34th Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl a resounding success for Windham’s Foster and Shriner Children’s Hospitals

By Matt Pascarella

Lewiston High School hosted one of the most anticipated events of the year, the 34th Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl football game on Saturday, July 20 and this game is an honor for the selected Maine graduating seniors who get to play in it. The annual game helps raise money for Shriner medical facilities across North America who provide care and services to children and their families. This year’s game featured Windham High graduate Ezra Foster who played for the East team and although they lost, 49-18, Foster came up with a spectacular interception in the second quarter.

Windham High's Ezra Foster grabs an interception in the
second quarter of the 34th Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl
at Lewiston High School on Saturday, July 20.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“It was really great to see all these kids that I’ve been playing against for the past four years becoming my new teammates and making bonds with them that I think will last,” said Foster. “It gave me some motivation because I’m playing for the guys who can’t be here on my team; I’ve got to perform.”

The Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic is a great honor for players as only a select few are chosen to play. Both teams spend a week working together and participating in team-building exercises. 

This year, the two Lobster Bowl teams raised an incredible $206,000 which goes directly to support the 22 Shriner non-profit medical facilities across North America which provide all kinds of treatment and medical support and care for children and their families regardless of their ability to pay.

“He’s prepared, he comes from a great background at Windham,” said East coach Dan O’Connell of John Baptist Memorial High School in Bangor of Foster. “He’s well coached, he comes into this game tested at a level that helps him compete because he’s been doing it already – he’s comfortable. When we need a big play, he reaches up and makes an unbelievable stop when needed. He’s a really good football player and we were lucky to have him in our camp and on our team. There’s not a more polite kid on our team, there wasn’t a more supportive kid on our team, and he was always willing to pick his teammates up. He’s just a kid who has a nose for the ball and in a game where the best players in the state play, he was at the top tier, and he should be proud of that.”

For Foster, while he said there was some apprehension at first to compete against former Windham opponents, it was fun to be around and play with and for these high school football rivals turned into friends.

“I know a couple kids from Bangor that’ve met him, and they said he’s the nicest kid they ever met,” said Foster’s East teammate and Bangor graduate Jack Schuck. “This is honestly a great representation of Ezra – he’s just a nice well-rounded character, he’s a great guy to be around; everybody loves him, everybody trusts him, he’s a great dude and it showed on the field too. That interception during the game was a great way to show his character. He's quiet, he’s humble and he’s great.”

In the sixth grade, Foster began playing football. It was his dad who encouraged him to play, and he said they would throw the football around in the yard. As soon as Foster first set foot on a football field, he says he instantly loved the game. He’s never really thought of himself as a big-time football player, but as he progressed, his skillset grew and his love for the game did as well.

“I wasn’t too nervous.” said Foster after the Lobster Bowl. “I knew it would be my last game, so I’d have to leave it all out on the field. I knew my teammates had my back and I had theirs. It’s an honor to play football and to help kids who aren’t able to do stuff every day. It’s so great to put on a show for people and raise money for Shriners Hospitals.”

Foster will attend the University of Maine at Orono next year to study finance; he says that he would eventually like to become a land developer and build houses in Maine. <

Windham Eagle Soccer Camp brings community together

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s Eagle Soccer Camp welcomed athletes of all skill levels from grades kindergarten through eighth grade for a second consecutive year. Campers are taught the skills of the game by Windham High School’s girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer teams as well as Windham High graduates with the week-long camp held at Windham High School from July 15 to July 19.

Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski showcases her
footwork at the second Eagle Soccer Camp run by
Windham's varsity girls' and boy's soccer teams held
at Windham High School on July 17.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Participants say that this was a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and learn from each other.

“You got ... alumni that’s back – I’m an alumnus and it’s great coming back,” said Windham varsity girls’ assistant coach Jim Stewart. “I think it’s a dream as a parent and a player in Windham to see this community come together and offer a camp for kids to come together and have fun. Soccer is a bit of a mechanism for community. We’re all together, we’re all having fun, we’re all enjoying our time together.”

Windham’s Eagle Soccer Camp teaches its participants about the game in a low-pressure environment with high success. The participants learn about Windham soccer and are given the skills to apply and succeed within the varsity program. Each day they are taught a move and the more moves they know the greater the chances for them to succeed.

“I’ve taught the kids my love for the game, and I just want to show them how much I love it and want them to enjoy it as much as I do,” said Windham senior and Eagle Soccer Camp eighth grade counselor Luke Cunniffe. “The kid’s energy is infectious, throughout the whole week so far – when I’m tired, they still have energy, so I got to keep up with them. It’s meeting and getting to know the high school coaches a year before they could potentially play for them. And meet some of their future teammates; it allows them to see what the program is before they get there so that’s something to look forward to when they get to high school.”

The counselors cultivate relationships and a connection with the kids. During the season, camp participants have fun cheering at the varsity games and those connections that are made last a long time.

“Summertime for me, as long as I can remember, has always been soccer camp when I was a kid,” said Eagle Soccer Camp organizer and Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “I remember how instructive, how fun, how much of a character-building moment that all was – great memories. Not only is it about trying to provide young players at every level an opportunity to learn more about the game, and have it be educational and technical ... but I want the program to be strong and the kids coming through to play the game the right way. The kids are making memories, they’re having fun, and they are being active and in the moment. You are also helping build the next generation of coaches.”

For Neal, seeing his players interacting and teaching camp members who are learning from one another puts a huge smile on his face. It's huge for Neal to have the younger kids show up at a high school game and root for players they are familiar with and look up to. He also wants the high school players to know they have a responsibility and set a good example for the younger players.

“I think it’s good to build up the youth; when we’re here it gives them someone to look up to – I just really wanted to be a part of that this year,” said Windham sophomore and counselor Mackenzie Delewski. “I think they’ve learned sportsmanship and how to work with others. The camp as a whole shows how we are all working together to make soccer better – they’re working to get better and we’re working to help them.”

Windham fourth grader Sammy Stubbert has had fun and has become a better soccer player through learning moves. It’s good interacting with the varsity players and he plans to cheer for them during their games. The moves he’s learned will help him on the soccer field.

“I had a lot of fun last year and got better on skill work,” said Windham eighth grader Carly Franzoni. “I love being with the coaches and counselors. They are really nice and it’s helpful – they teach you a lot of stuff.” <

Windham Youth Basketball’s 3-on-3 tournament a chance for all to enjoy sport

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Youth Basketball Association’s ninth annual 3-on-3 Sonic Coed tournament was held at the Windham Public Safety building on Sunday, July 21 and witnessed another solid turnout. The tournament is a chance for players of all ages from any town to compete in a friendly game of the sport they love.

Windham sixth grader Lucien Kri looks to pass during
Windham Youth Basketball Association's Sonic Coed
3-on-3 Tournament in Windham on Sunday, July 21.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“This all started with a good friend of mine, Dan Giguere,” said Windham resident Chris Sargent. “Having my kids play in it and ... these kids just have a love for basketball and it’s great to see; the future is so bright for Windham basketball.”

Giguere was a coach, teacher, father and very active in the community. Sadly, Giguere passed away in a car accident.

Seventh grader and Kennebunk resident Chase Lovejoy was asked to play by Steven DePaolo II who coaches his travel team. Lovejoy enjoys playing basketball and preparing for the winter season.

