Fifth-grade boys travel basketball opens season with slam dunk efforts

Cameron Drapeau

By Matt Pascarella

The fifth-grade boys travel basketball team opened their season and played Biddeford and Scarborough on Saturday, November 23^rd at the OA Sports Center in Saco.

Biddeford

Playing against a team that was predominately sixth graders, Windham worked hard right from the start of the game. The Eagles were quick to get rebounds and took shots on basket; early on it was a close game. Windham passed well, and was aggressive going after the ball, resulting in a few turnovers.

Half: 15-7, Biddeford

Intensity remained strong in the second half for the Eagles. Windham went hard after the ball and put points on the scoreboard. They passed well, continued to get rebounds and gave no less than 110%.  Defense and offense were solid. After trailing Biddeford, Windham showed the Tigers that Eagles don’t quit. While every Windham player crushed it, I noticed a very well executed play in the second half, where Preston Brown, #3, interrupted a pass from Biddeford (turnover) and Brown quickly passed to Cameron Drapeau, #24, who took the shot and scored.

Although the Eagles gave a great effort, Biddeford took this game 33-21.

“I think that’s probably the toughest competition that they will face in this league. Their smallest kid was probably the size of our biggest kid,” observed coach Ryan Brown. “Windham outplayed Biddeford on the boards, they kept them to three-point shots for a big team, they ran our offense well, and it was a true team effort. Every one of our kids touched the ball, every one of our kids got better today. They did an excellent job; I’m proud of them.”

Scarborough

The boys came back from a tough first game with a great team win against Scarborough. At the half, it was 29-7, Windham.

“Windham proved that losses have hidden value within them and their love for the game is infectious,” stated Coach Brown.” All eight guys scored and worked their tails off on defense.”

Final: 55-11, Windham

Varsity girls basketball will be tough to beat in the regular season

Carly Morey

By Matt Pascarella

Varsity girls basketball traveled to Marshwood High School in South Berwick to play a preseason round robin tournament against Scarborough and Marshwood on Saturday, November 23^rd.

After a loss to Scarborough, where the score was a close 34-26, the Lady Eagles started game #2 with intensity against Marshwood. Windham moved the ball nicely, took multiple shots on basket and jumped to an early lead. Windham had solid defense the entire first half. The Lady Eagles maintained their lead, though Marshwood wasn’t far behind. Windham’s aggressiveness stayed throughout the game.

Half: 16-15, Windham

The start of the second half brought both teams neck and neck. The Lady Eagles capitalized and got several rebounds and turnovers. Windham moved the ball nicely between players. The Lady Eagles continued strong offense and defense. With five minutes left to play, Windham led by four; then with two minutes left, Windham led by five. With roughly a minute left, Marshwood was within four points of the lead. Windham remained in control of the game until the final buzzer.

Final: 35-32, Windham

“We’re a really young team...but I think the biggest thing for us is to keep working hard and keep playing together and really working on fine tuning everything we’ve been working on in practice,” stated coach Brody Artes. “I thought the girls did a really good job today, every single one of them; when they got on the court they contributed in some facet.”

Wrestling Coach John Nicholas's goal is to teach the lesson of "work hard and never give up"

John Nicholas

By Matt Pascarella

Wrestling coach John Nicholas has been involved with wrestling, in some manner, most of his life. He wrestled in high school and afterwards began coaching wrestling. He’s been a wrestling coach for 22 years and is currently entering his second year as the coach for the Windham/Gray New Gloucester (GNG) co-op wrestling team.

Nicholas wrestled for Westbrook High School under Hall of Fame coach Dennis Walch. “I really enjoyed my time there with coach Walch and thought someday I’d liked to follow his footsteps,” remarked Nicholas.

He was able to coach alongside Walch for a couple years, but then got a job coaching at Portland High.

When Walch was about to retire, Nicholas went back to Westbrook and ended up taking over for him.

“That was pretty awesome to be able to coach at my alma mater, it came back around,” stated Nicholas.

Nicholas was drawn to wrestling, and coaching, because he likes all that wrestling has taught him. It’s taught him to work hard and not give up.

“It really prepares you for life in general; it’s prepared me for work, for family and eventually coaching. It’s been such a big part of my life; growing up I knew I wanted to give back and I’m so glad that I did. Once my wrestling career was done, I wanted to continue, and coaching seemed like the right avenue to go.”

When the coaching position at Windham High opened, Nicholas made the jump, and after the first year he said it exceeded all his expectations. He is looking forward to the start of year two with the Windham/GNG co-op team.

