Windham boys’ lacrosse earns wins over Scarborough

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham boys’ varsity and junior varsity lacrosse teams traveled to Scarborough and took on the Red Storm in two very strong games on Saturday, April 22. Windham varsity tied the game early and scored goal after goal after goal to pummel Scarborough 14-5. The JV game was closer, but at the final buzzer, Windham had a 5-4 victory.

Windham senior Alex Momot stays ahead of Scarborough
defenders during a boys' varsity lacrosse game at
Scarborough High School on Saturday, April 22.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

Varsity

“We’ve been trying to play better individual defense as well as collective team defense,” said Windham varsity boys’ lacrosse coach Peter Small. “We were pull checking more, we were in people’s hands; we keep talking about being in their hands when they get the ball ... today we saw that.”

Offensively, Small said the team didn’t force things; they let it flow and found space. Windham fought for ground balls harder than they ever had before during this game.

Scarborough scored twice at the beginning of the first half. Windham came back and changed the tone of the game when senior Alex Yeaton scored, followed by sophomore Evan Yale. Windham showed Scarborough they were going home with the ‘W.’

Junior Tobias Perkins scored next, then junior Blake McPherson scored twice. Senior Owen Gaulrapp’s goal put Windham ahead 6-2 at the half.

“We were coming off a good game against Bonny Eagle,” said Perkins. “We’ve been playing really good at practice all week; we came in confident but not too confident and it was just a great team win.”

Perkins said defense played great as did Windham senior goalie, Phillip “Reed” Wescott. The transition game was good. The offense moved the ball fluidly which opens spaces for everyone to score. Perkins said passing, clearing the ball, running the offensive system and playing a clean game with few penalties were all things that went well.

According to Wescott, the transition game went well. He said he trusts his teammates to get the job done.

In the second half, Perkins had back-to-back goals; then Yeaton scored. Yale got his second goal of the game. Junior Landon Buzulcuck scored in the fourth quarter.

Small said the team is developing trust in one another, even when things go wrong. Windham shot more and their shots were smarter. Defensively, communication was improved.

Junior Varsity

Windham began with strong passes and were aggressive right away. Windham sophomore CK Kennedy scored. Eagle defense slowed Scarborough.

Scarborough tied the game 1-1, but then freshman Garrett Winslow put Windham ahead. Windham was talking and were quick to capitalize on Red Storm mistakes.

Windham freshman Jack Jordan fired the ball at the ground, and it bounced into the net. Right before the end of the half, Windham led, 3-2.

In the second half, Windham continued their intensity when they intercepted a pass and took a shot at goal. They were fighting hard for the ball.

Scarborough tied it up 3-3. Despite this goal in the third quarter, Windham defense still put the brakes on Scarborough and blocked several scoring opportunities for them.

Windham freshman Jack Henry scored in the fourth quarter. Scarborough tied it up 4-4 as the game was coming to an end.

“It was our teamwork we put together in that game,” said Windham freshman Jack Henry. “We couldn’t have done it without ... everyone. Passing, catching and our communication and defense was really good.”

Windham freshman Ryan McPherson scored the game-winning goal.

McPherson said he was open, and he knew if his teammate passed him the ball he could score. McPherson said they earned the win because they played as a team and held each other accountable. Passing and catching went well.

“We really put a focus on conditioning and skills this season,” said Windham JV boys’ lacrosse coach Seth Fournier. “It showed significantly in our transition game. They rose really, really well; once they got that first goal, they were there, and they knew they could play."<

Tales from the Woods: Breaking out the boat

By Bob Chapin

With the very first signs of Spring, before all the snow is gone from the shady areas of the lawn, those of us who are boaters and fisher persons think about breaking out the boat and getting ready for the first launch. Even before you roll it out of the garage or pull the tarps or shrink wrap off, you can renew your registration for the boat and trailer at your local town hall or online. A tip: if you take your old registration to the Auburn DMV you can renew for five years versus your normal one year and at a lower rate. Maine residents get their invasive aquatic species sticker integrated into their registration. Carry your boat and trailer registration with you wherever you boat.

