Windham softball beats Cheverus to remain undefeated in regular season

By Matt Pascarella

Two juggernaut undefeated teams, Windham and Cheverus, met for the final game of their regular season on Friday, May 24 at Windham High School and the Lady Eagles battled and secured a 3-1 win over the Stags.

Windham junior Kyla Harvie makes a critical catch in right
field during a prep softball game against Cheverus at
Windham High School on Friday, May 24.
PHOTO BY ALLISON TALON

It was Senior Night for WHS players Brooke Gerry and Jaydn Kimball who were presented with gifts for their dedication to Windham athletics throughout their high school careers.

“I needed to be my best for the team and think positive thoughts,” said Windham junior Kyla Harvie who had an amazing catch in right field in the sixth inning with the bases loaded. “We've been working up to this game, and it was just really exciting to get the win. I'm just really proud for the team, we've had an amazing season; we’ve worked really hard. Our defense was very solid; Brooke did great in the circle, our infielders and outfielders made all the ground balls and pop flies they could get. We were able to get the hits, Brooke getting on to start the rally for us and we did a good job in all parts of the game.”

Cheverus put one run on the scoreboard in the first inning. Both teams’ defenses held off their opponent for large portions of the game.

Windham scored in the fourth inning when Gerry reached second base on an error after bunting safely. Gerry quickly stole third base and scored on a passed ball.

Gerry was exceptional pitching with 14 strikeouts.

“Seeing the crowd today reminded me a lot of states,” said Gerry. “I knew I had to keep my composure. I knew I had to complete every pitch, I knew I couldn’t be one pitch off or they were going to go with it. I strive under pressure ... so when they scored with a runner on, it made me throw harder and lock in. Our energy was up the whole game, the energy from the crowd definitely helped; if we made a mistake, it was OK because we would have picked up the next play.”

In the fifth inning, Kennedy Kimball rocketed a ball to left field that cleared the fence for a home run. Harvie reached first on an error and stole her way around the diamond. She got past the catcher and scored. Windham led, 3-1.

“After my first at-bat, I came in with a whole new mindset and game plan and made a bunch of changes and it felt really good that that paid off,” said Kennedy Kimball. “We knew how good Cheverus was and that was a lot of pressure, but we’ve been in pressure situations before and thrive under pressure. Our defense was incredible – great catches all around great plays, good baserunners. We came together to find a way to move people around and get little hits where we really needed them.”

According to Kimball, they need to work on being aware of every pitcher’s movement so they can adjust sooner in the game and make sure they’re smooth on defense.

In the sixth inning, Cheverus walked, doubled, and had an intentional walk; with the bases loaded, Harvie’s catch from right field was crucial.

Cheverus put a runner on in the seventh inning, but Windham defense remained solid and left them stranded.

“Going into this ... our biggest focus was Brooke and Jaydn,” said Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “We knew this was going to be a great game, we knew a lot of people were going to show up. If we can support our two seniors today, then it will be a good game no matter the outcome. Brooke did a great job; Stella [Jarvais] called a phenomenal game. And one through nine you see our hitters, Kennedy coming up big, once Brooke scores that first run for us, we know it’s a long ballgame, but to get runs like that, to be able to support Brooke in the circle, makes her job a lot easier when we can score on our end. Our hitters did a great job communicating with each other to say what to expect. I thought we did a great job keeping our composure.”

Gardiner said the big thing for the postseason is staying focused on the team and staying focused on what Windham can do as a group. She doesn’t want to put a lot of pressure on the playoffs, but also knows that other teams are going to a next level, so they’ve got to be able to rise to that occasion as well. She loved seeing a big crowd supporting female athletics. <

Windham Little League’s CR Tandberg rolls by MPM Sealcoating

By Matt Pascarella

It was a beautiful night for baseball when Windham Little League’s CR Tandberg and MPM Sealcoating took to the diamond at Ciccarone Field at Lowell Farm in Windham on Tuesday, May 28. CR Tandberg got the bats going early and kept them going right until the end to earn a 16-0 win. MPM Sealcoating did a fantastic job, with great efforts and several great plays.