“I really like playing basketball during the summer, because I want to be ready for the season and this is fun,” said Windham sixth grader Sammi Wyman. “You get to know people that are on your team that you didn’t know before; and you get to play with them.”

The Windham Youth Basketball Association raised $1,500 through the event which will be split between the Windham Youth Basketball programs and the Windham High School basketball programs.

“It’s important because it’s fun,” said organizer Ben Delewski. “I enjoy refereeing it and playing in it; the coed aspect of it really strengthens Windham as a basketball town with a basketball culture.” <

Windham boys’ varsity summer soccer squad falls against Yarmouth

By Matt Pascarella

On a hot evening, Windham’s boys’ varsity summer soccer team traveled to Yarmouth where they fought hard for two halves on Thursday, July 11, but ultimately fell 1-0 to the Clippers.

Windham senior Preston Stretch sends the ball back into play
during a boys' summer soccer game on Thursday, July 11 at
Yarmouth High School. PHOTO BY MATT PASCERELLA   

“This is good for us, it’s a learning thing,” said Windham boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “We’re trying to figure out some spots on the field right now; we’re trying to develop a next man-up mentality. We’ve got some guys in the rotation that maybe haven’t played a team like Yarmouth yet. It’s a good wakeup call for us. I’m pleased with the response, we’ve made some adjustments tactically, late in the second half and we got [Yarmouth] back on their heels a little bit. We want to be not as passive but preemptive in regard to not only how we defend but how we move the ball. We got to get off our heels and be more communicative about what we’re doing with the ball and our intent. There were times where we tried to push it when we shouldn’t have pushed it. There were times where we shook off a ball that was the right ball to play but we just didn’t see it because we weren’t communicating. These are all early season things. The good news is there were moments when we were doing those things and it showed.”

According to Neal the great thing about summer is that there is no pressure; kids get the opportunity to play different spots and try different things as the team tries to find out who they are.

Early on, Windham was aggressive and stayed with the ball and worked to get in front of the ball. Their defense limited scoring opportunities for Yarmouth, though in the first half, Yarmouth scored shortly before the end of the half and led 1-0.

“In the first half we were really struggling to step to the ball; we were letting Yarmouth control the game,” said Windham freshman Sean Lebel. “We weren’t connecting passes with the midfield and the attack. We made that adjustment at halftime, and we were able to push the ball more and attack more on the offense. Everything starts in the summer, so we have to make sure we are going 100 percent right now and as it gets closer to the season, we have to make sure we are putting in the work and we’ll be ready for the year.”

In the second half, Windham’s intensity remained and continued passing the ball well. Windham senior goalie Lukas Hammond had several excellent saves. Windham defense prevented Yarmouth from scoring again. While Windham worked hard going after the ball with multiple shots at goal, they weren’t able to get anything in the net.

“I think playing such a strong team helped us see where we can improve,” said Windham senior Carter Engelman. “We’re a bit worried about finding replacements for the players we lost last year, but we found a lot of people who might be able to fill those roles.”

Engelman said confidence is the key to succeeding going forward. <

Windham boys’ JV summer basketball keeps Gray-New Gloucester at bay in final seconds

By Matt Pascarella

Windham boys’ junior varsity summer basketball team had a slow start in a game against Gray-New Gloucester and they were down at halftime on Monday, July 15 at Windham but quickly flipped the score and stayed out in front in a very tight game as the clock wound down. At the final buzzer, Windham walked off the court with a 42-40 win.

Windham JV freshman Carter Ammons goes up for a shot 
during a boys' summer basketball game at Windham High
School against Gray-New Gloucester on Monday, July 15.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA
  

“At the start of the game it was rough,” said Windham freshman Carter Ammons. “We started to pick up near 15 minutes into the game, just pushing the ball fast; Gray-New Gloucester is a lot bigger and athletic than us; we just had to box out and we got boards and we beat them there. Our energy was there, we were picking up full court ... energy. There’s a lot of back-to-back drives; we don’t need to do that, we’re just forcing it in. Hold the ball, gather and be ready and not rush it.”

The game was close starting out. Gray-New Gloucester grabbed several turnovers and began to pull away.

Windham freshman Quraunte Pender sunk a three-pointer. Soon just a single point separated the two teams. Gray-New Gloucester remained ahead, while Windham worked to reverse the score. In the first half, several shots just weren’t falling.

Gray-New Gloucester had a significant lead, but not for long. Before the end of the first half, Windham freshman Werani Anthony sunk a three-pointer. Windham trailed 29-24 after the first buzzer.

“In the first half we had a bunch of unforced turnovers,” said Windham JV coach Cameron Brown. “On times we get down, it’s mostly stuff that we can control. Getting everybody on the same page at halftime was huge and that’s how we were able to turn things around in the second half. Trusting what we know [enabled Windham to keep the lead]. This group listens really well, they know what we’re trying to do, they know our system really well; trusting each other and trusting the system is huge for them. One of things we really haven’t worked on in practice is end-of-game stuff and when we are in close games what we need to do, especially when the other team is looking to foul, who we want with the ball. We haven’t really worked on a press breaker; definitely have to put one of those in because teams are going to press us all year.”

In the second half, Windham quickly made up the difference and midway through the half took the lead. Toward the end of the game, the score got tighter and with 37 seconds left to play, again, just one point separated the teams. With 26 seconds remaining and now two points separating the teams, Windham held off Gray-New Gloucester until the end.

“What I think led to the turnaround was we got the ball deep into the playmaker’s spot,” said Anthony. “The communication on the team was very good; we started moving the ball around once we saw that we were down. Our passing gave us the motivation to push further and move the ball more. I think we got the team to calm down and got them to settle the game down which helped us a lot. In close games I think we should slow the game down a lot more and keep possession of the ball and keep it moving. End game situations [need work]; we all got tensed up in the end and it caused us to throw bad passes inbound and caused more steals.” <

Gerry savors Miss Maine Softball honor following stellar high school career

By Matt Pascarella

Over the course of her four years as a Windham High School athlete, graduate Brooke Gerry accomplished a lot. She helped lead her varsity softball team to their first state championship in 2023, she’s a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year, and has achieved 500 strikeouts, among many other accolades. On Tuesday, June 18 at Saint Joseph’s College, Gerry was named 2024 Miss Maine Softball, the top honor for a prep softball player in the state. She will attend the University of Rhode Island to major in Kinesiology and plans to become an athletic trainer or a sports medicine physician.

Windham graduate Brooke Gerry winds up to pitch on Friday,
May 24 against Cheverus at Windham High School in the 
final regular season softball game. Before the Class A and
Class B All-Star senior game at Saint Joseph's College,
Gerry was honored as this year's recipient of the Miss
Maine Softball award. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“I feel so grateful and honored to be named Miss Maine Softball,” said Gerry. “I've worked extremely hard to get where I am and I'm appreciative that the committee awarded me for my hard work and dedication to my craft.”

The Miss Maine Softball honor is chosen each year by the Maine High School Softball Coaches Association and Edge Academy, a softball facility in Portland. It is awarded to the best senior softball player for this award. When statistics were compared from her regular senior season, Gerry’s numbers were consistent. She can compete both offensively and defensively.

Over the course of her entire senior season, including the playoffs, Gerry allowed only 23 hits. She had 149 strikeouts. At the plate, she batted .533 with 32 hits and 22 RBIs.

