A hard day on the mat for Windham wrestlers - By Michelle Libby

In a quad meet on Monday, Windham wrestlers proved that despite being a young team, they can still be competitive on an individual level. 
 

“Our numbers are low, it’s hard to win meets,” said coach Jason Dryburgh. “Their attitude and effort was great.” 

In the first match, Windham was beat by Noble 75-0. Against Scarborough, the team fared better with both Jesse Malier and Colby Valliere pinning their opponents. The final score was 54-30. The final match was against Kennebunk. Matthew Sayah won his match by decision after three periods. Jesse Malier, Ethan Winde and Dominick Cancelarich all pinned their opponent. The final in that was a heart breaking 29-28, with Kennebunk edging out the Eagles.  

Jesse Malier’s two pins on Monday make him only nine wins away from his 100^th career win.

Dryburgh expects his wrestlers to put in three key components to every meet, practice and in everyday life: Effort, attitude and execution. Putting in a lot of effort, having a positive attitude no matter what and execution of both of those things on and off the mats are keys to success. “It’s got to be a good habit,” Dryburgh said. 

Up and coming wrestlers to watch are Shawn Butterworth, Alex Jordan and Chris McGary, Dryburgh said.

“The team is getting it. They’re mentally strong, passionate and love being together. There is so much comradery. A great vibe and great effort,” Dryburgh said. “The wins will come.” 

Windham swim competes for the win

In a dual meet with Portland last week, the Windham boys and girls swim teams both bested the opponents 85 to 71 for the girls and 94 to 70 for the boys. 

First place finishers for Windham were:

200 yard medley relay  - Bryanna Power, Olivia Verrill, Maelah Nadeau, Colby Nadeau

200 yard freestyle – Sam Shoberg

50 free – Joe Paluso (23.39)

100 free – Josh Labreque

500 free Maelah Nadeau

200 free relay – Colby Nadeau, Taylor Colangelo, Emily Gagne, Bryanna Power

200 free relay – John Giberti, Sam Shoberg, Lyle Webster, Josh Lebrecque

100 backstroke – John Giberti

400 free relay – John Giberti, Sam Shoberg, Dylan Palmer, Joe Paluso

Eagles varsity host the Mustangs - By Stephanie Coffin

Windham boys varsity basketball team hosted the Massabesic Mustangs last Thursday evening. The varsity team stepped on the court ready to play ball. The first quarter went back in forth and ended with Windham 18 and Massabesic 16. The Eagles took an early lead during the second quarter and scored an additional 22 points while the Mustangs were only able to gain another 7. The third quarter brought the Mustangs eight points. However, the Eagles gained 14 furthering the gap on the board. The fourth and final quarter gave Windham 13 and Massabesic was able to gain 11 but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
 

The Eagles (8-4) dominated the court and ended the game 67-42 against the Mustangs (1-11). Senior Kevin Weisser finished with a game high 25 points. Senior Ryan Gorman added 14 points to the scoreboard. Massabesic’s Daniel Amabile led his team with 11 points.

Athlete of the week - Jesse Malier

Jesse Malier is The Windham Eagle athlete of the week. Malier is a senior wrestler at Windham High School, the son of Jeff and Laura Malier. 

“Jesse has shown consistency all season long both on and off the mat.  He has demonstrated to his teammates and youth wrestlers what hard work and commitment looks like.  He could possibly reach 100 career wins this season which is a great accomplishment,” said his coach Jason Dryburgh.

                                                           

Best way to unwind after competition: After much self discipline all week with my training, I look forward to a home cooked meal and relaxing at home.

Future aspirations:  After WHS I would like to go to SMCC for their heavy equipment operation certification and go to work for RJ Grondin and Sons.

$14,000 in scholarships to be awarded on January 24th at Augusta Civic Center

SOUTH PORTLAND - The selection committee for the 2014 Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards has announced the six finalists for what is the largest high school scholarship of its kind in the country. From the list of six finalists, one offensive and one defensive lineman will each receive $5,000 and a first place trophy; the four runners-up will each receive $1,000. The Frank J. Gaziano award winners will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Augusta Civic Center. 

Gaziano Lineman Award Finalists: 

Offensive Linemen
Zach Davis, Windham
Jacob Doyon, Messalonskee
Benjamin Zuke, Thornton Academy

Defensive Linemen
Hunter Bowen, Windham
Zordan Holman, Cheverus
Seamus McKaig, Orono

The scholarship and awards program for Maine high school football linemen was created in 2010 in memory of Frank J. Gaziano, founder of National Distributors in South Portland, and a former college All-American and professional football player with a lifelong passion for local sports. 

"I know that Frank would be very proud of all of our nominees and the efforts of the committee that had the very difficult job of selecting these finalists. Each year, we continue to be impressed by the information we learn about these student-athletes and their work, not only on the football field, but in the classroom and their communities," said Jeff Kane, president of National Distributors, Inc. and Frank Gaziano's son-in-law.

The annual Frank Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards are presented to players who epitomize the character, leadership, and perseverance of Gaziano. The selection committee chooses award winners based on their strong leadership on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
Funding for the $14,000 in total scholarships is provided by National Distributors, Inc. The selection committee will also be securing sponsorships ranging from $50 - $500 so players and families of the student-athletes can attend the awards luncheon ceremony free of charge. For more information or to contribute to the Frank J. Gaziano scholarship fund, visit www.gazianolinemanawards.org.