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2007 Year in Review

 

 

Beckum 15th at U.S. Snowshoe Nationals

Thomas Beckum used the 2007 year to try out something new. Being relatively new to the sport of snowshoe racing, Thomas had a bit of a learners curve to overcome. Thomas proved no hill (or snowbank) was too steep to climb and quickly became one of the most competitive snowshoe racers in the region. Thomas qualified to compete in the 2007 U.S. Snowshoe National Championships by placing 5th at the Northern Vermont Snowshoe Challenge in Smuggler's Notch, Vermont. Thomas then placed an impressive 15th overall at the National Championship Meet in Maple Groove, Minnesota. He was also extremely competitive in the local road racing circuit picking up wins at the UMFK 10k, Houlton Bull Run and Capital City 5k in Augusta.

Spud Youth Run Tough on the Track

The Spudland Youth team members consisting of Brandon Waltz, Sam Sheehan and Drew Freme all had great individual seasons on the track in 2007. All three members were in their seniors seasons, and they didn't leave much behind as they earned personal bests and even some state championships. Waltz continued to improve at the middle distance events, finishing 5th overall at the Class B Indoor State meet in the Mile Run in a time of 4:45.95. He also finished 7th in the 800 with a time of 2:11. Sam Sheehan was a two time State Champion at the Class B Outdoor State Meet in the 3200 (9:44.44) and also the 4 x 800 relay with fellow Spud Drew Freme. Sam Sheehan (Brown University) and Brandon Waltz (Wheaton College, Mass) continued their running success, both having great freshman cross country seasons.

Gorneault Sets Record at Musterd Mile, Wins Maine State Half Marathon

PJ Gorneault used 2007 to continue to prove himself as one of the most competitive runners in the state. One of his more impressive performances of the year came at the 2007 edition of the Musterd Mile held in Caribou, Maine. His blistering time of 4:14 not only placed him first in the competitive field but also gave him a new course record. Gorneault showed us his talents weren't restricted to shorter distances at the Maine Half Marathon in Portland on October 7th, running away from the competition and winning easily in a time of 1:12:24. PJ also grabbed titles at the Mapleton Daze 2-Miler, Caribou Labor Day 5-Miler.

Several Spuds Choose 2007 to Make Marathon Debuts

Robert Gomez, Jeffrey Sprague, Susan Plissey and Rene Laliberty chose the 2007 year to try out the marathon distance. Gomez and Sprage journeyed to Chicago for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, while Laliberty (Maine Marathon in Portland) and Plissey (Legs for Literacy Marathon in Moncton, NB) stayed a little closer to home for their respective debuts. Gomez and Sprague had to battle record temps at the Chicago Marathon, but both managed to finish running times of 3:04:08 and 3:20:32 respectively. Plissey also had to overcome adverse conditions in her Marathon debut. The Legs for Literacy Marathon was held on November 4th in chilly temps with tropical storm strength winds. Susan battled through the conditions and finished in 3:39:23, good for 35th overall and 4th overall female. Rene Laliberty had a very impressive debut at the Maine Marathon, finishing in 3:24:39, good for second overall in her 20-29 age group.

Plissey Wins Numerous County Road Races

Along with the impressive marathon performance, Susan Plissey proved to be the one to beat at most Aroostook County road races in 2007. She was the overall champion at the UMFK 5k, Wild Katahdin Snow Run, UMPI Spring Run Off, Musterd Mile, Houlton Bull Run and Mapleton Daze 2-Mile.

Gomez and Scott Join the Spud Revolution

Robert Gomez and Nick Scott joined the Spudland Racers in 2007. Both Gomez and Scott were highly competitive high school and Division III college runners in the state of Maine. Gomez was a two time Class D state Champion and one of the front runners for the Bates College Cross Country team from 2001-2003. While running for the Spuds Gomez has already racked up many top finishes in the local road race circuit, as well as the overall title (and 15 pounds of lobster) at the Friendship Day 5k.

Nick Scott ran for the University of Maine at Farmington. While at UMF Scott picked up numerous top finishes and individual awards, including the 2003 North Atlantic Conference Individual Champion.