When Gerry looks back over the last four years, she realizes how much she’s had to grow and how much she’s learned through overcoming adversity. The challenges she faced made her stronger. She kept moving past obstacles in order to achieve her goals and she played within herself and with class. Gerry says that she is very proud of what she’s accomplished.

At the age of 4, Gerry began playing softball and by age 6 was pitching. Softball has always been a big part of her life and the relationships she’s made and the dedication to her teams have kept her going. She was able to play alongside her sister, for her mother, and with her best friend Ella Wilcox. Gerry was also coached by Fred Wilcox who believed in her and taught her so many life lessons; all this made Gerry love the game more.

“Beyond playing in the strongest division in the state – Southern Maine Activities Association, Class A, Brooke is easily one of the hardest working players I have ever coached,” said Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “Any chance to get extra repetitions she takes, any chance to pitch to an extra batter in practice, she doesn’t hesitate. Brooke truly goes into every practice wanting to get better and that work shows in a game no matter what she is doing.”

Another thing that keeps Gerry going is the younger players that aspire to be just like her. She’s driven to be a good role model and to give back to the game that has given her so much throughout her career. When she’s down, she looks up and sees all of the younger players cheering her on and it instantly makes her push through. She’s given lessons and helped out with clinics and a summer camp for younger athletes.

“Through these I have been able to make unforgettable relationships with all of them,” said Gerry. “I try to make lasting relationships with these athletes and explain to them how I was just like them when I was younger; hoping it will inspire them to work hard and continue with the game.”

She attributes her successes to her hard work and dedication along with the support from her friends and family. There are a lot of people in her corner. She also wants to thank the people who wanted her to fail, because that lit a fire inside her and drove her to up her game.

“It's time to prove myself as a player and show that I'm ready for the next level,” said Gerry. “College softball is a different platform and I have to work that much harder to earn time in the circle.”

Gerry will play college softball for the University of Rhode Island starting this fall.

She plans to give back by giving lessons and eventually coaching softball in the coming years.

“Brooke is deserving of Miss Maine Softball because this award reminds me of dedication and the ability to strive for greatness and that’s what I think Brooke did throughout her entire softball career,” said teammate and Windham senior Stella Jarvais. “She has left a name for herself in the state of Maine for her career. She was able to go above and beyond just the game of softball by also positively impacting younger communities by all that she has achieved.” <

Windham I girls’ soccer upsets Freeport in substantial victory

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s girls’ summer soccer team, known as Windham I, and made up of returning varsity players, played Freeport in a mid-season game at Windham High School on Monday, July 8. Windham was an incredibly cohesive unit and dominated the field to shut out Freeport, 6-0.

Windham junior Myla Vercoe looks to pass on Monday, 
July 8 during a summer soccer game against Freeport at
Windham High School. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“I think that the team’s communication and how well we connected our passing tonight helped us a lot,” said Windham junior Marley Jarvais, who scored three of Windham’s six goals. “Every game this summer we’ve managed to do a very good job at those two things, and I think that’s what is helping us out with scoring a lot. The bond we all have with each other off the field as a team helps us so much when we step onto the field.”

The goal of the summer soccer season is to come together and play as a group, it helps identify leaders among the team and allows athletes to play a variety of positions before preseason starts. The team is able to bond and really get to know one another. It’s a laid-back atmosphere and while winning is nice, the goal is for athletes to improve themselves.

Despite the heat, Windham kept up their intensity for two halves. 55 seconds into the first half, Jarvais scored. A short time later, she launched a ball that found the back of the net.

Windham moved the ball well, communicated and had rock solid defense, which limited Freeport’s chances significantly. The Lady Eagles commanded the field with multiple shots on goal and led 2-0 at the half.

“Our chemistry is definitely getting a lot better, especially as a team,” said Windham junior Myla Vercoe, who scored in the second half. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which really helps on the field with who can do what and having trust in our team with who can finish and make those goals. I’ve benefited [from playing summer soccer] a lot from becoming more self-confident ... through obviously practice and getting a lot closer with the team it’s made me go out of my comfort zone and try new things and get new skills. I’m really excited for this upcoming season because we work so well together.”

According to Jarvais, playing summer soccer helps her get extra touches on the ball and try new stuff before fall begins. It also gives her the opportunity to see how her opponents may play before the regular season starts.

In the second half, Windham kept the pressure on Freeport. They had multiple shots on goal early on and remained a strong team. Jarvais and Vercoe both scored; freshman Emily Wardwell followed, and sophomore Isabella Vassoler knocked one in.

“We’re off to a great start,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb Lebel. “I feel like kid’s dedication ... they’re trying things in the summer that they’re afraid to do in the regular season. Here we’re like ‘make all the mistakes you want,’ and it’s really taken their game to another level. Tonight, we saw kids all over the place ... and that was fun to see. Our bench is going to be pretty strong this year. We’re looking forward to the fall. Our switching fields went really well tonight; we’re learning to not take those outside shots right at the goalie, we’re putting them more on the six to give our teammates the opportunity to score rather than kicking it right to the goalie. A lot of Windham players have played together for a while, so they are communicating really well.” <

Windham graduate Marion to play soccer for Saint Joseph’s College

By Matt Pascarella

Windham graduate Nick Marion started playing soccer at age five; it was his grandmother who helped him choose this sport. He first tried T-ball and didn’t like it, so he began playing soccer. He was instantly in love with the game and likes playing as much as possible. Marion scored 33 goals this year, which is the second-best season-goal record in Class A history.  In the fall, he will attend Saint Joseph’s College where he will major in political science, while also playing soccer. Marion would like to go to law school after college.

Windham High graduate Nick Marion, center,
is joined by his mother Lisa O'Reilly and
stepfather Kevin O'Reilly after signing a
letter of intent to attend Saint Joseph's
College where he will play soccer. 
PHOTO BY KAREN BURNETT

“Not everyone gets this opportunity,” said Marion. “I feel honored and blessed to be able to keep playing. I’m very thankful to my family and friends who helped me get here.”

In addition to this achievement, the United Soccer Coaches chose Marion as 2023 Fall Boys High School All-America Team – Windham High School’s first All-American player. Three students were picked from Maine to receive this honor and Marion was one of them; he thanks his family and teammates for being able to accomplish this.

This year, Marion was Offensive Player of the Year for the Southern Maine Activities Association, Portland Press Player of the Year and Class A Player of the Year, just to name a few of his accolades.

“He’s going to bring a lot to Saint Joseph’s College,” said Windham graduate and teammate Owen Dakin who will be attending University of Maine Farmington in the fall. “He’ll be passionate with the team, bring a lot of team chemistry and bring the team together. Just all around-great athlete; he’s great in school, I bet he’ll be helping his classmates with work. He’s always that nice person, you can go to him with anything. He just wanted the [Windham] team to be the best they could, and he pretty much did whatever he could to make them better. It’s really great to see.”

Marion chose Saint Joseph’s College because he loved the school, he liked the location, and he liked the soccer team. It had everything he was looking for.

Throughout his athletic career, Windham Athletics taught him a lot that he’ll be able to bring with him when he plays collegiately; one thing is perseverance. Although during his time on Windham’s varsity boys’ soccer team they never won a state championship, they learned something every year which they could carry forward to the next season to make that season more successful. Not giving up made them stronger players.

