BIDDEFORD — If there were any doubts before the cross country state championships about who the Journal Tribune Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year would be, Biddeford’s Cam Nadeau ended the debate when he crossed the finish line in late October.

Nadeau won the Class A state championship race in 16:36 to cap off an incredible season, and that’s why he has earned this title.

“This season, Cam set some pretty ambitious goals,” said Biddeford head coach Will Fulford. “He worked incredibly hard to get that position where he could compete for the state title.”

Nadeau broke onto the cross country scene last year with some impressive finishes. That motivated him to get to the top this year, according to Fulford.

“He kind of saw this last year, that he might be able to compete for the state title. Once he saw that that was an obtainable goal, I think his desire to achieve it increased, and he worked even harder,” said Fulford.

Fulford said that what makes Nadeau so good is “a combination of talent and hard work,” noting that he is very coachable, but that he is also very driven and competitive. Fulford also said that Nadeau learned how to analyze his races this year.

Nadeau was chugging right along winning meets until the regionals, when he was upset by Massabesic’s George Morrison and finished third.

“The regional race definitely left a sour taste in his mouth,” said Fulford.

But instead of dwelling on losing, Nadeau moved on and set his sights for the state championship.

“His attitude was great about it. He was ready to turn the page, and tackle the next race, which happened to be the state meet,” said Fulford.

Nadeau then ran one of his best races of the year when it mattered most, and held off rival Robby Hall of Scarborough and a slew of talented runners from Eastern Maine.

“I was so happy for him, because I know how hard he’s worked for it,” said Fulford. “I know he was incredibly happy with his performance.”

— Contact Wil Kramlich at 282-1535, Ext. 323.