Windham's Fothergill gives back to a sport he loves

By Matt Pascarella 

Windham resident, Bonny Eagle graduate
and under-14 Maine Evolution Hockey assistant
coach Bobby Fothergill cheering on
his team during a game against the Midcoast
Polar Bears at the Colisee in Lewiston
on Saturday, Nov. 8.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Windham resident, former Trail Blazer hockey player and 2022 Bonny Eagle graduate Bobby Fothergill has stayed involved with hockey through coaching. He currently is an assistant coach for the under-14 Maine Evolution hockey team. He has also entered the workforce in a family-run company in the electrical trade. He’s going to Maine Electrical Institute to become a certified electrician.

 

“My last year of 18U Hockey I took the time to really understand everything about the game as much as I could,” said Fothergill. “After that season I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do as I had opportunities to play at other places, but I was lucky enough to be asked to help coach the program I grew up playing for and that made my decision clear as I wanted to help and stay closer to home and be involved in the game of hockey.”

 

The electrical trade was something that had piqued Fothergill’s interest more than college. Fothergill wanted to be able to learn how to grow a business while learning more about leadership and becoming someone that people can look up to. His dad offered him a job and Fothergill felt something his family was based around was what he wanted to do.

 

By the time Fothergill was nearing the end of his under-18 hockey season, he felt like he had coaching capabilities because he was a good listener, open and wanted to learn more about the game as he got older. He still plays in men’s leagues and tournaments here and there.

“He’s been great, and it’s been huge for the kids having someone that they know and can look up to,” said Maine Evolution under-14 head coach Dave Grant, who used to coach Fothergill in the under-18 league. “Bobby hops right in the drills with them, skates with them, competes with them hard. It’s great to have him because he’s obviously got knowledge from a player’s perspective, but it’s awesome for the kids to have him around the bench. It’s a coach’s dream to have a kid that you coached ... to now be on the bench with you. It’s one of the better things that I’ve experienced; it’s a highlight to see the next generation of coaches coming up.”

Grant said Fothergill is still a very good player and challenges his players; he was where they were five or six years ago. Fothergill brings great energy to the practices, and he can tell he is having fun.

In addition to coaching, every season the team teaches kids how to skate, and Fothergill attends those to encourage them by teaching the basics of the game.

“He’s taught me where I need to be in my certain position and what I need to be to stop the puck from entering the zone,” said Maine Evolution Windham freshman Cooper Fournelle. “He’s good as a coach, I feel like I’ve improved and we’ve chatted a couple times about what I should do with the puck. Overall, I think he’s helped me a lot.”

When Fothergill reflects on his athletic career, hockey has played a major part in teaching him how to become a leader and a better all-around person. He’s been able to use the knowledge given to him throughout his time as a player to teach others what it takes to become not only a good hockey player but a good person.

 

When playing for the Trail Blazers he learned to work hard, have fun and not to let anyone push you out of the saddle. The team also taught him how to strive to maximize his potential on and off the ice.

 

His advice for any current players who want to consider coaching after high school is opportunities come from so many places that there is no right or wrong choice. Being involved in sports at any age brings community and togetherness as well as being a great place to learn, teach and have fun.

Youth Cheerleading program ends season with showcase

By Matt Pascarella

(L to R) Windham Youth Cheerleading flyers
Ava Laney, left, Morgan Bell, Valentina Grazoc,
Harper Daigle and Charlee Prokey from
the sixth to eighth grade team at WYC’s showcase
at Windham High School on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
PHOTO BY GIANNA LANE

Windham Youth Cheerleading program has been a sideline program for kindergarten through eighth grade for the last 10 years. They cheer for the Windham Youth Football program from flag to tackle. The 10-week program has grown exponentially over the last three years, totaling over 100 athletes. At the end of the WYC season, the teams put on a showcase to highlight all their hard work. The showcase is not scored and is about providing encouragement, celebration and having fun.

“I think that our program has grown so much in the last several years because there has never been a robust sideline cheering program for young athletes,” said assistant sixth grade to eighth grade coach Stacy Davis. “In years past, some athletes were only exposed to cheer once they entered high school. Many believe that they need to commit to competition cheer ... our program allows for a different form of cheer that may suit other families. We also try very hard to make this program financially accessible. We have the ability to provide financial scholarship to athletes should this be needed, as we never want the financial burden to affect participation.”

