Skowhegan cross country runners work out during the team’s practice at Skowhegan Area High School in Skowhegan on Thursday, Aug. 28. (Rich Abrahamson/Staff Photographer)

Growth in sports comes in different forms. For many teams, it is improvement, whether from one season to another or from the beginning of preseason to the end of it. For others, it’s literal growth, as in, more team members.

Varsity Maine went to Thursday’s Poland and South Portland football and Skowhegan cross country practices. Here’s what we learned in Skowhegan:

River Hawks make gains

In a town so heavily invested in football and field hockey, the Skowhegan cross country team has been lucky to pull four runners as recently as two years ago.

But change is in the air this fall, as second-year head coach Isaac Michaud worked hard on the recruiting trail and enters the season with a roster that nears 20 runners.

“I honestly begged a lot of kids to come out,” said Michaud, who teaches at Skowhegan Area High School. “It’s awesome to see how big the team has gotten, to see they’re bringing their friends out and having a good time. They talk a lot about this team being (like) a family, which is exactly how it feels.”

The rise in teammates is also a welcome change for returning runners.

“This is absolutely amazing,” said junior Jay Lathrop. “We had enough people, 12 people I believe, to have two teams last season. Now we’re almost at 20, which is awesome. I’m really looking forward to (the season).”

“To see this grow in exponential numbers is amazing to see,” added senior Tony White. “It shows people that cross country is a thing. There’s people who wouldn’t believe that cross country is a sport. To see people recognize the sport and give it a shot is amazing to see.”

Skowhegan cross country runners Gabby Hall, left, and Eleanor Browne work out during team practice at Skowhegan Area High School on Thursday August 28, 2025. (Rich Abrahamson/Staff Photographer)

The change doesn’t end there. The River Hawks will also be hosting their first home meet in five years on Sept. 19, when they welcome fellow Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference schools such as Oxford Hills, Gardiner, Lawrence and Nokomis.

“We’ve got other sports with a lot of kids in them (at Skowhegan) that have been established for a long, long time,” Michuad said. “To be able to coach 20 kids who care, who are out there every day, and then be able to showcase their talent in their hometown, that’s awesome.”

Skowhegan starts its regular season on Sept. 5 at Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield.