WELLS — The Wells High School boys cross country team enjoyed a successful 2018 season — including a ninth-place finish at the Class B state championships.
A major part of the Warriors’ success was junior Griffin Allaire, who has been named the Journal Tribune’s boys cross country Most Valuable Player for the 2018 campaign.
Allaire’s success was no surprise to Wells head coach Bob Winn.
“(Allaire’s) the top guy on the team, one of the top in the state and one of the better runners in New England percentage wise,” said Winn. “I think he’s a classic division one runner.”
Allaire led the Warriors to their ninth-place victory when he finished third in the state meet. The junior had a time of 16:24.95.
“The most memorable moment of this season was probably the state meet. I didn’t win it, but I did my best,” said Allaire, who finished 71st overall and was the sixth best Maine runner at the New England Championships in early November. “I think I had a good season overall. … I did place well at New Englands.”
Allaire is clearly a talented athlete, but Winn sees much more in the Wells junior.
“(Allaire’s) more than just a runner. He’s quite a character. He brings a lot of character to the team. He brings a lot of desire, discipline and willingness to work. The other kids look up to him as a leader,” said Winn.
Allaire was honored to receive the Journal Tribune’s boys cross country MVP award.
“It means a lot. I know a lot of people that have won it before, to be in that group means a lot,” said Allaire.
“He looked up to them until he started beating them,” joked Winn.
Allaire has high hopes for his senior cross country season.
“I’d like to win the state championship. I don’t think anyone from Wells has ever won the state championship in cross country. That would be my main goal for next year,” said Allaire.
— Sports Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.com or at780-9018. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.