Sprague Brings Home Pineland Win, Course Record

Jeffrey Sprague used his Chicago Marathon plans as a great excuse to get in the best shape of his life in 2007. Looking for a good workout he hit the trails for the Pineland Farm Trail Challenge 25k. Sprague ran away from the field finishing in a time of 1:35:37, three minute ahead of the runner up. He also picked up wins at the Falcon Fitness Run in Sarasota, Florida, Camden 10k, Rockland Mother's Day 5k, Ocean Point 5k, Lobster Festival 10k, Brewer Turkey Trot 3-Miler, Doc's Tiger 3-Miler, USATF XC 5k, and also the Strawberry Shortcake Shuffle 5k and Sanford Run for the Gym 5k on the same day!

Scotty Dorrity Runs Well For UMM

Scotty Dorrity continued his impressive college cross country career, however now sporting a different set of colors. The University of Maine at Machias Clippers were lucky enough to have Dorrity join the squad for the 2007 season, where he collected numerous top five finished throughout the season.

 

Sprague, Gomez take on the Turkey Trot

Jeffrey Sprague and Robert Gomez took on the 26th Annual Brewer Turkey Trot in Brewer, Maine this past Sunday. Due to certain changes in the local roads the course had to be redirected to Dirigo Drive and the distance changed from five kilometers to three miles. The two Spuds took off with the pack, but at the one mile mark began to separate themselves from the field. When the dust had settled Jeffrey Sprague had taken home "the turkey" finishing in an official time of 15:34 and Robert Gomez third in a time of 16:18 out of a field of 496. In the team division, the Spuds required the assistance of an old friend in the form of MV graduate and current UM runner Andrea York. Andrea finished the course in 19:15, good for 57th overall. The combined places for the Spud land trio was good enough for first overall in any division, however since no co-ed division was in place they were unable to place.

Beckum, Gover Complete Wild Weekend Double

Thomas Beckum takes Capital City 5k

Spudland Racers Thomas Beckum and Linda Gover traveled to the Capital City Veterans Day Weekend to take on not one but two races. On Sunday, November 11th the duo with the company of fellow Spud Jeffrey Sprague raced in a USATF sanctioned 5k Cross Country race at Cony High School. The cold temps and hilly course slowed the three down, but didn't stop them from having quality finishes in the relatively small field of five.

Thomas Beckum takes Capital City 5k

The following day they competed in the Capital City 5k, also at Cony High School in Augusta, Maine. Thomas Beckum ran a very impressive pace, running with the lead pack until putting on a surge in the final minutes of the race to bring home a six second victory. His finishing time was 16:33, over two minutes faster than his time the previous day. Not to be outdone Linda Gover took home first place in her age group running the 5,000 meter course in 24:47.

 

Gorneault Wins Sportshoe Center Maine Half Marathon!

Spud PJ Gorneault ran away from the field 1,363 runners to win the Maine Half Marathon on Sunday, October 7th. His time of 1:12:24 was an average pace per mile of 5:32 and was nearly 2 minutes ahead of the nearest competitor. To make his victory even more impressive, it came the day after racing the Presidential 5k Road Race in Kennybunkport, Maine. 

Laliberty, Gomez and Sprague Compete in October 7th Marathons

Rene Laliberty, Robert Gomez and Jeffrey Sprague all completed their first respective marathons on October 7th, 2007. Rene Laliberty posted a very impressive time on the hilly coast of Maine in the Sportshoe Center Maine Marathon. Rene's time of 3:24:24 was an average pace of 7:49 per mile and good for 74th out of 616 competitors and second in her age group. Robert Gomez and Jeffrey Sprague battled hot conditions in Chicago for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. Robert Gomez ran a time of 3:04:08 good for 262nd overall in the 26,000 plus field. Jeffrey Sprague finished in 3:20:32, 687th overall.

Spudlanders Finish Up Impressive July with 13 Individual Titles

The Spudland Racers have made their presence know this summer on the Maine road racing circuit. From June 27th to July 28th seven different Spudlanders have won a total of thirteen individual titles on courses across the state. On the women's side, Susan Plissey took first in the Mapleton Daze 2 Miler (13:16), Houlton Bull Run 8k, and Musterd Mile (5:31). Rene Laliberty took first in the Rotary River Valley Run (21:52). On the men's side, PJ Gorneault took first in the Mapleton Daze 2 Mile (10:21), and set the course record with a first in the Musterd Mile (4:14). Jeffrey Sprague took first in the Week 8 Portland Back Cove (17:15), Sanford Run for the Gym 5k (16:20), Ocean Point 5k (17:18), and set a course record with a first at the Strawberry Shortcake Shuffle 5k (16:37). Brandon Waltz took first in the Marshall Point Lighthouse Loop 5k (17:38). Thomas Beckum won the Houlton Bull Run 8k (28:02) and Robert Gomez won the Friendship Day 5k (18:08).

