Middle School soccer player heads to Sweden by Matt Pascarella

Go Wyatt Flibbert!

Eighth grader Wyatt Flibbert of Windham Middle School has been playing soccer almost all his life. He started playing locally in Southern Maine in the Windham Youth Soccer Association when he was three years old. He joined the Global Premier Soccer (GPS) Maine team when he was eight and has played in tournaments all over the United States from California to Florida and Massachusetts as part of the GPS Regional Maine/New Hampshire team.

This July, he and other players his age will be taking their talents overseas to play in the Gothia Cupin Gothenburg, Sweden. Flibbert will be representing GPS Maine on the 2004 GPS National team and he will be traveling with over with 16 kids from the GPS league, spending eight days in Gothenburg. Flibbert is very excited to be a part of this international competition.

Flibbert was nominated to be on the GPS Regional Maine/New Hampshire team by his coach after he played in a tournament in Massachusetts over Thanksgiving. He was selected to attend a soccer identification camp for GPS players from around New England. From there, he was chosen to be on the GPS National 2004 soccer team and play in Sweden.

The team was composed of players that attended that soccer identification camp as well as others held around the country; as the GPS organization is in 26 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It is a process that starts locally and ends with players being selected at a national level.

The Gothia Cup is the world’s largest and most international youth soccer tournament. In 2017, there were over 1,700 teams from 80 nations with over 40,000 participants, averaging in age of around 15, who played over 4,300 games during the course of the tournament.

Flibbert’s advice for aspiring soccer players looking to accomplish what he has is, to work as hard as you can and keep working at it, perseverance is a key factor when you want to play in these tournaments.

Congratulations to Flibbert on his accomplishment! The Windham Eagle is rooting for you!

JV and varsity boys’ lacrosse teams battled Biddeford by Matt Pascarella

#23 Connor McInnis passes to a teammate

Both the JV and varsity boys’ lacrosse teams played against Biddeford on Wednesday, May 16 at a home game.

JV

The JV team started aggressively and had excellent teamwork. Windham had strong defense against Biddeford early on, keeping Biddeford from getting too many advantages near the goal.

Windham was ready, moving quickly up and down the field, becoming more aggressive in the second quarter than in the first. They controlled the field well, taking advantage of Biddeford’s mistakes. Simon Gabaree, #18 and Jackson Boissonneault, #16 scored in the second quarter.

At the half: 2-1 Windham.

Windham came out in the second half ready to keep up the intensity, even after Biddeford took a small lead of 5-2.

Windham continued giving 110 percent in the fourth quarter. They worked together, capitalizing on any mistake Biddeford made and taking multiple shots on Biddeford’s goal.

Unfortunately, Windham was unable to turn it around and fell to Biddeford 6-2.

“It was a good game,” said assistant coach Seth Fournier, “We moved the ball pretty well; in the end we just didn’t execute how we really wanted to. My kids played really hard; I’m proud of them. We’ve got to continue to build and continue to work and we’ll go from there.”

VARSITY

Tommy Lekouski, #2 scored almost immediately. Shortly after, the score was 3-2 with Windham in the lead. Both teams were fairly evenly matched in the first half.

Windham kept the pressure on Biddeford. Seth Wall, #12, and Tyler Woolsten, #17 scored in the second quarter making the halftime score in Windham’s favor 9-6.

Biddeford was slowly gaining on Windham; only one point away from tying the game at 11 in the third quarter. Connor McInnis, #23 played excellent defense throughout the game. He helped to move the ball from the defensive side of the field to the offensive side - enabling Windham to score on goal.

Windham continued to score on Biddeford in a flawless manner. Woolsten, Wall and Lekouski all scored in the fourth quarter to shut down Biddeford 16-10. 

“One of the things I was really impressed with was the momentum as the game wore on. We got a groove going and once that happened, it clicked on both ends of the field, offense and defense,” remarked Coach Peter Cekutis.

Girls’ varsity lacrosse team took on Messalonskee by Matt Pascarella

Alanna Joyce moves the ball down the field

The girls were aggressive right out of the gate and had great communication as they played against Messalonskee on Saturday, May 19. In fact, within the first four minutes, Bell Skvorak, #10 scored.

Messalonskee jumped to a 3-1 lead early on however, but Windham did not get discouraged and they continued to give it their all, working to turn the score around.

Windham was really putting the pressure on their opponent. Skvorak scored again followed by a score from Alanna Joyce, #4. When Skvorak scored for the third time, the game then tied at 5-5. Windham was going strong, working together to get the win.