Nicholas loves working with the kids and enjoys seeing the progression from first year to senior year. Seeing the joy and observing what the young wrestlers get from their hard work, makes it more than worth it for this wrestling coach.

He wants the community to know that Windham does have a wrestling team and with Windham/GNG co-op, it’s great because it gives more kids a chance to wrestle.

“I’d love for everyone to come checkout a meet and see how hard the kids are working and the athleticism that goes into it,” Nicolas began. “I think it’s a great sport and now that the girls are more involved...it’s equal opportunity. I think a lot of kids and fans would enjoy it if they were just exposed to it.”

After a season, Nicholas wants his players to walk away having had fun. “Wrestling is a hard sport; it’s a long season, but by the end of the season, I want the kids to leave having fun, so they’ll come back and tell their friends and stick with it,” he added.

Nicholas also wants them to learn the meaning of hard work and not giving up; setting goals and following through with them, as well as learning a skill or two they might not have had before.

A Windham resident, Nicholas has also coached travel soccer for his two daughters. He teaches physical education at Scarborough High school and is a big New England and Windham sports fan.

Windham/GNG’s first match is a preseason home game against Biddeford on Saturday, November 30^th at 8:30 a.m. The next home game is against Sanford on Wednesday, December 11^th at 6pm.

Sixth grade travel teams show they have skill

Eliana White

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham sixth-grade boys and girls basketball travel teams played back-to-back-to-back-to-back games, at Windham, against four different opponents on Sunday, November 17^th.

Girls versus Greely

The Lady Eagles were aggressive, got rebounds and took shots on basket. Windham gave it all they had, and showed they were not going to give up.

Half: 21-8 Greely

The Lady Eagles started the second half with strong defense, passing well and took shots at the basket. Windham got several rebounds that put points on the scoreboard. Windham played a good game, but Greely took this one, 46-12.

“The team is working well as a team,” Coach Robbin Alden said. “Each and every one are determined players and very coachable.”

Girls versus Cape Elizabeth

Windham came out aggressive and jumped to a 4-0 lead. The Lady Eagles capitalized on rebounds with excellent offense and defense. They passed the ball well, too.

Half: 28-1, Windham

Windham kept up the defense and continued sinking basket after basket. They had strong teamwork and it showed as they put the ball in the hoop again and again.

Final: 30-6, Windham

“Our number one thing we work on is defense,” stated Coach Ray Fox. “We have a bunch of athletes that like to do that, so that’s our strength. They have a good time together.”

Mason Arbour

Boys versus Gray New Gloucester (GNG)

Windham came out with strong defense and got several rebounds. Windham sunk multiple three-pointers and kept the game close, early on.

Half: 22-16 GNG

The Eagles had great hustle and were slowly gaining on GNG. They were passing well and took several shots on basket. Wyatt Washburn, #33, sunk a three pointer at the final buzzer.

Final: 50-32 GNG

“We’ve made a lot of progress since our first game,” remarked Coach Steven Depaola. “This game we finally talked on defense as a team. We rebounded well against a team that had a couple kids at least a foot taller than us, so we did really well on the defensive end.”

Boys versus Gorham

The Eagles scored in the first minute. They passed the ball well and played with intensity. It was a close game.

Half: 22-14 Windham

Windham began the second half with hustle, going hard after the ball. Windham had great offense and defense and the game remained close from start to finish, but the Eagles pulled out the win in the end.

Final: 36-27

“This is a strong crew,” stated Coach Pat Moody. “They’re tuned into how each other plays and where their strengths and weaknesses are. We have a new offense, where we spread the floor and let the kids make the decisions. It’s an opportunity for them to grow.”

WHS Senior Evan Glicos becomes a Triple-Impact Competitor Award Finalist

Evan Glicos works to be first to the ball

By Matt Pascarella

On Sunday, November 10^th, 14 New England high school seniors were named finalists in the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship Award program. The finalists were recognized at the Harvard v. Maine basketball game at Lavietes Pavilion in Allston, Massachusetts. One of the finalists recognized was Windham senior, Evan Glicos.

Triple-Impact Competitors are selected by the PCA based on essays with three parts of criteria: personal mastery (making oneself better), leadership (making one’s teammates better), and honoring the game (making the game better). A testimonial must be given from a school administrator, a coach and another individual who can speak to the student athlete’s character and embodiment of the Triple-Impact Competitor principles.  

After Glicos heard about the scholarship, he did some research and decided it would be worth applying because he liked what the PCA stood for.

“It was pretty crazy to be a finalist because there are 3,500 applicants and only 14 [finalists], so I felt honored,” remarked Glicos.