Windham MPM Sealcoating sixth grader Caitlyn Halladay 
makes a throw to first base during a Windham Little
League game against CR Tandberg at Ciccarone Field at
Lowell Farm in Windham on Tuesday, May 28.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“Some timely hits and we made some really great pitching,” said CR Tandberg coach Johnathan Bassett. “Charlie [Sanicola] stepped up, helped us out, did better than I anticipated. Good to see them all working together and getting better, that’s really what it’s all about. Watching guys who haven’t played at this level improve, that’s what I’m looking for. Defense needs work – understanding the game. At this level they don’t always understand situational plays and where to make plays and where to throw the ball, so were still always learning with that.”

In the first inning, CR Tandberg fifth grader Maxwell Inzerillo got things going when he singled. He quickly made his way to third base and after a hit from sixth grader Robbie Sanicola, Inzerillo crossed home plate. Sanicola stole third base after sixth grader Nolan Harvie walked. Sanicola scored on a passed ball. Fifth grader Wesson LeDuc walked and after a single from fourth grader Charlie Sanicola, LeDuc and Harvie scored.

MPM Sealcoating fourth grader Tanner Pulkkinen walked.

In the second inning, fifth grader Kainen Pouliot walked and later scored after third grader Grady Inzerillo advanced to second base after being hit by a pitch.

In the fourth inning, MPM Sealcoating’s defense was solid when a sixth grader Caitlyn Halladay made a stellar catch at second base. Two strikeouts and MPM Sealcoating made this just a three-batter inning.

Halladay said their defense was good; as they got multiple outs throughout the game, working well as a team. Halladay was focused on the ball in the fourth inning when it was hit her way; she was ready. She said batting, infield and outfield could still use a little work.

In the fifth inning, CR Tandberg led 9-0 after fifth grader C.J. Bisson and Maxwell Inzerillo singled; both runners scored. Robbie Sanicola singled. Harvie smashed a double and fifth grader Bronson Bassett singled. Robbie Sanicola scored. Leduc walked, Harvie scored. After another walk, Bassett scored. CR Tandberg knocked in four more runs.

MPM Sealcoating’s Halladay walked; Pulkkinen singled on a fly ball to center field. A fly ball to Bisson is caught and stepped on second base for a double play. Fourth grader Mason Cieslak hit a long ball to left field, but unfortunately it was caught.

“I would say teamwork led to the win,” said Bisson. “We did good communication and good hitting, and we played as a team and got the [runs needed]. Knowing when to slide and stealing still need work.”

It felt great for Bisson to get such a big win.

“All these kids are like best friends,” said MPM Sealcoating coach Aaron Cieslak. “It’s good to be able to play a team from Windham. We got our butts kicked, but that’s part of the game and the kids learned, and they got to learn how to grow from it. We pitched well ... they hit the ball; we were throwing strikes; we’ve got a bunch of pitchers that haven’t pitched a lot. Our defense needs work for sure, hitting the cutoff guy, just thinking ahead – our team’s young – they’re learning a ton and having a blast.” <

Perkins becomes first 100-goal scorer for WHS boys' lacrosse

By Matt Pascarella

It was a big night for Windham varsity boys’ lacrosse during their home game on Friday May 17 against Camden Hills. The team raised over $2,000 for the Dempsey Center through community donations, nine seniors honored nine individual teachers in the ninth annual Teacher Appreciation Night, Windham senior Tobias Perkins was the first 100 goal-scorer in program history and the Eagles flattened Camden Hills, 15-1.

Windham senior Tobias Perkins is shown just
before scoring his 100th career goal in a boys'
lacrosse game against Camden Hills on Friday,
May 17. Perkins is the first student-athlete to
score 100 goals in the program's history. 
PHOTO  BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“I thought the team came out strong from the start,” said Windham varsity boys’ lacrosse coach Peter Small. “We have been looking to play consistently for 48 minutes and I think the strong start was indicative of that focus. The players showed a marked improvement in some skills which have been a focal point for us – from stick skills to positioning on both sides of the field. The team has developed more of a trust in each other to execute and that has helped; knowing that teammates are strong in positioning and movement both on offense and defense has led to a better flow of tempo for the game.”

Each year, boys’ lacrosse seniors reflect on their entire education and who has had a meaningful impact upon their growth and development as students, as athletes, and as citizens. In the ninth annual Teacher Appreciation Night, Beth Bubier, Erin Doran, Rae-Ann Guzman, Melissa Holmes-Perkins, Alissa James, Deb Lebel, Chris Livengood, Karen Petcher, and Wayne Rathburn were presented with a token of appreciation for all they’ve done for students and outgoing seniors.

