Sean Gray wasn’t at the Injury Fund Carnival this past weekend. The Portsmouth senior was busy on a college visit to the University of Virginia.
But Gray didn’t need validation from Saturday’s season opener to confirm his status as one of Rhode Island’s best. His résumé from the last two years already speaks for itself.
The Patriots’ distance ace is one of a handful of true contenders for the individual state title this fall. He was runner-up at last year’s meet behind preseason favorite and defending champion Marshall Vernon of La Salle. In 2024, Gray became the only runner in the state to dip under 15 minutes for 5K, clocking a course-record 14:55.56 at the Maine XC Festival of Champions. He also placed third at New England’s and, alongside Vernon, punched his ticket to Nike Cross Nationals on Dec. 7 with a third-place finish at NXR-Northeast in New York two weeks earlier.
When Gray races, one thing is guaranteed: it will be honest. He’s known for his aggressive, take-charge style. On the track, he’s been just as dominant. Gray defended his outdoor two-mile title, running a 3K best of 8:27.50. He broke 15 minutes twice in the 5,000 meters, posting state records indoors and outdoors. On the national stage, he placed 11th at the New Balance Nationals indoors (14:43.48) and earned All-American honors in the spring with a fourth-place finish (14:36.70).
To sharpen himself for what’s instore during championship season and beyond, Gray will be testing his mettle against some regional and national talent at the Shore Coaches Invitational in New Jersey on Oct. 4. It’s a meet that will feature national powerhouse Christian Brothers Academy as well as Hendricken and La Salle will also be making the trip.
The battle for the individual boys’ title at this year’s State Meet could be one of the most exciting the state has ever seen, with Gray, Vernon, and Hendricken’s Colby Flynn all capable of taking the prize in early November. The Portsmouth star certainly can’t be ignored as a contender to cross the line first.
And that would only mark the beginning of what promises to be a prosperous postseason.