Before launching your boat for another season, owners
should check electric lights, flotation devices, safety
equipment, flares, the motor, guides and the battery to
prevent problems. COURTESY PHOTO 

Once you get the wrapper off the boat is a good time to check for mice infestations as they love to make nests up under the bow and in any closed compartments such as undersea storage, floor lockers, live wells, and transom cabinets. While you are there check for chewed wiring and tubing such as transducer tubing, gas lines, and anything coated in plastic. I once had five kayaks gnawed one winter, two with complete holes through the hull. Make yourself a note to put mouse discouragement devices in place next fall if you find any evidence they have been there.

While we are talking about electrical wire now would be a good time to top off your starting battery and any auxiliary battery you use for trolling motors, lights, bilge pumps, etc. If you used a trickle charger all winter your batteries should be fully charged. Fully charged means that if you put a simple multi-meter tester on it and set the dial to 50 volts DC, you should read at least 12.1 volt – any less and it goes on the charger. It is recommended that you disconnect the electrical leads to the battery while it is on the charger and charge it in an area with good ventilation. The process of charging a battery releases hydrogen gas which is very flammable.

If you were diligent last fall and changed out the lower gear and the engine oil and filed off the burrs on your prop, then you should be ready to go. If not you have work to do. If it has been three years or more since you last changed out the spark plugs on your engine, then do so now—you’ll be glad you did.

If your hull was intact with no leaks last fall, then you should be good to go. With an aluminum boat, if you had a few leaking rivets, you can try hammering them tight with a ball peen hammer or specially designed punch but be sure and have a friend back you up on the inside of the boat with a stout backstop or risk putting dents in your boat. If you still get leakage, consider drilling out the offending rivet and replacing it with a slightly larger solid rivet. Should you have a wooden boat it may require a period of soaking in water to allow the wood to swell and seal any leaks. As a kid we had a heavy wooden rowboat that would leak like a sieve when we first put it in the water. After three days of sitting on the bottom we would bail it out and it would be bone dry the rest of the summer.

Use a boating safety equipment checklist available from West Marine, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, or the Department of Marine Resources to ensure you have all the required gear for the size of your boat and where you will be boating. This includes all of the required lighting when operating after sunset and before sunrise. Check your signaling devices, either electronic or manually operated, and that you have serviceable Personal Floatation Devices sized for every passenger, including you.

If you have a flare gun, check to see that the expiration date on your flare cartridges is current. I keep date-expired cartridges that appear to be in good shape along with my current ones because if you have to use them you will find they do not last long when deployed and may not be seen in time. While goose hunting late in the season on Chesapeake Bay, another boater had to use his flares.

As I responded in his direction two other boats ahead of me did the same so I waved off. I am sure he was glad he had more than the required number of flares. Although my boat has an operational horn, I always carry a manual whistle on my person, just in case. Lastly, check your anchor and dock lines for dry rot and that your knots are still secure. I always carry a short length of extra line because, well, you always need more line, and you may wish to assist another boater.

For added security and confidence I have a set of Mickey Mouse ears or cuffs that I can put over the water intake on my motor and connect them to a garden hose. That way I can start my engine in the driveway without fear of overheating the motor. Even with all the above accomplished, I keep my first “shakedown cruise” close to home.

It is difficult to thoroughly check your trailer while your boat sits on it. Therefore, after I have launched my shakedown cruise, I check over my electric lights, guides, rollers and bunkers, winch strap, winch ratchet lock, safety chains, auto grease hubs, and tire pressures. Carry a spare tire on the trailer or in the tow vehicle as well as a jack and a lug wrench as they may not be the same size as the tow vehicle. Safe Boating! <

Windham girls’ lacrosse off to strong start in season openers

By Matt Pascarella

On a beautiful, sunny day, the Windham girls’ varsity and junior varsity lacrosse teams played their season home opener on Friday, April 14 against Yarmouth. The varsity team battled hard right up until the final buzzer, but Yarmouth got by 16-6. The JV team was neck and neck with Yarmouth for most of the game as Windham got ahead and held on to the lead to win, 4-3.