The program is considered a feeder program for the high school, so the job of coaches at WYC is to make sure the girls are aware of any new cheers the high school is using. WYC works closely with the high school cheering squad that serves as a role model to the younger group. The coaches start the younger groups out with the basics and progress up to more complex skills for the older kids.

This year’s showcase featured five teams, all grouped by grade, and they show friends and family their routines which include cheers, jumps, stunts and tumbling.

Participants of WYC begin cheering on the field in kindergarten. It’s fun for individuals to cheer on friends and classmates.

Eighth grader Rosie Dumont has been participating in WYC since she was in first grade. She was a dancer and loved uniforms, pompoms and the sass of cheerleading. She always loved being on stage, doing routines.

“Having great coaches that push me to try things that are hard for me or that I don't have confidence in yet (have made me a better cheerleader),” said Dumont. “This program builds strength and confidence and gives you happiness after you complete a routine. It teaches you that you have to work hard to achieve your goals; cheering is a very competitive and difficult sport. Having good teammates and coaches makes a huge difference. If an athlete wants to do cheerleading, they should because it's a rewarding sport.”

Dumont loves participating in the showcase every year. She said it went really well this year. Her stunt groups hit every stunt nicely. Dumont said performing in the showcase is awesome because you see all of the different age levels perform, and you get to reflect on your own progress. Dumont plans to cheer in high school and wants to see how far her potential can go.

Third grader Bristol Grondin started cheerleading through WYC when she was in kindergarten but took a couple years off because she felt she wasn’t ready. She really wanted to join WYC because she saw her sister, who is also involved in the program in a cheer competition last year; seeing her sister in the competition made Grondin want to join back up and be just like one of them.

“I was happy with what we did,” said Grondin about this year’s showcase. “I think my team did an awesome job cheering for the other teams and showcase. I was excited to see how good we did. I also enjoyed to see all our families there to cheer us on. My favorite thing about Windham Youth Cheerleading is I really like the stunts, dances, and I like to show off what I have learned. I ended up learning my front walk over. I’m very proud of myself and my team.”

WHS girls’ soccer drops regional final to Scarborough

By Matt Pascarella

After Windham varsity girls’ soccer held back Falmouth in the semifinal playoff game at Falmouth on Saturday, Nov. 1 with a 3-2 win, the third-placed Eagles returned to Falmouth and took on top-ranked Scarborough in the Class A South regional final on Tuesday, Nov. 4. This was an incredibly hard-fought game that lasted over 100 minutes of play and a penalty kick round.

Windham senior Marley Jarvais keeps the ball away from 
her Scarborough opponent during the Class A South girls'
soccer regional final game against Scarborough at
Falmouth High school on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

The Eagles truly left it all on the field and remained tough for over 110 minutes. Scarborough just slipped by when they scored one penalty kick more during the round and won 2-1.

“They being the No. 1 seed had everything to lose and we didn’t,” said Windham senior Marley Jarvais. “We came out and not only did we play with them, but we outplayed them most of the game and I think that’s something we should remember. I think Scarborough was overconfident coming into this game and thought they could easily get a win against us, but I think we just proved that we can outplay them – I think this team has grown so much since the summer.”

During the first half Windham had the upper hand with more offensive chances and very strong defense. The score was 0-0 at the half.

“Our energy ... this game, we all came ready to play,” said Windham sophomore Morgan Clark. “We all knew that we could play with Scarborough and would play however long it would take. How much we’ve grown as a team is a positive that stands out. Coming into this year a lot of us thought this would be a rebuilding year. A lot of us knew what we could be and we all put in the work to be (the team we’ve become).”

Windham sophomore goalie Jennifer Schwarz said she went into this game feeling like there was nothing to lose and she needed to go for every ball. She couldn’t be nervous; she knew her team had her back. Schwarz said once the game started, she was happy out there, doing what she loved. She was a solid barrier and had 10 saves during regulation and overtime play.

