The Wells cross country team enjoyed a successful campaign in 2016, putting together one of the finest seasons in school history. The Warriors won the Western Maine Conference, while finishing third at regionals and second at the Class B state meet back in November.

A major part of the Warriors’ success was junior Mitch Libby, who was named the Journal Tribune’s boys cross country most valuable player for a second consecutive season.

“Mitch has great potential to be one of the top runners in the state in all classes,” said Wells coach Bob Winn after Libby was named the Journal Tribune’s  MVP in 2015. “But I leave that up to him as well as the others to decide the direction they want to go to excel, and then we move in that direction.”

Libby certainly followed that path, and became one of the elite runners in the state. After posting consistent top-10 finishes in 2015, Libby improved immensely and finished top-three in every race he ran this fall.

Libby’s impressive performances include a first-place finish in a six-team race against York, Traip, Cape Elizabeth, Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach and North Yarmouth Academy, as well as a first-place finish against Waynflete, Traip and Old Orchard in a quad meet.

Libby then went on to finish second in the WMC championship, as well as third place in regionals and states.

“One word: Tremendous,” said Winn when summing up Libby’s 2016 year. “Mitch at this point has the desire to excel and this is what makes him  a big meet runner, that and he is not easily shaken and stays on point.”

Libby’s mental strength also rubbed off on his teammates, as the Warriors’ collectively grew throughout the season, becoming one of the state’s most consistent teams heading into its playoff races.

Winn was thankful to have a runner like Libby lead the pack when the spotlight was on, and the most was at stake.

“Having a front runner is important an intricate part of the unit for scoring as a team. It doesn’t get any better,” said Winn.

The state of Maine will have to compete against Libby for one more year, along with the other improving Warriors. Wells looks to be an early favorite to take home a state title in 2017, and Winn is pleased with the group of runners he has moving forward.

“I am fortunate to work with the young athletes I have,” said Winn.

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