CUMBERLAND — The state’s best runners will head to Twin Brook Recreation Area in Cumberland for the Maine Principals’ Association Cross Country Championships today – including a large local contingent looking to bring home

Four notable teams in the area have enjoyed much success this season, and as the year progressed, many individual runners have emerged as contenders.

Two local teams will be representing Class A as both the Biddeford boys and Massabesic girls earned spots in the state field.

Biddeford was led last week by Jordan Cook, who finished in 21st at the 17:13 mark, with Dwayne Dyer finishing less than a second behind at 17:65, which was good for 22nd. Trevor Jordan was not far behind, finishing at 24th.

Biddeford coach Will Fulford was happy with his team’s performance, but is confident that we have yet to see his team’s best shot.

“The team is feeling confident heading into the state meet. Even though we were excited to qualify last weekend at regionals, we also knew that there was a lot more there,” said Fulford.

Fulford and his team’s assurance is evident, however they still know that this meet will pose their biggest challenge yet.

“We know that the competition at the state meet will be the highest level. We know that we need to respect all the teams and bring our best focus and effort to the starting line,” said Fulford.

Perhaps the most impressive performance last week came from Massabesic’s girl squad, which had six of their seven runners finish in the top 30, including two in the top 10. Emily Wasina finished seventh, while Kylie Johnson finished ninth.

Old Orchard Beach has been extremely competitive in Class C. Head coach Mike Davis expressed his teams excitement at the opportunity.

“The kids are really excited, super pumped for this. We knew last week was going to be a challenge but they were up for it and ran great, I’m sure we will be ready for this Saturday as well,” said Davis

At last week’s Southern Maine regional meet, three of their runners finished in the top 30. Josh Martin finished in seventh place, while Connor Rice finished 21st and Noah Doucette 22nd.

“These guys have been running great. We are expecting that to continue this weekend and we hope that they can improve their times by a few seconds and maybe even move up a few places,” said Davis.

Davis is extremely confident in his team – especially at Twin Brook.

“The kids are very confident. We are familiar with the course and we feel good about racing there. More than anything our guys are all healthy which is big,” added Davis.

The Wells boys team was also successful and qualified in Class B. The boys – led by Mitch Libby and Wesley Moody who finished 16th and 24th respectively – claimed sixth place.

This recent success has the Warriors feeling confident in themselves heading into the meet.

“The guys have expressed that they have the confidence, ability and willingness to compete and work together as a team,” said coach Bob Winn.

Although the Warriors have made it this far, Winn says that their goal is to continue improving as a team more than focusing on individual performances.

“We expect to focus and run as a team towards a greater goal and performance,” said Winn.

With Saturday moving closer, the Warriors have much to look forward to. In terms of the course conditions, they believe despite it being a challenging layout, it is well kept and is nothing that they will not be able to handle.

“The boys feel it is a moderately tough, well taken care of course and look forward to competing against the best in the state,” said Winn.

With the amount of local teams and talent, the local runners and teams should like their chances at seeing a title brought back home.

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at sports@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @ JournalTsports.