“We were impressed by Evan’s essays and references which demonstrate that he is a true leader who supports his teammates,” said Beth O’Neill Maloney, Executive Director of PCA’s New England chapter.  

“Evan is not only successful individually; he brings out the best in his teammates as well. He is a leader and a ‘go-getter.’ Evan managed to fit in two fall sports and excel at both. Known for his fairness and sportsmanship, Evan will help an opposing player up or thank an official for making the right call even when it is against him. PCA proudly recognizes Evan as a Triple-Impact Competitor.”

During the Fall season, Glicos played golf and soccer.

“Those two sports are my favorite sports and they have a lot of value to me,” Glicos explained. “I want to make time for those sports, so I did...and I was the captain of the soccer team, which was awesome. I got to play in a few matches in States for golf.”

“Having known Evan for years, it is not a surprise he is a finalist for this award,” stated Ben Schulz, varsity soccer coach. “As a player he is everything you want and the same can be said for him as a person. I know he will have success wherever he decides to go and am so proud of all he has done.”

Varsity golf coach, Adam Manzo said this in the letter of recommendation for the scholarship:

‘Evan is a fiery competitor who knows how to lead by example. Having a strong golf background and knowledge of the game, Evan is often looked to for advice from his teammates. Evan spends quite a bit of time outside of practice working with his teammates to help make them better. Most importantly, he has the respect of his teammates. When he speaks, they listen. He is a selfless individual who, although hard on himself at times, cares more about the success of the team than his individual accomplishments. He wants his teammates to be great and will do whatever he can do to help them reach that goal.’

For next year, Glicos is applying to several schools including early decision to Bates and plans to play golf there. He might play soccer, too.

He loves to ski and plans to get back into golf in the spring.

The PCA is taking all aspects of the application process into account and will select winners from there. While the scholarship is for a few thousand dollars, Glicos emphasized winning the scholarship “is more about the representation of the PCA than the money.”

Adam Manzo teaches skills kids can utilize

Adam Manzo

By Matt Pascarella

Adam Manzo started coaching when he began at Windham Middle School in 2006. The Middle School needed a seventh-grade basketball coach and Manzo got the job. He remembers walking into the gym with 40 seventh graders on the first day of tryouts, feeling a little intimidated. Since then, he has coached several sports including JV golf, baseball and varsity golf. He currently coaches eighth grade boys’ basketball, baseball and varsity golf.

Manzo graduated with a marketing degree from Stonehill College in Massachusetts in 2005. He described himself as someone who graduated but was still unsure of what he wanted to do. He took a long-term substitute teaching job at Windham Middle School in 2005. The following school year he was hired back full-time and currently works as a Special Education Technician III. “I enjoy working with the kids, it’s always a good time,” he added.

“I have always been a huge sports fan, both as a player and as a spectator, so I figured coaching would be a good starting point and I am now entering my 14^th year as Middle School basketball coach. 

Manzo started developing his passion for golf in high school. He struggled a little but continued to play and improve throughout high school and into college. When he saw the coaching position open at Windham High, “I was ecstatic.” He started out at the junior varsity level for a year and became varsity coach the following year.

When it comes to baseball, that was Manzo’s favorite sport as a young kid. When a coaching position opened, he wasted no time applying. He likes that he has a sport each season. “I enjoy being able t
o teach the kids, because...that is why we all do what we do - to help support the kids become better people and better players.”

Manzo believes it is important to build a team of kids who know how to win graciously and can accept defeat. In 2015, the golf team won the sportsmanship award along with qualifying for the state tournament. He remembers one of the student athletes on the golf team talking about how it was more important for them to win the sportsmanship award than to qualify for the state tournament. At the beginning of each season, no matter the sport, he tries to set a clear message that a team of good kids, with character, is more important than results on the court, field or course.

His favorite part about being a coach is the kids. He likes being able to teach skills kids can utilize. Manzo was coach to Windham High alumni Mike Gilman and Nick Curtis, who scored 1,000 points on the basketball court during their high school careers. “It was fun to watch them progress
throughout the high school level,” says Manzo.

He is a diehard New England sports fan and enjoys golfing. He lives in Raymond with his girlfriend and their dog.

Volleyball battled hard against Falmouth

Meghan Harmon

By Matt Pascarella

After winning the quarterfinal game against South Portland, the Lady Eagles travel1ed to Falmouth, to take on the Yachtsmen, on Wednesday, October 30^th.

To say there was high energy during these sets is an understatement. So much energy, that the gym sounded like one big roar.

Windham came out strong and got the first point. They were on fire, soon it was 4-0, Lady Eagles.