Perkins was the first player in program history to score 100 goals in his athletic career. He scored his goal 100 just 3:30 into the first quarter.

“It’s a personal accomplishment, but it’s only made possible by my team,” said Perkins. “On paper you see that I’m the one that got the goal, but it’s only due to my teammates who made the plays to get me the ball. I care a lot more about team performance than personal performance; I was just focusing on winning, like a regular game.”

The Eagles were definitely focused on the ‘W,’ as a multitude of players scored from start to finish. Senior Blake McPherson scored early. Perkins was next, then senior Landon Buzulchuck. Junior Lukas Hammond followed, as the boys moved the ball well.

Windham defense was strong and remained so all game.

Senior Jake Lord scored one of four goals for him. Windham led 10-1 at halftime.

“It’s a lot of hard-work and teamwork throughout the entire week,” said Lord. “We just had a very long four game streak that did not go our way. During that four-game streak we started getting down on each other, but I think we’ve done a good job of pulling ourselves out of that hole. Our defense was on fire, they came out with something to prove. Teamwork was going really well for us … we all find each other at the right spot ... we worked pretty well.”

Intensity remained in the second half. Lord scored again followed by back-to-back goals from Perkins. Defense remained unbeatable.

“It is a result of the hard work he’s done,” said Small about Perkins. “He has worked his craft by picking up a bucket of balls and shooting every day, he’s gotten in the weight room ... he does everything to just improve and what it does is it’s a huge example for everybody else. The coolest thing is he has seen the results of all of his efforts. When I look at our starting midis and our starting attack, we can move the ball, and everyone uses space ... Blake McPherson gets goals because [Tobias] and [Buzulchuck] are using space ... I think that he attributes a lot to his teammates, is a testament to No. 1, our teammates but No. 2 who Tobias is.” <

WHS senior Tillery commits to USM track

By Matt Pascarella

Windham senior Marcus Tillery is headed to the University of Southern Maine in Gorham to major in criminology and be part of the men’s track and field team. He signed a letter of intent in front of a large group of friends, family, teachers and supporters on Thursday, May 16 at Windham High School. His coaches spoke very highly of him, emphasizing his leadership qualities, positivity as well as his skill on the field and the track.

Windham senior Marcus Tillery, left, joins his father Michael
after signing a letter of intent to attend the University of
Southern Maine in Gorham where he will major in
criminology and participate in track and field.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“It feels kind of unreal,” said Tillery. “Seeing all these people from the past three years in one room, they all in some way, somehow impacted my life – I love it; seeing everybody together like that brings joy to my heart.”

As a freshman, Tillery attended Lake Brantley High School in Florida. He competed in track and field as a way to train for football in the off-season. He quickly fell in love with track and field. He transferred to Windham High School as a sophomore where he faced adversity early on and felt like he didn’t fit in. It was Windham’s athletic program that opened big arms for him, to which he is forever grateful.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure; I’ve worked with Marcus for three years,” said boys’ track and field coach Paula Pock. “He picks up his entire team; he picks up his entire league; we can go to any meet and Marcus knows just about everyone, they all have to check in on him, it’s like one big family. His work ethic and commitment are great examples of what coaches want in their athletes. Once he leaves, there are going to be some big shoes to fill at Windham, but his positive role-modeling will last for many, many seasons.”

Tillery chose the University of Southern Maine because in talking to the players and the coaches there, they all seemed like a family; very supportive of each other. He said the coaches were phenomenal and are all USM alumni, so they know what it feels like to be in his shoes.

“His work ethic, like pushing us all ... the way to states, no matter who you are, what you do, he's always going to push you,” said Windham senior track and field teammate Aiden Hanson. “He's going to bring out the best in all his teammates, no matter what, just a great person all around. He’s going to uplift people even as a freshman.”

Tillery said it felt great to sign his letter of intent. He said he loves getting the opportunity to compete at the next level and knows not everyone gets that chance. He’s excited and can’t wait to start.

“I met Marcus as a sophomore,” said varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “Big personality, right away the way he talks to people at their level looks you in the eye, is as real as the day is long. He’s very kind, does anything for anybody and is a phenomenal teammate. This year he had a great year in football – he had many yards and touchdowns, he was more impactful as a person, because of who he is and what he is and what he stands for. What he’s done in the classroom from day one to now is very impressive ... he put the time in to get the grades and now he’s moving on. I’m proud of him and feel very, very fortunate to have coached him.”