Windham junior Mallory Muse veers away from her opponent
before making a pass during Windham's varsity girls' lacrosse
home opener against Yarmouth on Friday, April 14.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

Varsity

Windham freshman Abby Trainor said they’ve improved on a bunch of stuff they were working on in practice. She said they did better than what they thought they were going to do during this game. She said their transition and their rides went really well. Offense set up the plays they had been working on and they really clicked – they fed the cutters really well.

Windham matched Yarmouth pretty much shot for shot in the first half.

Windham junior Mallory Muse was the first to score and Windham defense kept Yarmouth from running away with the game early on.

Trainor scored and tied the game 2-2; Muse scored again. Yarmouth jumped to a 6-3 lead, but Windham was not yet finished.

Trainor had a direct shot that went right by the goalie. She scored soon after that assisted by sophomore Grace Joly. Yarmouth led 7-5 midway through the game.

Windham moved the ball well in the second half and had several solid shots at goal. Yarmouth took a big lead.

Trainor scored once more, assisted by Muse. Yarmouth had the lead, but Windham did not give up.

“I love their effort,” said Windham varsity girls’ lacrosse coach Matt Perkins. “We got some workers, and we got some new people ... we got a bunch of kids who’ve never played varsity before, so to play against a team like this that’s projected to be in the mix with a Falmouth and Kennebunk, our kids battled.”

Perkins said the score doesn’t always reflect what went on in the game; he was pleased with their improvement. They did a really good job on defense; offensively they were patient and had better passes, they didn’t throw the ball away.

Junior Varsity

The JV team showed they were hungry for a win. Windham sophomore Talia Campobasso scored early on. Windham continued to pressure. Right before the end of the half, Windham freshman Madison Donnelly put one between the posts and Windham had a 2-0 lead at the first buzzer.

“I think we did awesome,” said Windham JV girls’ lacrosse coach Vanessa Ludka. “We started a little slow and then realized it quickly ... we really picked it up and hustled hard.”

Ludka said it was key plays that enabled Windham to get ahead of Yarmouth and hold them off. Windham looked up on offense, saw the open players and were able to execute that with good passes. Defensively, they have a backer system that everyone was in and went very well.

In the second half, Yarmouth’s aggressiveness got them an early goal. Windham fought hard with shots at goal and communication. Yarmouth tied the game 2-2.

Windham went hard after the ball. Yarmouth took the lead, then Windham freshman Olivia McPherson fired the ball past the goalie and tied the game 3-3.

Strong passing and defense helped Windham take the lead. Windham junior Ella Lombard went around the net and scored.

With seconds left in the game, Windham prevented Yarmouth from any further scoring opportunities.

“We did really good at passing and getting open when we needed to and not just forcing it to the net,” said Lombard.

Lombard said they earned the win by everybody working as a team and getting a chance to participate. <

Windham athletes selected to play in prestigious 33rd Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic

By Matt Pascarella

The Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic football game is an honor only a select number of players are nominated for from over 60 high school programs across the state. This year Windham High seniors Max Arbour and Logan Hirning were chosen to play for the East Team in the game that will take place on Saturday, July 15 at Don Roux Field at Lewiston High School.

Windham High's Max Arbour, left, and Logan Hirning
have been selected to play for the East Team in the 33rd
Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic football game
in July in Lewiston. SUBMITTED PHOTOS 

Lobster Bowl athletes fundraise for the Shriners Children’s Hospital and must raise a minimum of $500 to play in the game. Since 1990, fundraising efforts have provided net proceed donations of almost $750,000 to the hospital.

“It means a lot to me to be selected in this year’s Lobster Bowl, it shows how years of hard work have paid off,” said Hirning. “I am beyond excited to participate in this event and be involved in such a great cause that helps children all over the country.”

Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins said both players are team-first guys who are phenomenal workers and had great years with the program. They always found a way to help everyone around from freshmen to new guys. Arbour and Hirning are both a great model of what Windham wants in their program.

Perkins said both Arbour and Hirning work year-round to improve. He’s really excited for both of them to show their skills during this game. Other teammates will love them because both Windham players are such good teammates.

According to the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic website, “The Shriners Children’s hospitals offer all services in an environment where family members feel comfortable enough so they can bond emotionally while providing treatment needed by their loved ones during difficult times, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.”

“Being chosen for the Lobster Bowl is something I have dreamed about for a few years,” said Arbour. “It's a very big honor to not just represent myself but the Windham community as a whole.”

Hirning said donating provides a second chance to many children across the country. For Hirning, the importance of playing and being honored goes deeper than being recognized as a top player in the state. It is an example of good character and providing that second chance to those less fortunate.

Arbour said being able to play and raise money for the Shriners Children’s Hospital is something he is supportive of and grateful to participate in.

“We were able to watch a few videos at our Lobster Bowl meeting of some of the kids that went through the process at Shriners Hospital,” said Arbour. “It touched my heart to see kids be able to do things that they weren't able to do before attending Shriners Hospitals.”

In the Lobster Bowl game there are no losers, regardless of the outcome. Everyone who participates gets to play the sport they love for an amazing cause.

If you would like to help, you can donate by visiting the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl website, clicking the donate button and then clicking on Max Arbour or Logan Hirning’s profiles. The direct links are listed below:

https://maineshrinelobsterbowl.com/donate/Hirning-Logan

https://maineshrinelobsterbowl.com/donate/Arbour-Max

All donations are very much appreciated.

Tickets for the game are also available on that same website for the Lobster owl matchup at Lewiston High School on Saturday, July 15. <

Maine Soccer Referee Association offers beginning soccer referee training in Windham and Portland

Anyone 14 years of age and older who has ever thought about becoming a certified youth soccer referee is invited to sign up for one of two upcoming Grassroots Soccer Referee training courses taking place in Windham April 21 and April 22 and in Portland April 28 and April 29.

Soccer referee training will be held Friday,
April 21 ands Saturday, April 22 in Windham.
COURTESY PHOTO 

“Whatever your age, there are plenty of good reasons to become a soccer referee.” says Pete LeVasseur, Maine’s State Director of Soccer Referee Instruction. “If you’re a teenager, it is a great way to make more money per hour while being outdoors and staying fit.

If you play soccer, you will be a better player when you better understand the Laws of the Game. If you’re an adult of any age it is a great way to support and give back to your community. And if you love soccer, there is simply no better “seat in the house.”

Levasseur himself is 73 and still an active referee.

Referring to the thousands of kids aged 7 to 18 playing youth soccer on teams from Bangor south to Kittery and the Lakes Region east to Eastport, Jason Pelletier, Maine’s State Referee Administrator, says, “It takes a lot of referees to make this program work, and we heartily welcome everyone who chooses to join us.”

Previous knowledge of the game isn’t necessary. The course begins with the basics and builds from there. The Grassroots training course is 10 hours long, split between Friday evening from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The course covers the basics of the Laws of the Game, referee signals for both Assistant Referees and Center Referees, movement on the field, and game management.

Courses will be taught by experienced USSF-certified Instructors who are all active referees themselves. Uniforms can be ordered during registration and will be available for pick-up at the course.

The Windham class will be conducted April 21 and April 22, will take place at The Little Meeting House, 723 Roosevelt Trail, Windham. The Portland class is set for April 28 and April 29 and will take place at East End Community School, 195 North St. in Portland and you must be pre-registered to attend.