In the second half, the Eagles had no diminishment of their hustle. They had earned the right to be there, and every player gave it everything they had.

Roughly 65 minutes into the game Scarborough scored. Windham had a shot at the Red Riot’s goal that bounced off the crossbar. This game wasn’t over yet.

About 72 minutes into regulation play Clark scored. The game was tied 1-1 as the clock ran out.

“We brought it to them, we brought our ‘A’ game, we weren’t intimidated,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer assistant coach Jim Stewart. “When Windham was down a goal they kept playing, got the goal back, they kept playing. They believed in themselves and they believed in each other. They should be proud of themselves; you play like that, and you lose, ... you hold your head high. You did everything you could do; you gave every bit of effort you could give and that’s all as a coach we could ask for.”

Both overtimes were no different for Windham. They remained aggressive, pressured and had offensive chances and shots on goal.

When it came down to penalty kicks, Scarborough got one more than Windham.

Both Jarvais and Clark agreed the team has grown and improved over the season. They worked hard all season, every game, every ball, every chance. The seniors were playing for the underclassmen, and the underclassmen were playing for the seniors.

“That’s really, really hard what they just did,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer head coach Deb Lebel. “As much as our kids don’t like it and they all make fun of me for stressing the fitness, I don’t think we dipped too much out there. Windham got a lot better opportunities when we played to feet, they did great.”

When Lebel and Stewart look back on the season, growth and team camaraderie stand out. <

JSMS boys’ cross country ends season with championship win

By Matt Pascarella

The Jordan-Small Middle School boys’ cross country team won the Cumberland County League championship on Thursday, Oct. 23 at Twinbrook Recreation Area in Cumberland.

Jordan-Small Middle School's cross country team gathers
after the Gray Invitational Meet at Gray Middle School 
on Friday, Oct. 3. PHOTO BY JOHN POWERS

Competing against 15 other middle school teams, the JSMS boys’ team edged out Yarmouth Middle School by three points to win the Cumberland County League championship.

Hard work and grit paid off in a big way for these boys,” said JSMS cross country coach John Powers. “With a goal in mind and support from teammates, coaches, parents and their friends they were able to take on a league filled with much larger school populations to win it all.”

Three weeks prior to the event, the JSMS boys’ finished second to Yarmouth during a regular season meet. The day after that second-place finish, Powers said the team got to work with their goal being to defeat Yarmouth in the championship meet and win it all.

He said that the entire team contributed to the improvement and everyone in their top five runners that figured into the score set a personal best during that race.

Eighth grader and team co-captain Miles Moreau finished first in the championship event for JSMS and fifth overall with a time of 11:40 minutes. Eighth grader and co-captain Franklin Murray finished 10th overall and second for JSMS with a 12:19 time.

Sixth grader Mason Hall finished third for the team and 13th overall with a time of 12:28. Sixth grader Brady Cirrinone was fourth with a 12:56 time; and seventh grader Will Carroll finished fifth with a time of 13:13.

"Winning the championship is a reflection on how hard our team works,” said Murray. “By putting their full effort in practices every time and having team spirit that pushes us to be the best we can be.”

Moreau said he knew the meet was going to be close and was relieved when he saw JSMS had won. Afterward, he said he felt proud of his team and its championship accomplishment. <

Windham boys’ soccer falls to Falmouth in quarterfinal playoff

By Matt Pascarella

Tenth-place Windham varsity boys’ soccer played second-place Falmouth at Falmouth on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Windham kept Falmouth scoreless for 60 minutes of an 80-minute game, but Falmouth scored halfway through the second half. The Navigators got two more goals before the end and won, 3-0.

Windham senior Camden Patin keeps his eyes on the ball
during the boys' soccer quarterfinal playoff game against
Falmouth at Falmouth High School on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“For this contest, getting them on their heels early by coming out more aggressive and looking to push the scoring opportunities was the strategy,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “Windham faced adversity all season long on and off the pitch, but they all picked each other up day-after-day, working hard to find a pathway to get better. While we may not have met initial expectations, I can proudly say as a group they represented the community and program as well as a group of young men can.”