Windham was aggressive with great volleys and returns. They set and spiked the ball well and took a lead, but then the game was tied at eight. The set was close and intense. When Falmouth hit hard, Windham hit harder. The game was soon tied at 19. Windham’s momentum didn’t stop. Windham had match point. A spike from the Lady Eagles gave them win #1: 25-20.

Windham’s intensity never faltered. Falmouth took an early lead in set #2, but the Lady Eagles were still in it. Windham battled, with tough defense; Falmouth spiked the ball hard and Windham returned the ball to catch their opponent off guard. The Lady Eagles did their best, but fell in set #2, 25-8.

Set #3 started with Windham scoring first. They were aggressive and took an early lead. Falmouth pulled ahead, but the Lady Eagles were not far behind. Windham spiked the ball well and had excellent teamwork with exceptional volleys. Falmouth took this set 25-14.

Set #4 began with both team’s neck and neck, but Falmouth pulled ahead. The Lady Eagles blocked multiple shots and began to make a comeback. Windham’s aggressive playing style never slowed down. The Lady Eagles gained momentum, but Falmouth won set #4. 25-14

“Our drive and motivation in the past few games have just been more than anything we’ve seen in a long time,” stated Team Captain and Senior Megan Fleck. “I think we did good. The first set showed how we could play and the next two we got hesitant with ourselves, the last one we really picked it back up at the end.”

“We came out on fire; after our quarterfinal match,” said coach Chris Cloutier. “The girls felt like they deserved to be here, and they certainly did. They pushed all season, we worked pretty hard...overall the girls did a great job. [Falmouth has] some good players who can hit the ball pretty hard, but we were ready for it...it was good to have that happen.”

Another great season for Windham cross country

Hannah Langstaff

By Matt Pascarella

Windham cross country competed at the state competition at Twin Brook Recreation in Cumberland on Saturday, November 2nd. Windham had seven runners competing.

Windham finished ninth out of 15 teams. Windham was also the 13th fastest team in Maine overall; against all Classes, A, B, and C; with a total of 36 teams at States. Nicely done!

Freshman Elise Schultz placed 66th and dropped 17 seconds off her Regional Championship time, in a State Championship Meet to finish with a time of 22:32.39!

“Throughout my season, I prepared my body for regionals and states by increasing my mileage, but I always lacked confidence and doubted my ability to run at a faster speed,” Schultz explained. “At the state meet, I discovered my true potential and my ability to overcome my largest obstacle...my mind.” 

Of the 111 Class A runners, sophomore Estella Inman was 23rd, with a finish time of 20:51.00 and was 35th of 299 runners overall in Maine. All in her first year ever running cross country!

“It was kind of hard racing the same course,” observed Inman. “It was also helpful because you knew what was going to be next, so it went by very fast. I’m really excited for next year and I want to do even better than this year.”

Senior Hannah Langstaff placed 42nd and finished with a time of 21:48.70.

Senior Hailey Applebee placed 55th and finished with a time of 22:13.00.

Right behind her, was sophomore Camille Culpovich who placed 59th with a time of 22:15.19.

Sophomore Eve Schultz finished 86th with a time of 23:34.66.

Diane Ingalls wasn’t far behind Schultz, as Ingalls finished 89th with a time of 23:46.09.

Senior Hailey Applebee reflected on the race and the future of cross country for her. “The whole time I’m thinking I got to do it for my team...perform the best that I can and that I’m mentally prepared for this...make the most of it.” She plans to run in college.

“The Lady Eagles team pursuit began in early July,” remarked coach Jeff Riddle. “Their progression taught them to run united, with a mental edge, and with grit and determination. Saturday at the State Championship meet was a very successful day for Windham High School Cross Country.”

“We had a growing year on the boys’ side with diverse levels of experience on the team, and our season was a great one for our seniors, an investment season in learning for our underclassmen to set new goals for 2020.”

Girls’ soccer gives it all against Gorham

Emma Millett

By Matt Pascarella

Fifth seeded Windham faced off against fourth seeded Gorham in the Class A South Quarterfinal playoff game, played at Massabesic High School in Waterboro on Tuesday, October 29^th.

The Lady Eagles came out aggressive and ready to play. Less than 2:30 into the first half, Emma Millett, #4, rocketed the ball past the keeper and put Windham on the board very early on. The Lady Eagles worked to be first to the ball, had strong offense and defense and kept up their intensity during the half.

Half: 1-1

Windham began the second half intense, pressuring Gorham right from the start. They passed the ball well with excellent defense and offense, taking multiple shots on goal. The Lady Eagles worked extra hard and left everything on the field, but Gorham managed to get by.