Tillery’s advice to underclassmen is to know your priorities.

“Don’t take the classroom lightly,” said Tillery. “You’re a student and then you’re an athlete. Care about your academics, go to class every day, respect your teachers, respect everyone ... be a great student in the classroom and a great person in the community. Be a good example – lead by example.”

Tillery said he would like to thank Coach Pock, Coach Flaherty, Coach Blood and give a special thank you to Coach Perkins, and Coach Estey. <

Windham’s Trainor scores 100th goal in girls’ lacrosse win over Bonny Eagle

By Matt Pascarella

Windham sophomore Abby Trainor was just four goals away from scoring her 100th high school career at home on Saturday, May 11 during a home girls’ lacrosse game against Bonny Eagle. She became the third player to accomplish this milestone in Windham’s history and the Lady Eagles commanded the field and earned a solid 18-3 win over the Scots.

Windham sophomore Abby Trainor scores her 100th goal
during a girls' lacrosse game against Bonny Eagle at
Windham High School on Saturday, May 11. Trainor is
the third athlete in the program's history to achieve this
distinction. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA    

“It feels really good, but the main focus today was just winning,” said Trainor. “I’m really proud of myself, I know my teammates are proud. I wasn’t focused on the achievement as much ... I was like ‘let’s win, let’s ... hustle’ the accomplishment came along the way. This [happened] because of the incredible coaching and all the teammates around me that helped with some of these goals, because a goal is the end of a good play. It’s great to do it with this team, my 100th goal was assisted, and I think that shows teamwork. I’m really hard working, people around me are hardworking. When we all come together, so many people can achieve so many different things.”

Windham came out aggressive from the very start; senior Mallory Muse scored in the first 25 seconds. Sophomore Neve Ledbetter scored next. The Lady Eagle offense then began crushing it in this game.

“It’s really just a time to grow as a team and at these times we can focus in on the littlest thing so when it comes to big, big games, we’re ready,” said Ledbetter. “Having a team like this and being able to play with each other is one of the most rewarding things ever. Hustle, defense [went well]. Everyone was playing together and passing to each other. It was such a team contribution to the whole game and it was so impressive to watch. I think we still need to work hard and hustle, but overall, I think we are extremely talented.”

Windham junior Grace Joly scored next, followed by Trainor who was only three goals away from 100. Trainor then scored back-to-back goals. With 3:46 left in the first quarter, Trainor scored her 100th goal, assisted by Ledbetter.

“The thing about Abby that really is impressive to me is this year she has really elevated her game in not just how she scores, but how she drives and draws attention, dishes and gets assists,” said Windham varsity girls’ lacrosse coach Matt Perkins. “Her creativity on offense is creating pockets for everybody. She does an awesome job of passing the ball, getting her teammates open, their teammates do a great job finding her. She does a phenomenal job causing turnovers. She’s a full all-around player; she’s not just a scorer. She brings so much to the team.”

Trainor scored twice more along with Ledbetter and senior Marlie Ennis before the first buzzer. Windham led 13-1 at the half.

Muse scored in the first minute of the second half. Lady Eagle defense remained intense as Bonny Eagle had a very hard time scoring. Windham sophomore Brianna Duarte scored her first varsity goal, easily sending the ball past the goalie.

“It was a big rush for me and that was like my biggest, crazy moment that I’ve ever really had and I’m working to get the next one,” said Duarte. “We worked really well getting the ball around and running our offense, working together as a team. We’ve been getting that one percent better at practice and we’re going to continue to push ourselves to get better. We need to work on our ground balls and obviously defense a little bit, on transition, everything, and getting the ride. We need to use our aggression and teamwork and push ourselves to continue winning games and pushing each other to get better.”

Windham stayed with the ball and sophomore Mady Donnelly scored before the last buzzer.

“Practice contributed to this win,” said Perkins. “The girls showing up ready to go, not wasting time, but buying into what we’re doing and us working on what our weaknesses are ... them getting after it in drills and focusing on those things has helped us improve as a whole. Today we saw a much better job of driving [Bonny Eagle] out of the eight [meter arc], controlling the eight, making sure they didn’t have free shots in front of our goalie – that was huge. Continuing to work on passes and putting the right amount of zip on them, that’s just something that’s a work-in-progress.” <

Windham unified bocce team making progress in second season

By Matt Pascarella

In just its second season, Windham High School’s varsity unified bocce team played Fryeburg Academy at home on Thursday, May 9 and put in a great effort but eventually fell to Fryeburg, 3-1.