Neal said the team worked hard all season to develop a more aggressive and positive shooting posture while doubling down to improve striking technique to generate more consistent scoring. As the season progressed, WHS improved on this. Their defense really improved after losing a number of veteran players to graduation last year.

Windham’s defense was strong from the start and remained strong for a very large portion of the game. The Eagles moved the ball well and worked hard to be first to the ball. They made solid attempts to go after scoring opportunities, but Falmouth defense was also strong. It was 0-0 at halftime.

“Coming into this game, my teammates and I went with the mindset of having nothing to lose,” said Windham senior and goalie Tate Robinson who had nine saves during the game. “We knew that this wasn't going to be an easy game, however, we were still confident in our ability to compete against them. I was confident in our team's abilities and fully believed we could win. This was the best I've seen us play and really showed that we were able to compete with one of the best teams in Maine.”

In the second half, Windham maneuvered and remained aggressive with incredibly strong defense. After several blocks by Robinson, Falmouth was able to score, but only after almost 60 scoreless minutes.

Robinson did not let this get him down and said he knew there was plenty of game remaining to tie it up.

“As a team we held Falmouth up really well,” said Windham senior Camden Patin. “Everything we talked about executing we executed to our best. The first half was some of the best all-around soccer we had played all season. It was simple mistakes that led to the defeat. Looking back on the season what stands out is our ability to push through adversity ... this team came every day to work and grind to get better.”

The Navigators scored again with eight minutes left and once more on a penalty kick.

Captain and senior Daniel Hancock said leading up to Falmouth’s first goal, they had executed their game plan well but just had a small break in it. When Robinson made back-to-back saves, in the moments following Hancock said Windham did not have Robinson’s back to clear the ball. They ran out of gas, and some unfortunate bounces deflated them. He’s proud of the effort Windham gave against a strong team.

“We controlled the ball well and kept the score to a 0-0 game,” said Windham senior Dylan Crockett. “We are a very talented team with great players, but we did not fully adapt to Falmouth’s urgency and hunger in the second half. Due to our lack of endurance toward the last 15 minutes of the game we got put under pressure. (While) we possessed the ball a lot better, and we had a ton of attacking chances, we just couldn’t finish the chances. I’m very grateful for all the opportunities this team has given me; this brotherhood we all had will stay as a core memory for the rest of my life.” <

Windham varsity field hockey falls in preliminary playoff game

By Matt Pascarella

Eighth-placed Windham varsity field hockey played ninth-placed South Portland/Westbrook in a preliminary playoff game at Windham on Friday, Oct. 24. Windham scored in the second half, but South Portland/Westbrook scored in each quarter except the second quarter and won, 3-1.

Windham sophomore Peyton Archibald moves the ball 
quickly toward the goal during a prep field hockey playoff
game against South Portland/Westbrook at Windham 
High on Friday, Oct. 24.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“We came into the game really wanting to win; one of our best players wasn’t here, so wanted to show up and get her another game as a senior,” said Windham sophomore Sarah Smyth. “Scoring gave us some momentum ... but we couldn’t pull through. We went into every game, even the tougher teams, like we can do this; anything can happen, even the lower teams we went in thinking this was an even playing field.”

Smyth said in the beginning of the season, with new coach, Maddy Perfetti, the team wasn’t sure what to expect, but the season went better than expected. Each game, they played hard and did the best they could. Smyth said their fast breaks went well during this playoff game. Junior Morgan McLain got the ball down the field quickly; Smyth thought passes were connecting well between the forwards.

Windham began the game with intensity and passed the ball well. Each team had strong defense, and scoring was restricted for most of the first quarter. Windham sophomore Peyton Archibald had a solid shot at goal, but it was blocked.

Minutes before the end of the first quarter, South Portland/Westbrook scored.

During the second quarter, Windham worked hard to be first to the ball but wasn’t able to score. South Portland/Westbrook led 1-0 at halftime.

About 90 seconds into the second half, Smyth scored and tied the game 1-1. Windham had cranked up the intensity and hustle in the third quarter. Their defense kept their opponent away until late in the third quarter when South Portland/Westbrook took a 2-1 lead.

South Portland/Westbrook would score a final time early in the fourth quarter.

Windham stuck with it until the very end.