Final: 2-1, Gorham

“Getting that first goal right away was huge,” observed coach Deb Lebel. “In terms of shots, we did outshoot them, I do feel like we had some momentum. We came together as a full team...this was not the same team that started in September. Kids have stepped up; great group of kids...the future is bright for the girls next season.”

Varsity football ends season with powerful win

Left to Right Anthony Gugliuzza, Jayden Gonsalves, Ian Swann,
Ben Elliott, Will Segler II, Matty Babb

By Matt Pascarella

In their last home game of the season, varsity football took on Falmouth/Greely on Friday, October 25^th. It was Senior Night; seniors from the cheerleading squad and the football team were presented with a gift and those seniors and their families were thanked for the time and effort they had put in throughout their high school careers.

Windham was fired up and it didn’t take long for that energy to result in points on the scoreboard.

Falmouth/Greely received the kickoff but didn’t get very far as the Eagle’s defense tackled them hard and multiple times throughout the game. Windham got the ball all the way to Falmouth/Greely’s two-yard line before the end of the first quarter.

Four seconds into the second quarter and Ben Elliot, #27, scored a touchdown. After the extra point was missed, 6 - 0, Eagles. Windham’s defense never wavered as they knocked passes intended for their opposition away. With less than one-minute left in the half, Elliot caught a pass at the 20-yard line and it’s first and ten. 37 seconds left. Derek Palow, #21, scored the touchdown and Matty Babb, #13, put the ball in the endzone for the two-point conversion.

Half: 14-0, Windham

Palow kept it going in the third quarter when he ran from one end of the field to the other and scored an 85-yard touchdown! 85 yards!

Toward the end of the fourth quarter, the offense moved the ball closer and closer to the Falmouth/Greely endzone, but the final buzzer went off before either team had scored.

The Eagles took this game 21-7 and are headed to the quarterfinals to play Skowhegan, at home, on Friday, November 1st at 7 p.m.

“We have a young group, we only have six seniors, but we have some really good seniors that know what our goal is; they’ve been through the good times and last year was some rough times...they are very good leaders,” explained coach Matt Perkins. “They work hard every day and they preach the message. We’ve had some really close games. They kept showing up and we kept grinding and I’m really proud of them tonight, they played a pretty perfect game.”

Fall ball season is a grand slam

Carolina Blue and Windham Navy teams

By Matt Pascarella

The 12U (10-12-year olds) teams Windham Carolina Blue and Windham Navy hit the field against each other for the final game of the Fall Ball season, played at Ciccarone Field at Lowell Field in Windham on Saturday, October 26^th.

Carolina Blue had first ups. Cayden McCartney, #7, walked; Graham Herald, #4, got a base hit. Later, McCartney scored. Liam Kalakowski, #8, singled. After Liam Holivan, #6, was hit by the pitch, the bases were loaded. Bailey Ammons, #2, was hit by a pitch and Herald scored. Kalakowski stole home. Zach Kampi, #6, walked and scored.

Windham Navy player Josh “Just Josh” Tom, #12, jumped and made a stellar catch at first base to get an out.

On Windham Navy’s up, Alex “The Prodigy” Pastore, #8, got a base hit and stole home. 4-1, Carolina after one inning.

In the second inning, after three walks the bases were loaded. McCartney got a base hit and Aaron Sanborn, #11, scored, then Dawson Carlberg, #5, scored. Two more runners scored.

8-1 after two innings.

Fast forward to the fourth inning and Ammons doubled, Sam Redlon, #10, got a base hit, Kampi walked. Ammons scored. And Windham Navy left Carolina Blue runners on base to end the inning.

When Windham Navy took the plate, after a walk, Dominic “the Dominator” Cataldi, #1, got on base, Ethan “Got Him” Clapp, #2, is hit by a pitch, bases loaded. Calvin “Thunderstruck” Bartz, #11, scored. Aiden “Clutch” Lister, #7, walked and Cataldi scored to end the inning.

Final 13-3, Carolina Blue

“Overall, Fall Ball beat expectations on both the softball and the baseball side,” stated Mike Butterfield, Windham Little League Fall Ball coordinator and Coordinator for District 6. “We had six new towns join this year. In Windham, we fielded two 12U baseball teams...two 10U baseball teams and...four 8U (which was coed) baseball teams; that was over 100 kids. Big shout out to Bill Ciccarone for having the field ready for us every week in beautiful condition. It was amazing. Fall Ball doubled [participation] from 2018; it’s only going to grow from here.”