“So well deserved for you; everything that I think you want in a student athlete, Nick exemplifies,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “Tireless worker, fierce competitor, but his humility is one of his greatest traits – and something that is totally admirable. He is a young man that doesn’t like to be on the sidelines; loves the opportunity to be useful and helpful in any way that he could. When you take him off the pitch, he is so quick to deflect the praise on his teammates and he did it all season long, he did that with the press ... which is a hard thing for a young man to do; you represented yourself well you came across as a class act, which is no surprise to me. The other thing I asked of Nick was could he come and do stuff with the younger players in the community and he always did. That role model for younger players is huge.”

If there is one piece of advice Marion would like to pass down to underclassmen, or anyone looking to accomplish what he has, it’s to believe in yourself – everyone can work hard if they want to, and good things will come from that.

Marion would like to thank Coach Neal, Coach Dubay, Coach Hodge, Coach Graves, Saint Joseph’s College mens’ soccer Coach Pike, and his family and friends. They have all been instrumental in his success. <

Windham 10/11 All-Stars rally in final inning to avoid shutout

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham Little League 10/11 All-Stars baseball team played Falmouth in Scarborough on Friday, June 28 and after a rough first inning gave Falmouth a big lead. Windham came back in the last inning to put a couple runs on the scoreboard. Unfortunately, Windham suffered its second loss and was eliminated from the District 6 tournament, with Falmouth winning, 18-2.

Windham 10/11 All-Star fifth grader CJ Bisson throws to
the infield after fielding the ball during a Little League
District 6 tournament game against Falmouth on
Friday, June 28 in Scarborough.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“I think on that last inning the team had like a pump-up boost and everyone was on,” said Windham fourth grader Nathaniel Potter. “We just did great all in all and it was a great experience to be in an inning that we were doing good. It was really fun to play on a team where it’s mostly Majors players and you got me and another kid and we’re learning from the Majors kids and being able to start alongside them was a great experience. Little League’s not just all about winning, it’s about improving yourself and becoming a better baseball player.”

A rough first inning gave Falmouth the opportunity to score several runs, but Windham kept their heads up and made improvements every inning after that.

In the second inning, Windham fourth grader Dominic Rathbone singled, but was left on base when the inning ended.

In the third inning Windham gave a solid final push.

“I could tell they really wanted to put something together in the last inning,” said Windham 10/11 All-Stars baseball coach John Cressey. “It was great to see the effort and the mental aspect of it come back around again. They cheered each other on, and it was a proud moment to be able to say this was the team that we put together, and we battled together as a team. They started communicating better in the field in that last inning. They watched the pitches and made sure they weren’t swinging at bad pitches, and it developed into a couple runs and they were excited. They were really happy to get rid of the goose egg and put a couple runs across the board. They started realizing they needed to get to the ball a little bit quicker and keep the kids on the bases and then they started building off that momentum. I’m really proud of the progress these kids made.”

Windham fourth grader Byron Dansereau reached first base after a dropped third strike. Potter walked, then stole second base. Fifth grader Wesson LeDuc walked, Dansereau scored and now Potter is on third base. Fifth grader CJ Bisson walked; LeDuc artfully stole second base. Potter stole home.

“It was very exciting to score because my whole team was congratulating me,” said Dansereau. “My team was talking more, and we did some good plays and we played smart.”

Dansereau had fun this season and will play again next year.

“On the mound, it was fun; it was exciting,” said LeDuc who closed out the game. “It was a little stressful because I had a feeling it was probably going to be the last inning. I tried my hardest to throw strikes. It’s an energetic team and we try to build each other up. For the few that got on base we did pretty good, we were smart, we were fast and then fielding we had a couple errors, but the rest were really good plays; we had some good hits. My takeaway from this season is to be a good teammate, and just practice and get better.” <

WLL’s 9/10 All-Star softball drops hard-fought game to Gorham

By Matt Pascarella

A total of 12 teams entered the annual District 6 softball tournament for 9/10-year-olds and Windham’s All-Stars made it all the way to the district’s final four before their season ended on Monday, July 1 in Gorham. Looking to advance further in the tournament, Windham worked hard at it, but Gorham prevailed, 12-2.

Windham fifth grader Avary Caiazzo bats during a Little
League District 6 All-Star softball tournament game
against Gorham on Monday, July 1.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Windham’s successful season included an 8-6 win over Cumberland North Yarmouth, a close 4-3 loss to Falmouth, and a big 12-2 win over Scarborough.

“I try to get them to think about little battles within the big game. It was a good ... crowd,” said Windham 9/10 All-Star coach Nick Caiazzo. “You embrace the big crowd and let them know a lot of those people are here to watch you guys play. Now you’re down to the final four – they’re all here to watch us and we’re good softball players. Improvement, in just the concept of the game of softball in all of them coming from Minors player-pitch to what we call ‘real softball’, all of them got exposed to so much.”

In the third inning, after a couple walks, a groundout brought Windham fifth grader Quinn Couture home with her team’s first run of the game.

In the fourth inning, Windham fifth grader Brooke Legere stole home after fifth grader Avary Caiazzo walked.

Legere also pitched for Windham and had eight strikeouts.

“I’m proud of every girl and I cherish and will remember every moment I had with them,” said Avary Caiazzo. “I loved that we stayed at it and never gave up; I think we could have had a better ... attitude, but overall, we did amazing and grateful for the times we got to play. Basically, everyone did great in their spots.”

According to Windham fifth grader Lily Nickel, she thought they did great as a team, and they worked hard to get to this point. She said she’s really proud of her team and they had great practices and had fun while they did it. <

WLL 11/12 All-Stars baseball narrowly falls to Cape Elizabeth

By Matt Pascarella

It was a defensive pitching battle for Windham Little League’s All-Star 11/12 baseball team at the Westbrook Little League Complex on Saturday, June 22 in the first game of the All-Star season against Cape Elizabeth, where Cape narrowly edged Windham, 1-0, after a home run put them on the scoreboard.

Windham Little League 11/12 All-Star seventh grader Joey
Somma makes a throw to first base after fielding a ball
in a game against Cape Elizabeth at the Westbrook Little
League Complex on Saturday, June 22.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“It was a pitcher’s duel,” said Windham All-Star 11/12 coach Adam Kalakowsky. “We needed to get our bats going and we couldn’t; their pitcher did a great job. Our pitchers did a wonderful job, we’re going to try to rebound ... and play hard. Players were in position, they were doing the things we asked; a few mental errors, but with a tight game we kept it close, we made the plays in the field. Just that one homerun, that’s all it was. If we can just keep going, I think we’ll be successful. We have to score some runs, that was clearly our weakness today.”

Windham sixth grader Eli Souther began on the mound where he struck out five batters. Windham fifth grader Bronson Bassett took over in the third inning and struck out six batters.

Windham kept Cape Elizabeth scoreless in the first inning. Cape Elizabeth’s defense was just as tough as Windham’s.

In the second inning, a homerun put Cape Elizabeth in the lead. Windham’s strong defense wouldn’t allow them any further runs, even when it got tough.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, a walk and a single by Cape Elizabeth put two runners in scoring positions. Bassett was on the mound and struck out the next three batters to shut Cape Elizabeth down and leave their runners on base.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of pressure, but I just cleared my mind,” said Bassett. “I let go of everything and it was just me and the catcher, and I was just pitching my way. Even though we got the “L,” it’s not a blowout, it’s 1-0. The one thing we’ve got to do better is getting the ball on the bat. We got a whole [other] game. Great job at fielding ... but I do think we need to work on hitting – overall I think we did good.”