The Eagles stepped up their offense and defense throughout the game and the two teams were evenly matched when the score tied again at 6-6, with less than five minutes left in the first half.

Windham’s communication was a big reason they were slowly gaining (and then passing) Messalonskee on the scoreboard.

Halftime score: 7-6 Windham.

Belle Skvorak looks to get the ball in the net

Windham took the field in the second half ready to dominate the game. Skvorak scored twice in the first two minutes of play and although Windham had pulled ahead, this game was far from over. Messalonskee was putting a fair amount of pressure on the Eagles now, but the girls weren’t going to let this game get away.

Windham was on fire. Riley Beem, #1 and Emma Yale, #24 both scored and the Eagles defense was keeping Messalonskee at bay. The Eagles’ hard work was about to pay off.

At the sound of the final buzzer, the Windham Eagles took this one with the ending score of 12-8.

“You could see at the end of the first half where we were beating them down the field and [Messalonskee] was getting tired. And in the second half it continued; we were really pushing the ball, or transition was better, we’re connecting on passes, it was really one of the best team wins we’ve had,” commented Coach Matt Perkins.

Windham High senior wins Bruce Glasier Memorial Scholarship by Matt Pascarella

Lauren Talbot with Lee Goldberg, sportscaster 

Senior Lauren Talbot has a bright future ahead of her. Last January, Talbot became a member of WCSH 6’s Varsity Club, spotlighting student athletes who excel on and off the field; she was chosen from 21 other varsity club girls to win the Bruce Glasier Memorial Scholarship.

Last year, the varsity club was brought back in memory of longtime WCSH 6 sportscaster Bruce Glasier. Spectrum Healthcare Partners made it possible to give one boy and one girl from the Varsity Club $2,500 each. It became the Bruce Glasier Memorial Scholarship. Lee Goldberg, sportscaster and sponsor representative, presented Talbot with the check at Windham High School in front of her coaches, parents and mentors on Tuesday, May 22^nd.

“Lauren is probably one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met,” said her field hockey coach, Cory DiDonato, who nominated her for the varsity club. He described her as someone who goes above and beyond what is expected of her. DiDonato also characterizes her as having the sweetest heart, being very loving and very caring.

Talbot worked hard to get where she is and one lesson being a student athlete has taught her is to stay motivated. “Don’t be afraid and go after everything; no matter how wild the dream may be,” she advises. Lauren is very goal oriented. On her pantry doors at home are an academics side and an athletics side with pictures, cards, inspirational quotes and other motivators that keep her focused.

She’ll be attending UMass Dartmouth in the fall, majoring in biology with a minor in political science. Talbot has been applying for numerous scholarships to achieve her goal of being able to pay for college herself. Winning this scholarship brings that goal closer. “It means so much to me. It means I’m that much closer to getting my college education [funds] to the amount that I want, it means I can go further with my education.”

On the field or the court, Lauren Talbot is a leader. She boosts morale and was captain of her field hockey team and is currently captain of her softball team. She’s supportive of her teammates and leads by example. DiDonato explains, “She worked really hard to keep the kids positive, give them goals to look forward to, meet those goals, feel successful, and she just always had a super upbeat attitude.”

Boys’ JV baseball team played smart by Matt Pascarella

Although one run was scored in the top of the first, by Massabesic against Windham’s JV baseball team on Wednesday, May 10; Windham quickly turned it around and stopped them from potentially scoring by leaving the bases loaded at the end of the inning.

Windham played smart in the top of the second, leaving Massabesic runners on base.

Windham players were on their game throughout the game as several got on base and effortlessly stole bases. 

And again, Windham got it done nicely in the top of the third, as they threw a player out at first, caught a fly ball, and Noel Redlon, #34, struck out batter number three.

In the bottom of the third, Nate Plummer, #6 ripped a long double to left field, shortly after he stole third base. Anthony West, #23 got a base hit, which brought in Plummer and tied the game.

Windham was after the ‘W’ at the start of the fifth inning. They did not let Massabesic scoring get them down. The Eagles ended that inning leaving runners on base. Score: 2-1, Massabesic.

In the bottom of the fifth, Windham really went for it. Harrison Boyle #6 ripped a triple to deep left field. Nolan Kent, #14 got a base hit that brought in Boyle. The game tied at 2. Jamie Louko #18 had a base hit that brought in Kent; 3-2, Windham.

Inning number six brought four batters to the plate, with Windham getting three of them out.