Gomez Takes Friendship Day 5k

Spud Robert Gomez took first in the 14th Annual Friendship Day 5k on July 28th. Gomez ran away from the field finishing the 3.1 mile course in 18:08, 36 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. Gomez is the current record holder for the course with a time of 16:15 he set back in 2000.

Photo Courtesy of Village Soup

 

Waltz and Sprague Take Midcoast Weekend Races

Brandon Waltz continues his impressive summer by winning the Marshall Point Lighthouse Loop 5k. Waltz finished the hilly 5k in a time of 17:38, 12 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. The following day fellow Spudlander Jeffrey Sprague took first in the Ocean Point 5k in a time of 17:18. Robert Gomez his impressive progress by finishing the hilly, difficult course in 18:29.

Photo Courtesy of Village Soup

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorneault Battles Competition in Potato Blossom 5 Miler

PJ Gorneault showed he could run with the best at the Fort Fairfield Potato Blossom 5 Miler on June 21st. The course, once considered one of the hardest races in New England, featured some of Maine's top road racers. Gorneault held his own, finishing the difficult course in a time of 26:24, good for third place overall. Youth Spud Sam Sheehan finished fourth breaking the 28 minute mark in 27:58. Susan Plissey was the second overall female, finishing in 34:29. Other Spuds: 16. Leo Kashian, 32:54, 23. Bruce Freme, 34:49.

Gorneault Flies in Musterd Mile

PJ Gorneault continues his amazing summer of racing with a win and course record at the Musterd Mile on Friday, July 28th. Gorneault battled with race winner, Evan Graves, for the first 1000 meters before taking the lead and leaving the field behind. Gorneaults time of 4:14 is the fastest yet since the course was changed several years back. Not to be outdone Susan Plissey was the first overall female, finishing in a time of 5:31. Other Spudland finishers were Thomas Beckum, 3rd overall in 4:27, Sam Sheehan, 4th overall in 4:31, Leo Kashian, 15th overall in 5:17, Rene Laliberty, 21st overall in 5:39, and Dillon Beckum, just 9 years old finishing 34th overall in 6:16.

Busy Weekend For Spudland Racers

A number of Spudland Racers took to the roads this past weekend competing in road races across the state and even into Canada. Lance Stuart headed across the boarder for a back to back weekend of 10k's. Saturday's race featured terrain varying from loose rocks to waist deep water, making his finishing time of just over an hour quite impressive. He followed this up with another race on Sunday battling fatigue to a 47:42 finish. Right across the boarder in Houlton Spuds Thomas Beckum and Susan Plissey took the individual titles in the Houlton Bull Run 8k Road Race. Thomas ran a smart, evenly paced run, pulling away from the pack early and finishing in 28:02. Susan Plissey used a little help from fellow Spudland Racer Leo Kashian to finish 7th (Leo finishing 6th) to take the woman's title. A little further south Katie Matzell, Robert Gomez and Jeffrey Sprague took place in the 3rd Annual Strawberry Shortcake Shuffle in Damarascotta, Maine. Sprague took the overall title and set a new course record in a time of 16:37. In his first race in three and a half years Robert Gomez grabbed first in the 20-29 age group with an impressive time of 18:43. Matzell finished in 24:59 on the tough course. Spudlanders Sprague and Matzell hadn't had enough after the Shuffle and headed even further south for an evening race in Springvale, Maine. Sprague made it a two for two day finishing first in the Run for the Gym 5k with a time of 16:20. Matzell also cut a few ticks off her time finishing in 24:53 and unofficially 3rd in her 20-25 age group.

Spuds @ 2007 S.W. Collins 5k Road Race

 

Spud Youth Sheehan State Champ!
Caribou senior and member of the Spudland Racers youth team took first in the State Class B 3200 meter run Saturday, June 2nd in a time of 9:44.55. Sam was also a part of the Caribou Boy's 4x800 meter relay team with fellow Spud Drew Freme that took the State title in a time of 8:23.50.

