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2005 Press Herald File
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2004 Press Herald File
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2004 Press Herald FileMAINE MEN RUNNERS TO WATCH:
- Ayalew Taye, Cape Elizabeth (Bib No. 30)
- Evan Graves, Presque Isle (32)
- Ethan Hemphill, Freeport (33)
- Matt Lane, Yarmouth (34)
- Jon Wilson, Falmouth (35)
- Judson Cake, Bar Harbor (36)
- Donny Drake, Portland (38)
- Eric Giddings, South Portland (39)
- Ben True, Yarmouth (86)
Donny Drake is going to give being healthy a try.
No more ankle or hip problems; no more Achilles tendon issues.
Bring on the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K.
Drake, a 2008 graduate of the University of Maine and former Deering High standout, is expected to be a top contender in the Maine men's division of the race, two years after winning it as a relative unknown wearing bib No. 2659.
"I'm actually staying injury-free. It's kind of a big step in my life," joked Drake, 23.
Drake's health problems were no laughing matter for the last 18 months. Heading into his senior track season at Maine this spring he had been plagued for more than a year with a string of problems to his ankle, hip, and Achilles tendon. The injuries all stemmed from a high school baseball injury.
He ran the 2007 Beach to Beacon at a recreational pace, finishing 256th in 40 minutes, 21 seconds -- nowhere near his winning time of 31:15.8 in 2006.
"This year I'm looking to do really well," said Drake. "I think I can be a contender no question about it. I'm feeling really blessed right now. I'm running really well."
In July, Drake finished second in Bridgton's 4 on the Fourth to winner Stan Pyle of South Casco. Drake came in eighth in the Christopher Scott Cash Memorial 5K in Old Orchard Beach on June 21 in 15:57.
Freeport's Ethan Hemphill, who won the Maine men's division of the Beach to Beacon in 2004 and was fourth last year, said Drake's entry into this year's race speaks volumes about his talent and dedication, considering the injuries he has endured.
"I've been extremely lucky in terms of injuries over my career," said Hemphill. "And just the fact that he is still at it is a true testament to his fortitude and his desire to make a go at it. Quite frankly, I think his injuries are probably what kept him from racing much earlier this year."
Drake will have considerable competition on Saturday.
The Maine men's field will include several notable standouts: Freeport's Hemphill, 36, Yarmouth's Matt Lane, 30, a former elite runner, South Portland's Eric Giddings, 21, Ayalew and Sintayehu Taye, 20 and 18, of Cape Elizabeth, Kirby Davis, 24, of Falmouth, Evan Graves, 26, of Presque Isle, Judson Cake, 30, of Bar Harbor, and Ben True, 22, of North Yarmouth.
"That's your pool from where the winner's going to come," said Dave Weatherbie, race president. "If Donny Drake is fit he is absolutely a contender for that title."
The Maine winner of the race wins $1,000.
"I've heard this will probably be the most competitive year we've ever had," said Drake. "It's going to be a big field this year."
Since graduating from Maine in May, Drake has moved home to Portland and started a job with Portland Digital Printing. A communications major, he puts his education to work as an account manager, helping meet the needs of his clients.
Drake has joined Dirigo Running Club, and is logging 70 to 80 miles a week. A religious man, Drake said he uses the time running meditatively.
"It's my time alone to spend with God," said Drake. "It's time where I can have that time to myself and just enjoy the gifts and talents God has g'iven me. I'm so thankful to run and be injury-free."
Staff Writer Mike Lowe contributed to this article
Staff Writer Jenn Menendez can be contacted at 791-6426 or at:
jmenendez@pressherald.com
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