By the start of the seventh inning, Windham wasn’t letting their lead get away. After throwing two runners out at first, center fielder Ryan Silvia, #18 ended the game by catching a pop fly.

Final: 3-2, Windham.

“Noel Redlon, our pitcher, gave us a really good chance to win,” commented Coach Joe McLaughlin. “Even when we did get in a little bit of trouble, the whole team pulled through . . . we made some great defensive plays later in the game to hold our position. We handled the bat pretty well today.”

RSU#14 competed in the Special Olympics Maine Track and Field Events by Matt Pascarella

Parade of teams before the ceremony

The Windham and Raymond Special Olympic athletes look forward to the Cumberland County Track and Field Meet for weeks. The event was coordinated by Special Olympics Maine and held at the Bonny Eagle High School Campus on Friday, April 27.

RSU#14 had 30 athletes participating in a variety of running, jumping and throwing events. Athletes could participate in three individual events and could also choose to participate in one of three relay teams.

The event itself was open to all ages from kindergarten up to age 70. “This year over 600 Olympians registered for the event,” said Elizabeth Mackie, Special Olympics Maine Cumberland Area Manager.

Cheering on these awesome athletes were their friends, family and supporters as the athletes received ribbons for first through eighth place.

All students in grades six through 12 who competed are eligible to compete in the State Summer ^th. They will be practicing two times a week with Coach Anne Blake until then. RSU #14 will have two relay teams for the State Summer Games.
Games taking place next month in Orono. There will be approximately nine athletes from Windham going to state on June 8

"The athletes’ practice really paid off today and their smiles at the end of their races were an inspiration to all. It is an honor to be part of this wonderful team,” commented Blake.

Congrats to all athletes that participated!

http://sports.thewindhameagle.com/2018/05/girls-tennis-team-continues-their.html

Autumn Hall returns a serve during a doubles match against Deering

The girls’ tennis team took on the Deering Rams at Deering High School on Monday, May 7, playing a great game and adding another victory to the books.  

Windham played smart in both doubles and singles matches. Players had great speed and agility, with Windham’s abilities parallel to Deering.

Gabby Smith focusing on the ball during a singles match against Deering

The match was broken into singles and doubles. Each individual match is the best of three games and the entire competition is the best of five of all the matches played.

Windham’s singles matches featured: Gabby Smith, Anna Cancelerich and Delia Inman. After giving it her all and playing very well, Smith lost her set with scores of 4-6, 6-3 and 2-6. Inman won her set with scores of 6-4 and 7-5 and Cancelerich won her set with scores of 6-1 and 6-1. 

Sydney Nangle focused for the win in a doubles match against Deering

Windham’s doubles matches featured: Rachel Frost and Megan Fleck, who won their set with scores of 6-2 and 6-1. Autumn Hall and Sydney Nangle made up the other doubles pair for Windham; they won their set with scores of 6-3 and 6-3.

The Eagles had great teamwork and communication; talking it up on the court in order to get the win. Windham players were aggressive in going after the ball, which I believe gave them more than a slight advantage over Deering. Windham did not let mistakes get them down; staying focused in each match. 

The Eagles were in it to win it and it showed in their attitude and tenacity on the court.

Windham continued their winning streak, beating Deering 4-1.

https://www.egcu.org/home

“Today was quite an even match, very competitive,” remarked Coach Katy Dresnok.  “I’m proud of their improvements and the fact that we’re on a good winning streak with a 4-1 record.”

Windham Middle School Track athletes give it their all By Matt Pascarella

Connor Langstaff begins his ascent over the high jump bar

Despite the unbearable heat, Windham Middle School student athletes gave 110 percent in what felt like 110-degree weather at the track and in field events, in a double meet against Lincoln and Scarborough held at the Windham track on Wednesday, May 2.

These athletes did not let the heat hold them back from performing at their very best.

Their determination really showed as they performed in the high jump, shot put and relay events (just to name a few).

Emma Thompson about to throw in the shot put

Due to the high heat, the concession stand staff was giving student athletes popsicles before the start of the meet to keep them cool. But if the weather did affect these athletes, it didn’t show.

Boys’ highlights:

Caleb Young won the intermediate mile and 800-meter race.

Mark Mills won the senior mile and Jack Lord won the junior hurdles and high jump.

Dante Felix won the senior 100-meter race.

Connor Langstaff won the boys’ intermediate high jump and long jump.