Sprague wins Maine Sport Camden 10k

Coastal Spud Jeffrey Sprague won the Camden 10k Sunday, June 3rd in a time of 34:20. Sprague cut 2 minutes and 12 seconds off his time on this course last year, where he finished second in a time of 36:32.

Beckum and Plissey Impressive in UMFK Run for Nurses

Thomas Beckum and Susan Plissey both had strong showings on May 5th in Fort Kent, Maine at the U-Maine Fort Kent Run for Nurses 5k and 10k Road Race. Thomas Beckum was the first overall finisher in the 10k event, completing the course in 35:24. Susan, who also was the director of the race, was the first female finisher and the second overall finisher in the 5k event in a time of 20:13.

Youth Spuds Start Season Strong

Spudland Youth Members Brandon Waltz, Sam Sheehan and Bruce Freme have had impressive starts to the 2007 High School Outdoor Track and Field Season. In the most recent meets, Brandon Waltz of Rockland District High School started strong winning the 1600 Meter Run in a time of 4:49 and placing 2nd in the 3200 in 11:06. Sam Sheehan of Caribou swept the individual titles in his most recent track meet, taking the 800 (209.73,) 1600 (4:51.98 )and 3200 (10:34.78) events. Drew Freme, also of Caribou placed third in both the 800 (2:14.06) and 1600 (5:00.42) in the same meet.

Sprague 3rd in New Hampshire

Jeffrey Sprague traveled to Dover, New Hampshire Sunday, April 22nd to compete in the Red's Shoe Barn 5 Mile Road Race. His time of 26:58 was good for 3rd place overall out of a field of 357.

Spuds Sheehan and Plissey Take Spring Run Off Titles

Spud Youth Member Sam Sheehan was the first runner to cross the finish line at the Presque Isle Spring Run Off on April 14th. Sam finished in 17:09, edging out fellow spuds Thomas Beckum (17:32) and Drew Freme (17:42.) Susan Plissey and Rene Laliberty took first and second in the women's race, with respective times of 19:55 and 21:56 over the hilly course. Other Spudland finishers were: 7. Emerson Wright, 18:48; 12. Erik Davidshofer, 19:22; 23. Bruce Freme, 21:16; 30. Rene Laliberty, 21:56.  

Beckum Qualifies for U.S. National Snowshoe Championships

Thomas Beckum raced to a fifth place finish at the Northern Vermont Snowshoe Challenge in Smuggler's Notch, Vermont with a time of 41:47. His top 5 finish qualifies him for spot at the U.S. National Snowshoe Championships in Maple Grove, Minnesota on March 9-10, 2007. For more information on this event check out the U.S. National Snowshoe website by clicking here.

Sprague Wins Falcon Fitness Run

On a sunny, warm February morning Spuds Jeffrey Sprague and Katie Matzell joined over 200 other runners in the Saint Stephen's Episcopal Falcon Fitness Run 5k Road Race. Sprague took off from the field at the mile mark and was the first overall finisher in 17:06. Katie also ran a strong race, and her time and place will be listed once results are available.

 

 

 

 

 

Waltz Ends Indoor Season with Top State Finish and Personal Best

Brandon Waltz finishes off a great Indoor Track and Field season with an top performance in the Mile Run at the State Class B Indoor Track and Field Championships at the University of Southern Maine on Monday, February 19th. His time of 4:45.95 was good for fifth place, and a new indoor mile PR by three seconds. He also placed seventh in the 800 in a time of 2:11.46.

 

 

 

 

 

Spuds Take on Wild Katahdin Trust Snow Run

Three Spuds made the trek to Houlton on Saturday, February 3rd to run the snowy Wild Trust Snow Run. Impressive performances were turned out on a slippery course from Susan Plissey, Leo Kashian and Jeffrey Sprague. Plissey was the first overall female finisher (seventh overall) with a time of 20:29. Leo Kashian finished overall with a time of 19:45. Sprague made the trip from Rockland to "the county" only to arrive 2 minutes late, but ran the race regardless finishing with a gun time of 19:25, but logging an actual time of 17:22. Since he arrived late he was not able to register and therefore is missing from the results.