Windham gave a solid effort in the sixth inning but couldn’t get around the diamond.

“We did really good on pitching,” said Windham seventh grader Joey Somma. “I feel like we could get better at our attitudes while pitching, like that homerun was just 1-0, nobody needs to hang their head or do anything to not be positive – we have another chance. Our plays in the infield, our pitching and how we battled at the plate went well.” <

Casserly brother-sister athletes savor state championship weekend

By Matt Pascarella

Windham residents and Saint Dominic’s senior Tommy Casserly and North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) sophomore Cami Casserly each had a stellar weekend on Saturday, June 15. The siblings played respectively in Class D state baseball and softball championships at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham where both teams were victorious.

North Yarmouth Academy
sophomore and Windham
resident Cami Casserly, left,
and Saint Dominic's senior
Tommy Casserly gather after
the Class D South Regionals
on Tuesday, June 11 at Saint
Joseph's College. Both Cami's
softball team and Tommy's
baseball team would each win
their respective state
championships.
PHOTO BY
MELISSA CASSERLY  

Tommy Casserly won his third straight baseball state championship with Saint Dominic’s 9-1 victory in the title game over Millinocket’s Stearns High School. On the same day Cami Casserly helped NYA win its second straight championship with a 2-1 win over Penobscot Valley. Tommy Casserly doubled in the third inning and drove in two runs in the championship baseball game while Cami Casserly singled in the sixth inning and brought in the tiebreaking run in the softball championship game.

“This was my last season in high school sports, and I wanted it to be memorable,” said Tommy Casserly. “Not only did we win the third state championship, but I also managed to have the best few games of my life leading up to that game. I kept playing to the best of my ability and I’m proud of how I did. I’m glad that my high school career ended on a such a high.”

Both Tommy and Cami Casserly began playing sports when they were in elementary school in the Windham Little League.

Tommy Casserly says having fun was the most important part for him and he is glad to have had the opportunity to bat and play in the field with friends, and that’s why he loves the game. Cami Casserly watched her two older brothers who were her role models and they got her interested in playing softball. She says that some of her best friendships have come from softball.

“It was a great feeling,” said Cami Casserly about winning the state championship. “I am really proud of my team, a lot of us are hockey players, not softball players, so to show that NYA softball can win two state championships is a great feeling to bring to our school.”

Saint Dominic’s baseball team ended the season 18-2.

“The thing we don’t have that most teams we face do is a weakness,” said Tommy Casserly. “Everyone on our team can hit the ball and everyone can field, it never matters who’s up to bat because we know that if we’re playing our game then we will get on base and we will score. I think we’re good at handling the pressure of a state championship and we knew that if we played our best, we’d win the game.”

NYA’s softball team finished with a record of 19-1.

“I think we have strong leaders in are senior captains,” said Cami Casserly. “They are great at keeping our team focused and on task. Honestly, with our great pitcher Lily, and our solid batting lineup all around, we are pretty good competitors in the high school league, especially in Class D.”

According to Tommy Casserly, knowing his sister won her second state championship was awesome, and when he learned how well she played in the title game, it made it much better for him. He’s proud of the way she played and knows she’s an amazing athlete who can only improve as time goes on.

Next year, Tommy Casserly will attend Nichols College in Massachusetts where he plans to major in communications and play club hockey.

Cami Casserly got the chance to watch her brother play in the state championship game.

“I got to watch most of his game before I had to warmup,” said Cami Casserly. “Some of my teammates and I snuck away during some downtime and got to watch the final out when he became a state champion for the third time. I was very proud of him and was happy because I knew how important this game was for him as a senior. I think it shows we both are good athletes and hard workers. And we have been lucky to be on talented teams with great coaches.”

Cami Casserly says she’s excited to be able to play two more years of high school softball.

“I am very grateful they each had such talented and positive teams to play on,” said Tommy and Cami’s mother, Melissa Casserly. “Both Tommy and Cami are great teammates, and great athletes. They love sports for the thrill of competing, but also the friendships they have made. Cami is competitive and able to remain calm when the game is on the line. Tommy is competitive and can remain calm under pressure. He is a good leader, encouraging his team to keep fighting.” <

Windham 11/12 softball All-Stars close out ‘amazing season’

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Little League’s 11-12-year-old All-Star softball team had a close game with Yarmouth in their inaugural game of the double elimination All-Star tournament but fell, 5-4, at the Westbrook Little League Complex on Friday, June 14.

Windham fifth grader Ava Kostopoulos high fives with first
base coach Deanna McLean after getting on base during the 
11/12 All-Star softball game against Cumberland North
Yarmouth at the Westbrook Little League Complex on
Tuesday, June 25. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Windham played Cumberland North Yarmouth on Tuesday, June 25 at the Westbrook Little League complex. After a strong effort by Windham, Cumberland North Yarmouth advanced with a 12-2 win.

Windham seventh grader Courtney Cotter scored in the first inning.

In the fourth inning, Cotter, Windham seventh graders Peyton McLean and Lydia York laid down good bunts. The girls did a good job backing up plays. Windham seventh grader Madi Valliere had an incredible bare-handed catch behind the plate.

In the fifth inning, Valliere scored with bases loaded when fifth grader Ava Kostopoulos walked.

Windham pitcher and fifth grader Bella Westcott had six strikeouts.

“Even if you mess up ... you have to forgot about what you made a mistake on and keep moving forward,” said Cotter. “I think we did excellent bonding, and we were just an amazing team overall. We were able to help each other when we were sad, we wouldn’t let anybody ... sit on the bench, we were all up there screaming our butts off and had an amazing season.”

According to Windham head coach Gina Kostopoulos, the girls showed a lot of heart. Despite the scoreboard they battled; they kept their energy level high the whole game. The girls showed up for each other; even after losses, they went around, and said something great their teammates did. They had great plays, regardless of the outcome – the score is not an accurate reflection of them as players.

The coach said there’s much more to come from these talented individuals. <

‘Driven to Win’ documentary film perfectly encapsulates WHS boys’ basketball’s state championship season

By Matt Pascarella

2022 Windham graduate Cole Washburn was with the 2023-2024 Windham varsity boys’ basketball team through much of their journey to become the first-ever Windham team to win a state championship. Washburn captured many of those key moments and coupled with interviews, created “Driven to Win,” a documentary that was shown at Windham High School on Friday, June 14. The team also received their championship rings on that night.

Windham High graduate Cole Washburn created
a documentary 'Driven to Win' chronicling 
Windham's successful boys' basketball team
as they won its first-ever state championship
during the 2023-2024 season. The documentary
was shown at Windham High School on
Friday, June 14.
IMAGE BY CAMDEN STREIFEL     

“It brought me right back to the moments; it was really special,” said Windham senior Erik Bowen. “Cole knocked it out of the park he did such an amazing job capturing really the whole season, the championship games and the final celebration. It gives me goosebumps again, just seeing it all makes me miss basketball season. The time has already gone fast from when we won. A bunch of us out there were tearing up in the crowd, it just shows how special this team really is.”

When Washburn was a sophomore at Windham High School, he was planning to play lacrosse in the spring of 2020, but COVID-19 cancelled that season. So, Washburn picked up the camera and started taking photos and making videos; it grew into something he loved doing and didn’t feel like work.

