Hood; Junior — Emily Bartlett; Sophomores — Kai McGarry, Elianna Morello.
Key losses: Boys: JR Tibbetts, Zac Maffei. Girls: Danielle Warren.
Promising newcomers: Boys: Juniors — Brayden Brown; Freshmen — Beckett Greene, Levi Noyes, Nicholas Smith, Ashton Yerxa. Girls: Freshmen — Mackenzie Lane, Cortney Lawson, Alyssa Mason.
Season outlook: The Knights are gaining experience and strength and return a core of runners who utilize strong pack running. The boys team is led by senior Johnny Bsullak. The girls team is led by Brianna Corriveau, Kayleigh Hood and Emily Bartlett. They add talented freshman Alyssa Mason who will stretch the speed of the team’s front-running, which is supported by a stronger pack this season.

SPRUCE MOUNTAIN PHOENIX 
Coach: Ben Geissinger (fourth year)
Conference: MVC; Class: B
Returning runners: Girls: Seniors — Skylar Condon, Hannah Perkins, Katie Johnson; Sophomores — Erin Chen, Morgan McDaniel; Freshmen — Hope Bowie, Baylee Brown. Boys: Junior — Samuel Geissinger; Sophomore — Chris Wilson;
Key loss: Emily Bowie.
Promising newcomers: Boys: Freshman — Patrick Chen.
Season outlook: The Phoenix have a strong group of seniors this year, all of whom have been competing throughout their high school careers. Ben Geissinger said the senior class has matured into “very solid leaders and are great at welcoming and encouraging our newer runners.” He added that the girls team expects to be competitive in all of the conference races, and may have one or two runners qualify for the state meet. On the boys side, there are not enough runners to score as a team, but Samuel Geissinger should do well individually and qualify for the state meet. Ben Geissinger said the team’s fitness is looking good so far, and there is cohesion amongst runners. He hopes that the team’s confidence will continue to grow as fitness improves.

ST. DOMINIC SAINTS
Coach: Cameron Meserve (second year); assistant: Dawson Smith (first year)
Conference: WMC; Class: C
Last season’s results: Boys: 13th at Class C regionals, 15th at WMCs. Girls: did not have enough runners to score as a team.
Returning runners: Seniors — Boys: Phoenix Jalbert, Jack Gilpatric, Logan Martin, Gavin Godfrey, Hayden Murphy, Dan Burnham. Girls: Seniors — Rohen Brown, Laila Monismith; Sophomore — Ani Jalbert.
Key losses: Abby Piotrowski, Daisy Piotrowski.
Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Avianna D’Auteuil, Kayla Bergen.
Season outlook: Meserve is entering his second year at the helm with a roster that has a lot of experience and lofty goals. The Saints are bringing back state qualifiers Rohen Brown and Phoenix Jalbert, and are looking for others to step up. “Our group has high expectations individually, and as a team,” Meserve said. The boys team need more consistency, and the girls are looking forward to scoring as a team team for the first time in years.

WINTHROP RAMBLERS
Coach: Ed Van Tassel (13th season)
Conference: MVC; Class: C
Last year’s results: Boys: first at Southern Class C regionals, first at MVCs, fourth at states; Girls: Eighth at Southern Class C regionals, fourth at MVCs.
Returning runners: Boys: Senior — Joseph Szakas; Junior — Luke Hopkins; Sophomores — Sam St. Germain, Tyler Poulin, Derrick Gould, Urijah Oliver. Girls: Senior — Ashley Arsenault; Junior — Grace Drown; Sophomores — Keura Pearson, Sophie Beckwith.
Key losses: Chris Pottle, Eben Michaud, Teddy Wagner, Sam Brito, Harold Vance, Bennett Ross, David Gustin, Gabe Corey, Haley Williams (2023 Sun Journal Girls Runner of the Year).
Promising newcomers: Boys: Sophomores — Gianni Haefele, Alfie Cognata; Freshman — Douglas Talbot. Girls: Sophomores — Alena Slocum, Ivy Wess; Freshman — Jessica Kaherl.
Season outlook: The Ramblers boys team graduated six of its top seven runners from last season, but is striving to continue to compete at a high level. “This team has the talent and commitment to do just that,” Van Tassel said. On the girls side, the team has a mix of new and experienced runners, who look to come together as a team and improve throughout the season.