Windham sophomore Mary Jean gives a strong toss toward
the pallina in a Unified Bocce match against Fryeburg 
Academy at Windham High School on Thursday, May 9. 

“I think bocce is the most inclusive of the unified sports,” said Windham unified bocce assistant coach Connor McNeil. “It doesn’t require a lot of physical exertion, but it requires a lot of thinking and different strategies. The best part about bocce is we’re able to recruit some players who wouldn’t otherwise play sports. Our team is really independent; they play by themselves, and they strategize by themselves; as coaches, we’re able to step back and let them play and have fun and I think that went really well today. Our team has shown growth in taking charge of themselves and doing things on their own without needing the support of an adult which is really the focus of unified sports.”

In bocce, one team throws a small white ball called the pallina, and the goal is to throw larger balls, called bocce, to get as close to the pallina as possible. Only the team closest to the pallina scores points. Each match consists of two 30-minute games with the winner being the first to reach 16, or whomever has the most points when time is up.

Although the score is kept, the object of the unified bocce game is more geared toward having fun and being part of a team.

Everyone on the Windham team played very well including senior Dani Iaconeta, sophomore Mary Jean, senior TJ McAllister, sophomore Zachary O’Brion, junior Colby Schmid, sophomore Jack Shirley, and senior Jacob Smith.

Windham players were high-fiving each other, focusing on their throws and celebrating their wins. Many Windham players had at least one throw where they got close to the pallina.

“We did pretty good, but we still need to focus on throwing the ball [closer to the pallina],” said Iaconeta. “We did really awesome; I got to hold the scoreboard that was awesome too. [Bocce] is really fun, and I get to see my friends and it teaches me teamwork.”

Iaconeta said that she had fun during the match and was eagerly awaiting the next bocce match.

“What went well was in the first year we were a little bit worse at throwing the balls and this year we got a lot better,” said Smith. “Our teammates were getting along a lot better. What needs work was we were struggling with sportsmanship because we had never met this team before. I like that we get to be outside, we get to have fresh air, and I get to see Ms. Blake a lot more. I had a ton of fun and I can’t wait until our next game.” <

Varsity softball extends win streak by shutting down Westbrook

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School’s varsity softball team showed they remain strong as the season approaches its halfway point. The Lady Eagles crushed Westbrook with a 10-0 win on Monday, May 6 at home. Junior Kennedy Kimball was in the circle for Windham and struck out 14 over six innings. She threw 57 strikes of her 76 pitches.

Windham sophomore Lacie Higgins slides into home plate
during a varsity softball game against Westbrook on 
Monday, May 6 at Windham High School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“We didn’t completely know Westbrook,” said Kimball. “We figured our way throughout the game. Stella [Jarvais] did a great job calling behind the plate, figuring it out from batter to batter and it felt really good today. We all did a great job making adjustments at the plate; we didn’t all have the same at-bat ... we did good getting runs across and did really good base-running today. We were all really aggressive; we didn’t have our best at-bats today; we were a little out in front of it – we all know we need to pay more attention and get our pitch, work a little deeper in counts to get our pitch.”

Kimball sent the first three batters back to the dugout in the first inning. Then, senior Brooke Gerry walked. A fly out and a ground out brought Gerry across home plate. Kimball hit a grounder and reached first base on an error. Sophomore Oakley walked, as did sophomore Nola Bryant. After sophomore Lacie Higgins walked, pinch-runner junior Dakota Small scored. McLeod scored on a wild pitch and Windham led 3-0 after one inning.

Kimball, along with Lady Eagle defense didn’t give Westbrook many opportunities to get on base.

Gerry walked again in the bottom of the second inning, then sophomore Addison Caiazzo walked. Junior Stella Jarvais grounded into a fielder’s choice, but Gerry scored.

In the bottom of the third inning, McLeod hit a homerun to left field. Higgins singled, as did junior Chloe Edwards. Higgins scored on a wild pitch, then Edwards did the same.

“It felt pretty good [to hit that homerun], said McLeod. “As a team we had pretty good energy. We just want to do our thing, not press in the box. We had very good energy, we were putting the bat on the ball, we had good defense and pitching/catching.”

Keeping the energy up, despite a big lead, is something McLeod said they need to work on.