Washburn had always followed the basketball team and was home for winter break from Thomas College where he is majoring in entrepreneurship. He saw the team was on a bit of a run and showed up to a few games. He used his footage to put up clips online. He followed them through the playoffs and once they became Windham’s first-ever basketball state champions, it was obvious to Washburn he could make a documentary and tell a really cool story about the team and their season.

“It means a lot,” said Windham senior Quinton Lindsay. “I’m glad people came out to support us one last time. All these guys are like brothers to me; the coaches, we’re all just one big family and I’ll never forget this season. I hope I can see all these people next year at the games, it’s going to be amazing.”

For many players, their season is anything but a distant memory.

According to Windham senior Matt Searway, it felt good for him to be reunited with the team again and to have the community’s support made it feel like the season all over again. Searway says he would do anything to relive that season and he considers it the best few months of his life.

Although it was a lot of work, it was fun for Washburn to make and he’d definitely do it again. There was a very special moment in the documentary when the team celebrated with Windham parent Pat Moody as he rang a bell indicating he was officially cancer-free. It was met with a roar of applause from the crowd.

“This past year was a whirlwind of emotions and I had to look away from the screen to keep my composure during the premiere viewing when the documentary featured the team rallying around me,” said Moody. “Being fueled by love, maintaining a positive mindset and grinding to win can get you through adversity on the court, or in my case, battling cancer. I couldn’t be more proud of AJ and his teammates, the coaches and the way this community rallied around the team and my family. A year of gratitude and achievements beyond my dreams.”

Windham varsity basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen says he will use this past season as a blueprint for upcoming seasons. He’s already begun practices for the summer season and had a larger-than-usual turnout.

“I was watching all Cole’s videos, the highlights that he put online and smiled every single time,” said Pulkkinen. “It meant a lot; it was incredible to see the community continue to support and celebrate something so special.”

A new season brings new challenges and new opportunities and just like this team left their mark, it’s time for another group to write their story.

“It was so much fun going to the games; it was crazy,” said Washburn. “How good the team was and how much fun they were to film; to sit there courtside and film a team this good at a place where I went to school for four years was awesome to see and I’m glad I got to document it.”

This documentary is now available for viewing on YouTube. <

Windham graduate Ammons accepts lacrosse scholarship to play for Saint Joseph’s College

By Matt Pascarella

2024 Windham graduate Emma Ammons signed a letter of intent to attend Saint Joseph’s College and major in nursing while also playing for the school's women's lacrosse team on Wednesday, June 5.

2024 Windham High graduate Emma Ammons signs a 
letter of intent to attend Saint Joseph's College of Maine,
majoring in nursing and playing lacrosse during a ceremony
at Windham High School on Wednesday, June 5.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Ammons said that she was a little nervous but feels good about herself and has a real feeling of accomplishment to be able to reach this achievement. She would like to use her degree after college to become an injection nurse and do Botox and aesthetic nursing.

“Emma’s done a lot of things to make herself better,” said Windham varsity girls’ lacrosse coach Matt Perkins. “She’s a great citizen, she sets a great example in the school, academically, how she carries herself on and off the field, she works her tail off. There were times last winter, and she’s in my classroom doing wall-ball; doing the extra things to be the best she can be, I’m always impressed by that. You look at us and you look at our ride and it’s a major part of what we do with our attack. She has bought in these last two years and just been a major piece of that, whether it’s on the goalie, chasing down the field, gives everything she has and is a great example of how many kids we have that work hard. I’m really excited for you, I think you’re just going to keep getting better and better because of your work ethic – can’t wait to see what you do in college; really proud and very, very fortunate to have coached you for four years.”

Ammons first became interested in the game through her family and has been playing lacrosse for eight years. It was her middle school coach, Taylor Colangelo, who encouraged her to stick with it.

According to Ammons, it took a lot of support from family, the community coaches and friends to help her get to where she is today.

“Emma’s one of my best friends and she’s just one of the most supportive teammates I’ve ever had,” said Windham senior Mallory Muse. “She’s always worried about the team. I’m really proud of her for committing, and she’s worked so hard for it and is so deserving out of everyone I know. She does a great job on the ride, she’s always stopping and getting the best checks from behind and has the best crease roll, catches it shoots it every time. She’ll bring her skill and positivity to Saint Joseph’s College.”

Ammons said she chose Saint Joseph’s College because she really loved the school and she loved that it was close to her hometown. When she visited the campus, it felt right to her. The Saint Joseph’s College women’s lacrosse coach, David Keenan, made her feel welcome and like she was already a part of the team. Ammons was impressed by the girls on the team and the community Keenan is building up.

“At WHS I learned the importance of teamwork along with valuable lessons in time management and discipline,” said Ammons. “I will miss having the opportunity to wear the Windham uniform and play alongside my friends. I will miss the bonds formed with my teammates, coaches, and mentors. At Saint Joseph’s College I look forward to bringing my passion for the game, sportsmanship, and my drive to improve.”

Her advice to anyone who wants to get the opportunity to accomplish what she has is it’s ok to be nervous and if you really want to achieve it, go for it. Even if you’re having a hard time with school or sports, you do not have to be a top-ranked athlete to play collegiately.

She would like to thank her friends and family, Coach Perkins, Coach Ludka, Coach Babb, Coach Colangelo and Coach Keenan for helping her reach this point in her career. <

Windham falls to Cheverus in extra innings in regional softball title game

By Matt Pascarella

In the Class A South regional final playoff game, two juggernaut teams of first-place Windham and second-place Cheverus met for the second time this season on Tuesday, June 11 at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham. In what can only be described as an impressive battle of skill and defense, both teams went nine scoreless innings before Cheverus knocked in two runs in the 10th inning and won, 2-0.

Windham junior Kyla Harvie makes a great catch up
against the outfield wall at the University of Southern
Maine in Gorham during the Class A South Regional
Softball title game against Cheverus on Tuesday, June 11.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“What a softball game tonight was,” said Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “Two of the best teams in the state of Maine played tonight and it showed. I think our game plan was to go in and try to attack Cheverus pitcher Deroche. She came in ready to go; for Brooke Gerry to be able to go out like that with 21 strikeouts, it proves what an athlete she is. Our biggest standout is confidence; we saw a lot of players come out of their shell. I have to give all the credit in the world to Stella Jarvais, there is no other catcher I’d want behind the plate; she has consistently called the game through our season and into these playoffs. I think the world of her, and my assistant and I rely on her a lot and she really came through big tonight. Our defense was great, our composure was great, I thought we took Deroche into some deep counts, I wish we hadn’t watched so many strike threes; if we’re going to strikeout, I’d like us to strikeout swinging. Swinging the bat would have made a difference.”

Windham shut down Cheverus in the first inning, sending all three batters back to the dugout. Of senior Brooke Gerry’s 159 pitches in the game, 109 of them were strikes. Gerry also singled in the first inning but was caught stealing second base.

“They’re pretty solid throughout the line up, so calling the game I knew was going to be tricky,” said Windham junior Stella Jarvais. “I think it just came down to watching if Cheverus batters were on time or not and being able to call what I saw best for that player from previous experience and take that into the game. Being able to see everything helps as we went through the lineup multiple times it was a lot easier to pick up on weaknesses and swings. I like to refer to this team as my family and play for them; being able to get to a regional final with [this team] is everything. I’m proud of everyone on the team; I can’t imagine being on a different team than them. Looking back at this game it’s not what we wanted, but we played so hard – it’s so hard going 10 innings – I’m so proud of how we handled everything.”