For more information about the classes or any other aspect of youth soccer refereeing, send an email to pjhl1949@gmail.com, or go to the Maine Soccer Referees Association (MSRA) website at www.mainesoccerreferee.com. <

Windham varsity baseball off to a great start in preseason

By Matt Pascarella

On a warm but windy afternoon, the Windham High School varsity baseball team began their preseason at home with a game against Mount Ararat on Tuesday, April 11. Windham started strong and secured a 5-3 win as they prepare for the start of the regular season later this month.

Windham freshman Wyatt Washburn is shown moments 
before driving the ball to the outfield  during a preseason
game against Mount Ararat in Windham on Tuesday,
April 11. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“Our hitters’ approaches from the first inning on through the seventh inning was excellent,” said Windham varsity baseball coach Chris Doughty. “The two-strike approach was great; they stayed in there, they battled. I ... saw a lot of really good things today. One of the things that stood out the most was when it counted, Windham bared down because they wanted to win. I think it’s going to be a great year.”

In the first inning, Mount Ararat scored on a passed ball.

Windham was quick to answer when junior Brady Harvie singled. Senior Alex “Bob” Wing’s base hit drove in Harvie making it a 1-1 game.

“It was a really good game today,” said Harvie. “I feel like it’s a big confidence booster for the team, first game of the year to go out swing the bats well, pitch pretty well – definitely felt good.”

Harvie said the best part of the game was their bats. He said they hit the ball really well compared to last year; they had some good hits and big moments.

In the second inning, Windham’s defense sent three consecutive batters back to the dugout.

In the fourth inning, Wing singled and so did senior Logan Marden. Freshman Wyatt Washburn’s base hit loaded the bases. After senior Ryan Bernard was thrown out at first, Wing scored. Later in the inning, a passed ball brought Marden across the plate. After four innings, Windham led 3-1.

Wing said he liked how they hit the ball. He liked that the errors were minimal during this game. Windham had a lot of contact, moving people around the bases. He thinks they did very well.

In the fifth inning, Windham junior Login Desrochers singled and so did Harvie. Desrochers advanced to third base and Harvie to second base. A double from Marden and Windham was up by four runs.

“I feel like we had a ton of positivity in the team today,” said Marden. “It’s big coming out first game and getting a win. This just gives us really good momentum for the season; bats were really hot today and we did really solid in the field with minimal errors – it’s a great way to start the season.”

Mount Ararat was able to knock in a couple more runs in the sixth inning but couldn’t get much further ahead of the Eagle’s defense.<

Windham graduate Bryce Afthim’s hard work spells success at the University of Southern Maine

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High 2019 graduate Bryce Afthim excelled on the mound as an Eagle and now a junior for the University of Southern Maine that success has followed him due to his commitment and hard work. Most recently, he earned USM baseball coach Ed Flaherty his 1,100th win when USM beat John Hopkins 8-3 on Sunday, March 19 in Auburndale, Florida.

Windham High graduate Bryce Afthim
winds before throwing a pitch during 
a preseason game in 2022 in Auburndale,
Florida at the Lake Myrtle Athletics
Complex, PHOTO BY SANDRA MINER 

A Business Analytics major, Afthim would like to go to a trade school and possibly start a business in an industry of his choice after college; he’ll be able to use what he’s learned through the Business Analytics program to run that business as best he can.

“As a teammate Bryce is all you could ask for,” said USM senior and first baseman Arlo Pike. “He is supportive and is a great leader. The attitude he brings to every practice is positive and that just improves the mood of everybody on the team. He just dominates the game unlike any pitcher I’ve played with. He isn’t afraid of a challenge and competes with every pitch.”

It was T-ball that was Afthim’s introduction to what would later become baseball. He remembers playing wiffleball with his neighbors when he was 5 years old.

As he got older, his parents encouraged his love of the game. He always loved pitching but wasn’t really set on only pitching until he reached college.

“It meant a lot that Bryce was able to win that game,” said Coach Flaherty. “He has been our go-to guy. Bryce is the leader of our pitching staff and one of the leaders of our team. He is one of the best pitchers in New England. Above all, as good as he is, he is a far finer person.”