The sixth-grade relay team of Jack Earle, Nick Marion, RJ Biggs and Connor Leclerc came in first in the junior javelin.

Girls’ highlights:

Eliza Woodwards won the girls’ junior 100-meter race.

Sasha Funk won the junior javelin. Adryanna Edge won the intermediate shot put.

Ashlynn Moorehead won the high jump and long jump.

Abbey Thorton won the intermediate hurdles; Camille Culpovich won the senior 400-meter race.

"Students worked hard and we had many personal bests in events. I am very pleased with the

efforts that [the] athletes put forth," said Coach Phil Jackson.

Despite a loss, boys’ baseball first team shows talent by Matt Pascarella

Boys' baseball first team played its home opener last Saturday, April 28 at Windham against Edward Little. 
 

After a rough start to the game where the team gave up several runs, Windham quickly found their groove.

They stepped up in the second inning with excellent communication. Chandler Johnston, #4 made a great catch from left field. Robbie Soucy, #22 was throwing heat, striking out batters and ending the inning, leaving Edward Little runners on base.

In the top of the third, Johnston made an outstanding barrel-roll catch. Windham had found their rhythm in the top of the third inning, preventing Edward Little from scoring.

In top of the fourth, Jason Plummer, #14 makes a great catch off a hard-hit line drive, again ending the inning with Edward Little runners on base.

The bottom of the fourth featured great effort and teamwork by the Eagles. After a walk, Soucy hits a double, Caleb Crockett, #26 rips a base hit that brings in both runners; the score is 2-9, Edward Little. After a base hit by Nial Gushee, #28 and a player getting walked, the bases were loaded, Plummer gets walked and the score is 3-9, Edward Little. Jack Hermansen, #16 gets a base hit; score is 4-9. Ian Robert-Shaw, #12 steals home to make it 5-9 Edward Little.

The top of the fifth brought Cameron Joyce, #36 to the mound. There was excellent teamwork on the field, holding Edward Little where they were and preventing further runs.

After a couple hits in the bottom of the fifth, there was an amazing double play from Soucy, playing short-stop to Gushee who was at first base, to close the top of the sixth inning.

Windham kept up the teamwork getting on base a couple times in the bottom of the sixth.

The top of the seventh featured Windham continuing good defense and minimizing the number of at bats for Edward Little.

In the end, Windham was unable to close the gap, but played a fantastic game.

Final 5-9, Edward Little.

“The kids played hard; said Coach Connor McNeill. “After that first inning they really recovered nicely and played a good baseball game.”

Girls’ lacrosse played a great team defense by Matt Pascarella

Windham girls’ lacrosse took on the Cheverus Stags team, at Cheverus in Portland on Tuesday, May 1, for an intense game that started out a little rocky, but quickly recovered.
 

Cheverus scored early on at the top of the first half. Windham fought back by talking it up on the field and working together to increase defense against the Cheverus team.

Shortly after their first goal, Cheverus scored again; 2-0. Windham did not let this get them down and continued to work hard. 

#24 Emma Yale looks for a
scoring opportunity

Windham kept the pressure on Cheverus, taking shots on their goal. At this point the Eagles were down several goals.

Ashley Cummings, #18, scores for Windham. Kaitlyn Rogers, #8, also scored before the end of thefirst half to bring Windham closer to closing the point gap.

Half: 6-2, Cheverus.

In the second half, right from the start Windham really stepped it up. Alanna Joyce, #4 scored first, then Belle Skvorak, #10 attained a goal. Joyce scored again –  three goals in less than five minutes! The score was now 6-5, Cheverus. 

#10 Belle Skvorak looks to pass
to teammate #4 Alanna Joyce

The Eagles provided great offense and defense in the second, controlling Cheverus on the field and keeping their scoring to a minimum. The Eagles were proving this game was far from over.

Skvorak scores her second goal to tie the game at 6. Later in the half, Emma Yale, #24 scored to tie the game at 7. The Eagles were determined to get this win. Skvorak gets her third goal to bring the Eagles ahead, 8-7. 

Alanna Joyce scored again, bringing Windham up by two.

With roughly 2:30 left on the clock, Cheverus scores their final goal. The Eagles were able to hold off the Stags until the final buzzer. 

Final: 9-8, Windham.

“The first half we were very unsettled,” remarked Coach Matt Perkins. “We made some adjustments; we started communicating better and picking up the team defense really helped. To come out in the second half and tighten up our defense and then offensively thin them out more, we were able to take  advantage and score on Cheverus.”