The Messalonskee cross country teams are both extremely young, so it is only fitting their coach is young as well.

Justin Laverriere, who graduated from Biddeford High School two years ago, takes over the Eagles cross country program. Laverriere finished seventh at the Class A state championship in 2006 with a time of 17 minutes, 13.3 seconds. He was fourth in the Eastern A meet that year at 18:11.

He accepted a half-scholarship to run at Merrimack College, but shin splints in both legs forced him to stop. He has since transferred to the University of Maine and will attend school and coach at the same time.

"I have all morning classes," said Laverriere, 19. "So I'll be a practice at 2:45 and all my focus will be on running."

Laverriere, who will turn 20 later this year, said his history as a runner has helped him gain crediblity with his student-athletes, despite his young age.

"I think they've responded well to me," Laverriere said. "They know I know what it is like to be at the top and I know what it takes to get there."