In the bottom of the sixth, Windham led 8-0. Senior Jaydn Kimball singled. Junior Lydia Marden walked. Freshman Evelyn Anderson walked. Small walked and pinch runner Bryant scored. Gerry grounded into a fielder’s choice and Marden scored.

“[Windham] comes here every day with a focus, with a set, with a goal and that is one run at a time,” said WHS varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “I think we really do a good job at accomplishing that. I see them being able to make those adjustments when they are up to bat – or at their next at-bat – timing up the pitcher, that’s big moving forward for us as we see the second half of our season. Top to bottom it was a really good team win; I would have liked to see more base hits, but that’s just me being picky. Kennedy threw awesome; I thought her fastball had a little more movement on it, she’s got enough speed on it to control a game. I still think the adjustments [need work]. One through nine, we’re a really fast lineup, so if we can put the ball in play, we have a chance to put a runner on.”

Windham (9-0) defeated Portland, 15-0, on Tuesday, May 7 to remain unbeaten on the season. <

Outdoor track and field team soars in early season meet

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School’s outdoor track and field team headed to Massabesic High School in Waterboro on Wednesday, May 1 for a meet against Gorham, Massabesic and Sanford and both Windham squads did well, with the girls finishing first with a score of 127.5, and the boys finishing third with a score of 66.

Windham sophomore Josephine Sibley clears the high jump
bar on Wednesday, May 1 at Massabesic High School during
an outdoor track and field meet against Gorham, Sanford,
and Massabesic. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Girls

In the first section of the 100-meter dash, senior Khalysa Hammith finished first with a 13.00-second time. Sophomore Myla Vercoe finished third with a time of 14.02.

In the 200, sophomore Kendra Eubanks finished first with a time of 31.54, freshman Annabelle Harris finished in second place with a 34.31 time. In the second section, freshman Leana Robbins finished first with a 33.70 time.

In the 3200, sophomore Emma Fox finished second with a time of 14:23.22 minutes.

Junior Tayla Pelletier finished first in the 100-hurdles with a 15.28 time and broke a school record set in 1997. She also finished first in the triple jump with a distance of 36-08.25.

“I think the day went great ... it was definitely overwhelming, but I think I made the most of it and the team made the most of it,” said Pelletier. “Everyone on the team was supporting, everyone was helping each other out. Getting my mindset in the right place has helped me ... I need to focus on my technique a lot and trust in my speed.”

In the high jump, sophomore Josephine Sibley finished first with a height of 4-08.00.

Hammith finished first in the long jump with a 16-06.00 distance, junior Ava Gerrity finished second with a distance of 15-02.50; Vercoe was third with a 14-09.00 distance.

Junior Marina Schwartz finished first in the discus with a throw of 82-05 and second in the shot put with a 26-07.50 distance.

“We witnessed massive efforts by all in the meet in all 19 events which offered us this dominant win,” said Windham girls’ outdoor track and field coach Jeff Riddle. “What went well was ... skilling-up the players, asking them to try new things to best determine what events best suit them and support our program plan, and then having them respond to the opportunity in front of them. We have to sustain the dedication to shelf self-doubt. We have to keep introducing players to new events when they are strong enough physically and mentally to take it on; we need to never be complacent in thinking there is not more work to do ...”

Boys

In the first section of the 100-dash, senior Marcus Tillery finished second with an 11.33 time; sophomore Karl Longstreth was third with an 11.39 time, a personal record for him.

“Everyone has had a great meet,” said Longstreth. “A lot of personal records; I’m very confident in what we have as a team. I had a really good block start which I’ve been dawning over for the past year. Everyone as a whole has been really good and locked in the past couple practices. We need more commitment from the guys ... and we need to stay more focused in the classroom and on the track.”

In the second section of the 100, senior Ezra Foster finished first with a 12.09 time. In the third section, sophomore Sam Hutchinson finished first with a time of 12.44. Senior Jinqi Li was second at 12.46. In the fifth section, freshman Gabriel Bois finished first at 13.25.

In the 200, sophomore Ronan Mace finished first in the first section with a 27.22 time. In the third section, junior Dylan Fillinger finished first at 28.10. In the fifth section sophomore Connor Witham was first with a 24.58 time; junior Jacob Gagne was second place at 25.67.

Junior Andrew Young finished fourth in the 1600 with a 5:17.84 time.