“I think when they got their first goal (things started to unravel),” said McLain. “We’re not as strong at finishing the ball as most teams and I think ... when South Portland/Westbrook got the first goal our mindsets changed. We had more of a negative attitude; at halftime, we weren’t saying positive things to one another, I think that had its biggest impact.”

According to McLain and Smyth, senior goalie Olivia McPherson was amazing minding the net, she’s been doing amazing work all season. McPherson had six saves during this game.

“South Portland did better than us, said Perfetti. “They beat us to the ball, they were hungry, they really wanted it, and it looked like that. They were all over the ball. We haven’t had many games where we’ve come back from losing. I think that comes down to experience and age; a lot of them haven’t played or started for varsity – dealing with emotions, how you talk to your teammates and how you give feedback, how you keep a positive attitude. I think they really did improve their tactical play in a lot of games, they’ve played some really good field hockey against some good teams, so I’m proud of them for that – they’ve learned the game in a way that I wasn’t necessarily expecting from high school kids. As a first season ... it’s building, we’re going to be patient, we’ll be back next year, and we’ll be ready to assess and see what we need to do better.” <

Raymond fifth and sixth grade girls’ soccer end season on high note

By Matt Pascarella

Raymond Parks and Recreation fifth and sixth grade girls’ soccer team have had a great season and played its final game of the regular season against Naples at Camp Agawam in Raymond on Saturday, Oct. 25. Their improvement really showed as this was a defensive battle that, while it ended in a 0-0 tie, Raymond defense was like a brick wall that Naples could not get through.

The Raymond Parks and Recreation fifth and sixth grade
girls' soccer team gather after their final game of the 
regular season against Naples at Camp Agawam in
Raymond on Saturday, Oct. 25.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“At this age, the focus is more on learning the rules of the game and learning how to work as a team. All of the goalies we had, Aliza played amazing in the first half, a combination of Madison and Gracelynn in the second half, and they all just made huge saves,” said Raymond Parks and Recreation fifth and sixth grade girls’ soccer coach Gabriel Redmond. “We’re aggressive, getting to the ball, we played mistake-free which is incredible for a group of fifth and sixth graders. Passing also went well; there were more passes in this game, and they got their heads up to see what’s going on. They should continue to work on aggressiveness and just being confident – because a lot of these girls are better than I think they know they are.”

The team’s season consisted of eight games and will end in a round-robin tournament on Nov. 1. What’s important to note about this particular game is that Raymond had played Naples previously in the season and lost 8-1, so a 0-0 tie shows big improvement on the part of all Raymond players.

“I think the season went really well, we tried really hard,” said Raymond sixth grader Raven Wiley. “I could see that in all of my teammates,” she said. “I did soccer last year and soccer is really fun, and I would like to play more. I’ve learned different moves; I’ve learned to not be as scared of the ball. My goal is to become really good at all positions except goalie. We had really good defense and being aggressive; we could work on hustle.”

The season is less about the team record and more about the players learning to play the game well. This season Redmond has taught the team to stay in the correct position on the field. The team had really started to put all that together when it came to this final game against Naples.

“That was part of the reason the defense was so good, and they had so many opportunities on offense; their positioning was really great,” said Redmond. “They are aggressive running to the ball, and they really try to get what I call ‘stuck in’ on the ball and get your foot on the ball. Biggest things we’re working on are positioning, being more aggressive and then passing to the open people – all three of those things were happening today.”

In the first half, Raymond fifth grade goalie Aliza Cullens had save-after-save and allowed nothing by her. In the second half, Raymond fifth grade goalies Madison Griffeth and Gracelynn Bowley were just as strong defensively.

Raymond gained possession several times and offense moved the ball well, going after scoring opportunities.

In the second half, Raymond sixth grader Ariel Sampson was headed right toward the goal and took a solid shot that just missed.

Sampson said she’s enjoyed playing in past years. She thinks they’ve improved so much, and this was one of their best games. Sampson said she thinks she’s improved a lot since last year and this season will help her improve in the future. The team has improved on offense and did well passing and defending but need to work on staying in their positions.

Redmond said it’s the biggest progression he’s ever seen in a season. <