During that game against John Hopkins, Afthim was unaware how close Coach Flaherty was to 1,100 wins and treated that day like a normal game. Afthim helped the Huskies surpass the nationally ranked Blue Jays. He allowed only 5 hits, 3 runs, a walk and struck out 8 batters.

“I’m never afraid on the mound,” said Afthim. “The moment you let up and show fear or frustration, the game is going to go bad fast. The key is to know yourself and don’t change a thing when it’s going good.”

According to Afthim, Coach Flaherty is one of the best coaches in the country and it felt great for him to play a part in securing Flaherty’s 1,100th win.

During his time at USM, Afthim has received several accolades including Little East Conference Co-Pitcher of the Week, American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III New England All-Region first team and was selected to the D3baseball.com New England All-Region third team.

While playing for the Sanford Mainers, he received the New England Collegiate Baseball League Robin Roberts Top Starting Pitcher Award in 2022 and was on the New England Collegiate Baseball League First Team.

Afthim said these accolades prove to him that he’s a good pitcher and needs to trust himself and what he has. However, it also makes him want to continue to improve; these awards reaffirm that there is always room to get better.

His advice to current high school athletes who want to play in college is lifting and training is the biggest way to improve. The work put in outside of practice will translate to the game.

“I have stuck with it because nothing makes me happier than going to the field on game day,” said Afthim. “That excitement has always stayed the same.”

When not on the field, Afthim likes to hang out with his teammates. He lives with a handful of them, and they have a good time together. <

Windham Middle School swim team ends season on high note

By Matt Pascarella

In their final meet of the season, the Windham Middle School swim team did very well in their home meet against Falmouth at St. Joseph’s College on Friday, March 31.

Windham seventh grader Timothy Slabbinck-Unser quickly
reaches the end of his lane during a swim meet against
Falmouth at St. Joseph's College on Friday, March 31.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Windham showed marked improvements as they came in first in several events throughout the meet.

“I was super happy to see all of their improvement on the smaller scale throughout the season,” said Windham Middle School swim coach Anne Fougere. “Their swims drastically change from start to finish. They also continue to grow as a team with their sportsmanship and I just couldn’t ask for a better moment with that.”

Sportsmanship was a big part of this season and this meet. Windham cheered for all swimmers. This meet also saw Windham swimmers stepping out of their comfort zone and into events they normally wouldn’t attempt.

Boys

In the 50-yard backstroke, seventh grader Timothy Slabbinck-Unser finished first with a time of 46.55 seconds. He also finished third in 100-freestyle with a time of 1:13.87 minutes.

Also, in the 50-backstroke seventh grader Gabe Kidson finished second with a 49.25 time.

“I think that lots of people improved over the season, and it was fun to watch that,” said Slabbinck-Unser. “The integrity improved as well. That’s something really cool to see because not all swim teams have that.”

Seventh grader Peter Funk finished first in the 100-yard individual medley with a time of 1:12.78. He finished third in the 50-butterfly with a 31.91 time. He also won a ducky from Coach Fougere for improvement over the season.

Funk said he didn’t think he was going to get a ducky, so it felt cool when he did.

In the 50 butterfly, Windham eighth grader Sullivan Scharf finished first with a 28.31 time.

Eighth grader Will Blyther finished sixth with a 50.60 time in the 50 butterfly event.

Seventh grader John Mace finished third in the 50-freestyle with a 44.58 time.

Girls

Eighth grader Allison Shardlow finished first in the 50 breaststroke with a 49.36 time. She finished third in the 100 freestyle with a time of 1:28.35.

Shardlow said she thought things went wonderful today. One of the big things that went well was sportsmanship.

“I think we’ve improved in cheering not only for our team, but also the other team, and just overall technique. A lot of the newer swimmers really improved this year,” she said.

In the 50 freestyle seventh grader Stephanie Roghelia finished first with a time of 29.14. In the 100-yard individual medley, Roghelia finished second with a 1:19.05 time.

