While the Cape Elizabeth girls’ cross country team is a favorite in today’s Class B state meet, it will be without Coach Mary Ann Doss for a second straight week.
Doss, the Cape Elizabeth coach for 14 years, also wasn’t at the Western Maine regional. Her absence is the result of a dispute over her coaching methods, according to Doss.
Cape Elizabeth officials didn’t return phone calls from the Press Herald. Athletic Director Jeff Thoreck did return an e-mail, stating” “Mary Ann notified me that she will not be attending the Cross Country Championship Meet this weekend and wished the team well.”
In another e-mail, Thoreck declined to elaborate any more on Doss’ decision, or whether she is still the Cape Elizabeth coach.
Doss also did not return a phone call but issued a statement via e-mail.
“There has been a disagreement about my coaching methods and the way I have chosen to run the team,” Doss wrote. “The disagreement appears to be insurmountable at this point. Consequently, I have decided not to attend this week’s state championships.
“It is unfortunate as I am very proud of my 14-year record as the girls’ cross country coach at Cape Elizabeth. The team has had tremendous success, including four state championships and I have enjoyed the privilege of coaching some terrific kids.”
It is unclear with whom Doss has a disagreement. Doss would not elaborate, writing “that is all I want to say.”
The Capers, under Doss, have been one of the most dominant programs recently.
Cape Elizabeth won its first Class B state title in 2005, then finished second by three points in 2006. The Capers have won the past three state championships.
The Capers won the Western Maine Conference meet earlier this month, with Doss present, and then won the regional meet last Saturday.
Cape Elizabeth boys’ coach Derek Veilleux oversaw the girls’ team last Saturday.
Doss is also an assistant track and field coach in the spring. It is not known whether she will retain that position.
Staff writer Kevin Thomas can be reached at 791-6411 or kthomas@pressherald.com
Copy the Story Link
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.