There’s running with talent, and there’s running with confidence. When an athlete has both, it’s a lethal combination that’s tough to beat.
With his sights set on making a statement against the nation’s best in two weeks, Sean Gray delivered exactly that at Saturday’s Nike Cross Regionals Northeast in Wappingers Falls, N.Y.
Executing his race plan to perfection, the Portsmouth senior became the state’s third individual winner at the regional competition, covering the demanding five-kilometer course at Bowdoin Park in a blistering 15:21.2. Gray won a tight race, with the top five separated by just seven seconds.
His time ranks him No. 2 all-time at Bowdoin Park, behind former La Salle Academy standout DJ Principe’s 15:18.0 course record from 2016. St. Raphael alum Devan Kipyego claimed the title in 2023 with a 15:34.6 clocking.
“This is just unreal coming out here and representing Rhode Island,” Gray said. “I am just really excited about how everything worked out today.”
Just like he has throughout the season, the Virginia commit put himself among the leaders from the start. Gray passed through the opening mile in 4:56, managing the mostly uphill climb from 600 meters to the midway point while staying either in the lead or just a stride behind his rivals.
As the course descended for the final half, Gray took control and carried that momentum to the finish line.
“Really, the way the race played out was exactly how I wanted it,” he said. “The first mile was five to 10 seconds faster than last year, which is what I was hoping for. I really utilized my strategy well in this race.”
“Coming into the race, I wasn’t feeling my best,” he continued. “My strategy was to hit the second half of the hills hard at the top, create separation for 400 meters on the downhill, then regroup and make my move with about 800 meters left.”
Gray finished just ahead of Bocelli Howland-Vlahakis of Phillips Academy (NH), who was timed in 15:22.7. Future UVA teammate Luke Knatt of Christian Brothers Academy, recent winner of the NJSIAA Meet of Champions, placed third at 15:24.3.
“I was kind of afraid in the last 100 meters that someone was going to pass me,” Gray admitted. “I just powered up the hill and really charged that last stretch. Crossing the line was a relief, and it felt amazing.”
The next stop for the Portsmouth runner is the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Ore., on Dec. 2. The top two teams and top five individuals not on a qualifying squad earn a ticket out west.
“I definitely feel at nationals I could be in contention for the championship,” Gray said. “I’m very excited to go out there and run. I just feel I have the fitness that most of those guys are going to have.”
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While everything worked out for Gray, the day didn’t quite go as planned for some of the other top RI entries that made the trip.
As expected, Christian Brothers Academy dominated the boys’ team competition, scoring just 33 points, 100 more than fellow NJ rival Haddonfield. Bishop Hendricken, the recent state and New England titlists, was seventh overall with 235 points.
The No. 2 ranked Hawks were positioned in second at the midway point. They lost most of their ground the final half of the race. Junior Colby Flynn was the top finisher for the Hawks, placing 26th overall in 16:14.1. Teammate David Hayes was the next to cross the line, taking 37th at 16:24.5.
La Salle’s Marshall Vernon, who was fourth at NXR-NE last year, placed 28th and was the third RI finisher with a time of 16:16.9. The Rams senior dealt with a nagging side stitch early in the race that never allowed him to get into a groove.
Like Hendricken, the Cumberland girls were also aiming to solidify a spot at NXN after finishing third last year. While most of the Clippers ran their bests on Bowdoin’s tough 5K, it wasn’t enough against their rivals.
Cumberland compiled 189 points, a total that placed them fifth among the 31 schools. State champion and star sophomore CC Ludwig was the first to cross the line for the Blue and White, securing an impressive 13th overall with a strong time of 18:27.5. She was followed by senior Charli McCue, who was 41st at 19:17.6.
“We came into here with a goal the goal of maybe making in into nationals, which we didn’t achieve.” Ludwig said. “I think everybody should be proud of themselves because we ran here earlier and we all PR’d (for this course.”