In the third inning, junior Kyla Harvie had a stellar catch against the right outfield wall.

In the sixth inning, Cheverus loaded the bases, but Gerry left all runners on base as the inning ended.

After Gerry walked in the sixth inning, sophomore Addison Caiazzo singled, but both runners were left on base.

“I just kept having to throw strikes and trust my defense behind me,” said Gerry. “We talk a lot about trusting our defense and trusting within each other. I had to lock down, I had to throw strikes, I had to throw my spins; I couldn’t leave anything over the middle, and I couldn’t play into their powerhouse. We battled to the end, to the very last swing, to the very last pitch; We never let off. I’m very proud of what I did out there; I’m very proud of this team and I think they’re going to be good for a long time.”

Gerry said Windham swung at a lot of high pitches but being disciplined at the plate could have really helped.

In the 10th inning, Cheverus got a couple hits after a runner was placed at second base.

“Hats off to Cheverus, they had very timely hitting tonight, and that was something we couldn’t pull through with,” said Gardiner. “Love to see this kind of support for female athletes.”<

Windham gives everything in quarterfinal baseball playoff against Marshwood

By Matt Pascarella

After a very impressive playoff game where Windham High School eliminated Kennebunk, the Eagles traveled to face Marshwood in South Berwick on Wednesday, June 5 in the prep baseball quarterfinals. Ranked 12th overall, Windham did not let a lengthy rain delay stop them from playing hard against fourth-place Marshwood, but they prevailed, 7-0.

Windham senior Ryan Smyth holds onto the ball after he gets
an out at first base during a prep baseball quarterfinal
playoff game against Marshwood in South Berwick.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“It was a tough game mentally,” said senior Erik Bowen. “These guys kept fighting I don’t think the score was reflective of the game, but Ethan [Clapp] came in and battled, he did what he could do. We faced a really good pitcher and a really good team, we had a few mistakes, but ... we couldn’t get runners in when we had them in scoring position. Our approach at the plate was still great. The Windham baseball program is on an upward trajection and I’m proud of these guys; there’s a bright future here.”

Marshwood scored two runs in the first inning. Windham sophomore Wyatt Washburn started on the mound, but unfortunately couldn’t finish the game due to a medical issue. By the top of the third inning a rain delay took everyone off the field for two hours.

When the game resumed, Windham was ready to leave it all on the field.

In the fourth inning, senior Brady Harvie singled; so, did senior Login Desrochers. Harvie stole his way to third base and Desrochers to second base, but the inning ended before they could score.

Windham defense only let up a single hit in the fourth inning, before sending the Hawks back to the dugout.

“It was a lot of pressure,” said pitcher and sophomore Ethan Clapp. “Coming in as a reliever, it was a challenge, but I tried to keep my head high and my hopes up. I threw a lot of strikes, we could have hit better, but I think fielding, we did really well. Our approach at the plate went really well; we fought.”

In Windham’s last chance to turn it around in the seventh inning, senior Ryan Smyth grounded and reached first base on an error. Then a pinch runner was caught stealing and there was a strikeout.

Although this game wasn’t an easy one, over the course of the season, WHS has progressed and grown as individuals.

“The growth that I’ve seen on this team has been like anything I’ve seen before,” said Windham junior Joshua Plummer. “Right out the gate we just had this mentality of we're going to be the best that we've been and persevere no matter what. We're going in the right direction as a team. We had a lot of tough spots in this season. We had sat down for two hours with the rain delay ... kept our energy through the last pitch of the game. It just shows how much we are committed to playing this game for the seniors. The seniors were really a huge part of this team. When times were tough, they really brought the team together and kept us all on the same page.”

The score tells only one half of this game’s story.

“We played a good game today, with a lot of adversity,” said Windham varsity baseball coach Chris Doughty. When you’re in a game with a two-hour rain delay it’s hard, it’s hard to keep your body loose, keep your mind ready. We lose our pitcher in the second inning to a medical issue, that can be a little bit deflating to the guys when you’re worried about one of your own. I really appreciate the way my guys handled that today and they did everything with class all year long. When you leave here, I want you to be a better baseball player than when you came, but what I really want is for you to be a better person and I think we accomplished that across the board; the sky’s kind of the limit for this program.”

Doughty said that he is also proud of what this team has accomplished in the last two years and the leadership he had from the seniors all season long. <

Windham upends Kennebunk in preliminary baseball playoff

By Matt Pascarella

Ranked 12, Windham varsity baseball traveled to fifth-place Kennebunk to face off in a preliminary playoff round against Kennebunk on Tuesday, June 4. Although Kennebunk jumped to a 2-0 lead in the third inning, Windham fought back to pull ahead in the sixth inning and secured a 3-2 win to advance to the next playoff round.

Windham senior Owen Dakin nears home plate during a
prep baseball preliminary playoff game against Kennebunk
at Kennebunk High School on Tuesday, June 4.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“This year the guys just believed in themselves more,” said Windham varsity baseball coach Chris Doughty. “This year we knew how good we were from the beginning, and we kept believing in the process. We showed up ready to play today; the boys were fired up when we got here, stuck to our guns, executed, I think the moment wasn’t too big for them, they were ready to compete all seven innings. [Windham] stayed honest to their approach ... at the plate, waited for their pitch, stayed deep in counts – kind of got ahead – when you get ahead in counts like that you give yourself the opportunity to really hit the ball hard and that’s exactly what they did. Teamwork today was some of the best I’ve seen, the most together I’ve seen all season long, it’s all you can ask for. Everybody in the lineup did something ... and competed across the board; it came together for us and obviously Cam Davis’s big hit in the sixth inning, I don’t think it gets any bigger a moment than that. If we play clean baseball like we played today, I’d put us up against any team in the league.”

Defense on both sides was very strong as neither team scored in the first two innings. Kennebunk put two runs on the scoreboard in the third inning, but Windham only used this as motivation.

In the fourth inning, Windham junior Cayden McCartney singled; pinch runner senior Owen Dakin took his place at first base. Sophomore Wyatt Washburn ripped a ground ball to center field. Junior Joshua Plummer reached first base on an error and Dakin scored.

In the fifth inning, Windham junior Grant Coppi singled. Senior Login Desrochers reached first after hitting a ground ball driving in Coppi and the game was tied, 2-2.

“This one was absolutely huge for us,” said Desrochers. “We had a good week of practices. Nobody gave up on each other, we believe in each other, and we fought the whole way and came out victorious. Everything went well; we had so much energy, very good in the field, all-around great game from us. Everyone's been practicing hard, working on hitting and we just got it done tonight.”

In the sixth inning, Washburn singled. Plummer grounded out and Washburn made it to third base. A line drive to third base by junior Cameron Davis scored Washburn and Windham led, 3-2.

“The coaches told me to load up early and see it,” said Davis. “Let it come to me and get my hands up to it ... I loaded up early and put it over the third baseman’s head. It felt great to get this win because last year we didn’t do so hot in the first round, but this is the year, feeling good.”

After WHS failed to score in the seventh inning, Windham pitcher Brady Harvie walked a runner. Quick hands by senior catcher Erik Bowen caught the Kennebunk runner headed to second base after Brady struck out the batter. He then induced a ground out and that was it.

