With five pairs of siblings between the boys and girls cross country teams, running is something of a family affair at Scarborough High School. It’s also a rather successful affair, with both teams among the best squads in Class A this year.
Freshmen Whitney Chamberlain and Ashley Jesseman have joined big sisters Allison Chamberlain and Erica Jesseman on the Red Storm girls team this season, while Erin McElwain, Katrijn Moulin and Courtney Robinson, also first-year students who’ve come out for cross country, have brothers on the boys team: Ethan McElwain, Brecht Moulin and Craig Robinson.
In addition, Chris Harmon, one of the top male runners in the state, is the son of the boys team coach, Jim Harmon.
The younger Harmon finished ahead of the field in Scarborough’s first regular season meet last Friday at Kennebunk. He was followed by 11 teammates filling out the top 14 spots.
“We lost two people from last year – two of our top 10 – but we’re returning eight,” said Coach Harmon. “We had good depth as it was last year, so we’re looking good. They’re working hard, and I’m very pleased.”
The Red Storm boys were state champs last year, an accomplishment they are focused on repeating.
“This year should be a lot like last year,” Travis Griffin said. “We plan on taking states again.”
Griffin was among the top finishers at last season’s state meet. He and Harmon are joined by a solid group, including Ben Talbot, Tyler Nelson, Henry Prosack, Moulin and McElwain. Robinson will also be a factor.
“He finished tenth overall today,” his coach said after the Kennebunk meet, “eighth for us, and for a freshman on a strong team, that’s impressive.”
The elder Harmon points to the Oct. 14 meet at Bonny Eagle as one of the key dates this season.
“We’re strong, but there are other strong teams out there,” he said. “It’s going to make it a fun, challenging and interesting season.”
Not only are the Red Storm boys atop the most recent coaches’ poll, but the Scarborough girls are in first as well. Coach Ron Kelly’s team finished fifth in Class A last season, with both Erica Jesseman and Kaitlynn Saladanha among the top 15 at the state meet.
Still only juniors this year, the duo lead a squad that has quite a bit of young talent.
“The newcomers have a lot of potential,” said Kelly, who is in his 34th year as coach of the team. “It’s one of the best freshmen classes I’ve had come out.”
At Kennebunk, freshmen Katrijn Moulin and Whitney Chamberlain were each among the top ten finishers, helping Scarborough top the host team as well McAuley, two schools considered to be among the state’s top 10.
“We have really good freshmen who are really working hard,” said Jesseman, “and they are helping our team a lot.”
Jesseman, who was passed by Saldanha for second place in final 60 yards of the season opener, said that running with a talented teammate helps.
“We push each other. We help each other get better,” said Jesseman. “It’s really nice to have Kaitlynn helping me.”
As for the high expectations, Saldanha believes that they can work toward the team’s advantage.
“It should motivate us to work toward (winning),” she said. “I think we’re capable.”
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