In the 50 freestyle, sixth grader Amelia Richards finished third with a time of 44.43.

Also, in the 50-freestyle, sixth grader Ceclia Lytle finished fifth with a 45.64 time.

In the 50-yard backstroke, seventh grader Mareina Lavalle finished third with a time of 49.86.

“They swam well,” said Coach Fougere. “We worked a lot on our flip turns and our starts and fine tuning the little things; the little things are what end up winning races – they have done an amazing job with barely any disqualifications throughout the season and that is a win.” <

Windham High varsity baseball welcomes new coach

By Matt Pascarella

When Windham High School’s varsity baseball team begins their season in a couple weeks, they will have a new head coach in Chris Doughty. Much of his experience comes from when he played baseball for St. Joseph’s College, but he first began coaching when his children started playing youth sports. Since then, Doughty’s also coached baseball, soccer, football, and basketball.

Windham High School's new varsity baseball
coach is Chris Doughty, who played the sport
in college for St. Joseph's College.
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

Sports have always been a part of who Doughty is as a person. He played football, basketball and baseball at a young age and continued through high school.

“I consider myself very lucky for having so many great coaches throughout my athletic career,” said Doughty. “Coaching is about so much more than wins and losses, and I was fortunate enough to have people in my corner who cared about me as much as a person as they did as a player.”

Doughty’s father got him interested in baseball. Every night, his father would come home from work and Doughty would be waiting for him. They would either go to the field for batting practice or just go out in the yard and hit fly balls or field ground balls. The support Doughty received from his father and mother helped him to be successful on and off the field.

As a kid who grew up in Westbrook and later moved to Windham, Doughty said playing Little League with his supportive group of friends made it feel like the big leagues. After high school Doughty continued to play while he was majoring in business at St. Joseph’s College, where he had some very successful seasons.

“Chris was an outstanding player for us,” said Doughty’s former St. Joseph’s College baseball coach, Will Sanborn. “Chris is a smart guy who knows the game and has a passion for it. He works hard and has great leadership qualities that I feel will make him an excellent coach; I know guys will enjoy playing for him.”

Throughout his athletic career, Doughty said that he has had several great coaches who have helped him mature as an athlete and person. He said their guidance has left a meaningful mark on who he is today. For Doughty, being able to give back to the community through coaching while also having the opportunity to provide the same guidance to players is very important to him.

The varsity team is very lucky to have a dedicated coaching staff in addition to Doughty. It consists of Anthony D’alfonso, Cody Dube, Rob Hamilton, and Adam Kalakowsky. So many baseball minds committed to the team is a giant benefit to the program.

“I am very excited about the addition of Chris Doughty as the new varsity coach,” said Windham Junior Varsity baseball coach Kalakowsky. “Chris seems like a great leader with a passion for the game. His past baseball playing experience, focus on fitness/training, knowledge of the game and enthusiasm for the sport make for a great addition. With this coaching staff, great returning players, and a talented group of incoming freshmen, I believe Windham will be a very competitive team.”

Coaching at the youth level has taught Doughty a lot about patience and organization. These experiences coupled with his baseball background, knowledge and drive for competition will be very valuable.

For Doughty, seeing the improvement from the beginning of the season to the end is his favorite part. When he sees a player grasp a concept and become able to apply it successfully, it is very rewarding. Doughty loves to see his players have fun on the field.

Doughty says that his goal for the season is to put a team on the field each day that is respectful, disciplined, and skilled. The team’s ultimate goal is a state championship win, but along the way he would like to help these young men gain a further understanding of what it means to be a good teammate, classmate, son, brother, and friend.

At the end of the day, it’s a game and it’s supposed to be fun.

He’s a second-generation owner of a State Farm Insurance Agency in Westbrook with a new location in Windham. Doughty is married with two children, and they have a Bernese Mountain dog. In Doughty’s free time, he likes to ski with his family and friends, golf and spend time on the lake. <