WATERBORO — The 2016 Massabesic cross country teams had an impressive season this fall, capping the year off with third-place finishes at the state finals for both the boys and girls.

The Southwestern Maine Activities Association recently named its 2016 awards, and seven Mustangs were recognized, along with coach Mark Crepeau who won Coach of the Year on the girls side.

“It makes me realize how much many of our runners improved over the season and how the hard work they invested in paid off by the end of the season,” said Crepeau. “I am proud of them for the work they did. It is wonderful to have runners who are committed to the program and give all they have and more.”

The Mustangs hoped to simply improve as the season wore on, however, both the boys and girls emerged as contenders in the state by season’s end. Crepeau and his squad were not only excited for their progress, but were also surprised with the big strides made throughout the campaign.

“The boys came back strong after not even making the states last year to finishing fourth in the region and third in the states,” said Crepeau. “The girls started the season with an eighth-place finish at the SMAA relays and our goal was to make it to the states with the top nine. Then a strange thing happened on the way to the states — they began to believe in themselves and began to improve and get stronger as individuals and teammates with each meet. They reached uncharted times and just exploded.”

Crepeau also credited his runners and assistant coach when discussing his Coach of the Year award.

“I am honored but the award is not about me, it’s about the kids,” said Crepeau. “It has my name on it because I am the head coach but it is an award to honor all that were involved in this wonderful year, myself, my assistant and the ladies for all they accomplished this year. It is the overall program’s award.”

The Mustangs now look forward to 2017, and hope that this season’s success will help catapult them to state title wins next fall.

“Both teams now have a newfound confidence and drive and they want to work harder in the offseason to get better,” said Crepeau. “They have new goals and a new determination to achieve them. So we will see what next year brings, I rule nothing out with this group of young adults.”

Donovan Duffy was named to the SMAA First Team as well as the All-Academic team. Alexander Swett also made the Second Team while Jacob Aboud was an Honorable Mention.

Kylie Johnson was named to the girls First Team while Hallie Benton was named to the Second Team. Grace Gile and Hope Saucier were each named to the All-Academic team.

— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at [email protected] or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.