Sean Gray has a lofty goal heading into this weekend’s Nike Cross Nationals in Oregon.
It’s a goal he set long before his impressive victory at the NXR Northeast Regional on Nov. 22 — and even before he captured both the State and New England titles in the two weeks prior.
When the gun fires for the start of Saturday’s race at Portland’s Glendoveer Golf Course, the Portsmouth High standout is clear about his intentions: “I am definitely vying for the win.”
Gray’s belief that he can cross the finish line first against a star-studded field featuring some of the nation’s finest harriers is far from a pipe dream. The future Virginia Cavalier has built a strong case as a legitimate contender throughout his undefeated season, beginning with a commanding win at the Shore Coaches Invitational at New Jersey’s Holmdel Park, long regarded as one of the toughest 5K courses in the country. He won the premier Varsity A race in 15:34.
The moment Gray realized NXN could be something special came at NXR-NE, a race he controlled from the gun. He pulled away down the final stretch and broke the tape in 15:21.2 — the second-fastest time ever at Bowdoin Park, behind DJ Principe’s 15:16 course record.
With its hilly terrain — especially in the first half — Bowdoin Park is considered more difficult than the generally flat layout at Glendoveer. A time like Gray’s at NXR-NE could translate to a low-15-minute effort this weekend.
That’s a time that could secure gold on Saturday.
“Running that time, I didn’t feel like I was running that fast,” Gray said. “Coming through the finish, I still felt like I had about five seconds left in the tank. That gives me confidence heading into this weekend, especially knowing this course is tougher than what most guys have raced this season. That might play to my advantage.”
The start of this weekend’s race takes place in a wide open field that funnels to narrow path after about 400 meters. Anything short of a fast start could prove disastrous in the end. It’s something Gray learned in 2024.
“I got out poorly and paid the toll for it,” he said. “I just got boxed in and couldn’t get my way out. I learned from that mistake hopefully and will be getting out a lot harder this year.”
This will be Gray’s second straight trip to NXN. He qualified last year after placing sixth at regionals and went on to finish 63rd in the national field of nearly 200 runners, clocking 16:22.3 in wet, muddy conditions — similar to what’s expected this weekend.
“Running last year is definitely an advantage,” he said. “Knowing the course, knowing how the race plays out — it’s very helpful. I think it’ll show in my race strategy.”
Gray has three state titles to his credit, winning back-to-back 3,000-meter crowns at the outdoor states that last two years along with achieving top honors in cross country last month. He’s also earned All America status by placing fourth in the 5K at the New Balance Nationals last June.
He’s hoping to add to that list this weekend. The top 21 finishers are named All American at NXN. In 2016, Principe placed 21st overall. Six years later, former Saint Raphael great Devan Kipyego placed 15th. Gray will be looking to become the third from the state to make the team.
Of course, the ultimate would be a victory against the country’s best.
“I would be in absolute awe,” he said. “It’s been my goal all season to go out there and win this race. I definitely feel I have the opportunity to do it. It would be so surreal coming across the line and breaking the tape first.”
(All Photos by Sterling Vernon @rhodeandtrack)