“A lot of adrenaline up there on the mound,” said Harvie, who had 10 strikeouts and only walked three. “It’s exciting, a good spot to be in. I had a little extra drive in that [seventh] inning. It’s just a great environment, feels nice to be pitching in a playoff game, [Kennebunk] is definitely a tough team, and we had to battle a lot and work through some tough spots. We got down two runs; usually when that happens, we tend to fall back, but our team kept pushing. I’d say our bats were really what kept us in this game; defense made some great plays and pretty solid game overall.” <

WHS track and field teams showcase skills in state championship meet

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School’s outdoor track and field team had a strong showing at the Class A State Championship in Saco on Saturday, June 1 at Thornton Academy. The girls squad finished seventh with a score of 44.5, and the boys team finished 18th overall with a score of 11.

Windham junior Tayla Pelletier soars over a hurdle during the
state track and field championship meet at Thornton
Academy in Saco on Saturday, June 1.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

Girls

Over the course of the 2024 season, the WHS girls’ team set or reset seven school records.

“The Lady Eagles had much more within them to put towards that all important team score,” said Windham girls’ track and field coach Jeff Riddle. “Taking negatives which were in the way and outwitting them all day, overcoming the obstacles is what went well. We are proud of them for taking the risks to get out there on that championship stage to give their best.”

Junior Tayla Pelletier was the state triple jump champion with a distance of 36-06.25 feet. She also finished second in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.36 seconds.

“I really wanted to defend my title of state champion and prove to myself I could do it,” said Pelletier. “I’m proud of my progress and the whole team’s progress and our commitment.”

Senior Khalysa Hammith set a new Windham High School record in the long jump when she placed second with a 17-04.00 distance. In the 100-dash she placed fifth with a time of 12.70.

“I put on a good mindset and just jumped,” said Hammith. “I knew I was capable of it, so pretty much just putting that mindset together is what got me there. I was a little nervous going into it, but I took a deep breath and [set a personal record]. I’m proud of putting in hard work ... that’s how I got to where I am today.”

In the 1600 racewalk, senior Jasmynne Heath finished fourth with a time of 10:15.99 minutes.

In the 800, senior Beth Bearce finished ninth with a time of 2:32.42.

Sophomore Addison Shanholtz finished 11th in the pole vault with a height of 7-06.00.

In the high jump, sophomores Kendra Eubanks and Nealie Morey jumped 4-08.00.

Junior Ava Gerrity placed 12th in the triple jump with a 32-10.00 distance. She placed 13th in the long jump, with a 15-06.25 distance.

In discus, junior Marina Schwarz threw 82-00.

The 4x400 relay team of junior Faith Dibiase, sophomore Emma Fox, sophomore Sydney Broadbent and Bearce finished 10th with a time of 4:25.37.

Boys

“The boys really had some great performances throughout the season and capped it off with a strong state meet,” said Windham boys’ track and field coach Paula Pock. “I'm proud of this team, they were great fun to work with and I was thrilled of how they all set personal goals and most of them were able to achieve them.”

The 4x800 relay team of freshman Mason Bragdon, sophomore Caleb Saucier, juniors Preston Stretch and Andrew Young had their best performance of the season with a time of 9:13.97.

“I’m really proud of everybody on the team, we had some really great results,” said Young. “The team’s gotten really close today, everybody’s helping out each other. It means everything to be here; a lot of us have been at this since we were nine or 10 years old, to get here is really a great experience.”

Junior Carter Engelman had a strong 110-hurdle performance for 11th place with a time of 15.92. Junior Rory Good finished the hurdles in 14th place at 16.72. Earlier this season Engelman set a new school record in pole vault with a 13-7.00 height.

In the 100-dash, senior Marcus Tillery finished sixth with an 11.27 time – a personal best – and right behind him was sophomore Karl Longstreth with a time of 11.32.

“As a team we have a better mentality this week compared to last week,” said Longstreth. “A lot of people last week were kind of upset the way they were running. I was upset because I had some hamstring things going on, but this week, we’ve had a really good practice all week, mentality’s been there, people have been there, sportsmanship’s been there; we’ve all been here and doing our best.”

Senior Aiden Hanson finished seventh in the 300-hurdles with a 41.65 time, a personal best.

In the high jump, sophomores Mason Arbour and Nick Verrill finished 10th with a height of 5-8.00.

Arbour finished 12th in the triple jump with a 40-8.50 distance, a season-best for him. <

Windham varsity boys’ tennis falls to Portland in preliminary playoff

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham varsity boys’ tennis team was in ninth place going into their preliminary playoff match against eighth-place Portland on Friday, May 31 at Deering Oaks Park in Portland. Windham battled but lost 5-0 after every player gave their all. They finished the season with a 5-8 record.

Windham junior Zac Noonan returns a serve with force on
Friday, May 31 during a preliminary boys' tennis playoff
match against Portland at Deering Oaks Park in Portland.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“It’s really just a good group of guys,” said Windham assistant boys’ tennis coach Andrew Wing. “It’s rare all the guys aren’t at a practice. They like to have fun together, but when it’s time to do a drill, they take it seriously.”

In the singles matches, Windham junior Zac Noonan fought hard, but lost 0-6 and 0-6. Sophomore Nolan McPhail lost 4-6 and 1-6, sophomore Carter Mathieu lost 3-6 and 4-6.

“We’ve improved a lot from the beginning,” said Noonan. “Maybe it wasn’t the best match today for a few of us ... our doubles have gotten a lot better with communication and knowing where to be; our singles have gotten better with trying to find each other’s weaknesses and use those to get us better, to get consistent. We had fun and hustled while putting up a good fight; trying to adjust to different players’ styles and different courts. We were ready to play our best and not [go easy] on them, and I think we did that.”

In their first doubles match, juniors Brian Gilheany and Asher Knott forced a 10-point super tie-breaker where they came very close to getting the win after a 6-7 set and a 7-5 set win; they narrowly lost 8-10.

“We took the first and second set to a tiebreak and all of the points were really close; it was a really good match,” said Gilheany. “We improved a lot and gave it our best shot today – I feel like it was pretty even. The hits were really good and the coordination between Asher and our plays were very well laid out. If we had played a little stronger in the beginning of the first set it could have changed things, but it was really close.”

In its second doubles match, Windham sophomores Padrick McGuire and Nate Paulding lost 3-6 and 5-7.

“This year was a progress year, next year we’ll be a team to be reckoned with,” said McGuire. “We came together as a team and progressed together and next year we’ll be practicing very well and playing very well. We knew they were a very good team; we weren’t exactly confident, but we were prepared. We expected them to be very good, but we were also ready to play. Communication, and good sportsmanship went well.”

In speaking with the players, they were pleased with their performance this season, saw improvements and are looking forward to next season.

“I’m very happy with how this season has turned out,” said Windham boys’ tennis head coach Garry Stone. “We started 0-4 then we won four in a row; it was really successful – we should do fairly well next year. These guys are resilient; they play hard, and it blows my mind how much they’ve improved this season. It’s a credit to them ... Carter battled; I like both the doubles ... just the fact that they ... stayed with it. Zac battled like he always does, Nolan did well. I feel like one through seven they battled hard, and they really tried their best; I just look forward to next year, I think we’re going to be a tough team to beat. I’m very proud of these guys, they all work hard and love playing tennis.” <