In the 110 hurdles, junior Carter Engelman finished second with a 16.69 time. Junior Rory Good was third at 17.63

Engelman was first in the pole vault with a 13-00 height.

Sophomore Mason Arbour finished first in the triple jump with a 40-04.00 distance and third in the high jump with a 5-06.00 height.

In the shot put, senior Teddy Sanborn finished second and threw a 38-03.00 distance.

Witham finished seventh in the javelin with a throw of 116-10. Freshman Emmett Hutchinson threw 105-02.

“We had many athletes building on earlier performances and were able to get season best,” said Windham boys’ outdoor track and field coach Paula Pock. “Our goal is to continue to improve week to week and get athletes qualified for the SMAA Championships and the State Meet.” <

WHS grad Gugliuzza continues to succeed following college football career

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2020 graduate Anthony Gugliuzza has always been a dedicated hard worker. In high school, he was senior class president, vice president of the National Honor Society, a Maine Youth Leadership Representative for Windham High School, a Maine Varsity Club inductee and won the Team’s Coach’s award – just to name a few accolades. Now he’s a senior at Endicott College in Massachusetts working on his master’s degree in exercise science.

Windham High graduate Anthony Gugliuzza
has wrapped up his college football career at
Endicott College and will serve as an intern
athletic trainer for the Harvard University
college football team this fall.
COURTESY PHOTO 

After college, he says he would like to do something in the medical field that would allow him to help others.

“I chose Endicott College because of the close-knit family community ... the chance to play football at the collegiate level, the chance to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Gugliuzza. “I was also drawn to Endicott due to their amazing internship program. During my time here I have done an internship with Boston College Football Strength and Conditioning and will be completing an internship with NASA this summer at the Kennedy Space Center down in Florida.”

Ever since he was a baby, he remembers watching football with his father. When Gugliuzza was old enough to play, he loved the game immediately. He got the chance to be coached by his father in middle school and that is something he’ll never forget.

Football, whether watching or playing, is where Gugliuzza says he has met his best friends and to escape all stressors; on the field, nothing else mattered.

In 2022, Gugliuzza was on Leadership Council for Endicott football and through his leadership, helped his team win the Commonwealth Coast Conference. The council is about holding players accountable, not just on the field, but in life. The council discusses what goes on behind the scenes and recognizes hard workers, continuing to build team comradery. This past season Endicott’s football team had a strong season, finishing 9-2.

“Anthony is the quintessential leader by example,” said senior and teammate Josh Vecchio. “He has a reputation for discipline, effort, and good decision making on and off the field, which our teammates admire and respect. He is also a fiery competitor, and always gave the defense a run for their money as a scout player, which in turn prepared them for other opponents. But his greatest contribution is his character, which makes for a great example for others to emulate.”

Playing for Windham Highm School prepared Gugliuzza to play collegiately because he says that Windham Coach Matt Perkins does an excellent job of instilling strong principles in his players. It doesn’t matter what grade you are in, Gugliuzza says the decisions that Perkins makes are always focused on what is right for the team. Perkins preaches hard work and challenges his players to be their best – and he always had their back.

According to Gugliuzza, Perkins develops his players into well-respected young men who grow up to be unbelievable husbands, fathers, and coworkers. It’s not just about football, it’s about life beyond football and teaching athletes how to not just be the best in their sport, but in everything they do.

Gugliuzza has now exhausted his collegiate football eligibility after having been on the team at Endicott College as a wide receiver. He will intern with NASA this summer and has agreed to serve as an athletic trainer intern for Harvard University’s football team this fall.

“Anthony was an asset to the team as a silent leader,” said Endicott College Head Football Coach Paul McGonagle. “He was someone the younger players could look up to. He never complained, but showed up every day and went to work. He was an absolute pleasure to coach and very smart on and off the field. His biggest improvement was being more vocal which helped him gain more confidence each year.”

Anthony’s advice to players who want to play a college sport is to keep working hard, believe in yourself and never give up. Bet on yourself and follow your dreams because life is too short for regret.

Gugliuzza remains very active off the field; he participated in college student government, was selected as a Presidential Ambassador, went to Florida to meet with trustees and advocate for the school the last three years and helped to provide money to various clubs and organizations on campus through his role in the finance committee. He says that Endicott College has allowed him to grow as a student and as a person.

“When it comes to sports, I have achieved everything I could have imagined and more,” said Gugliuzza. “Playing the game I love, being coached by my dad, playing in college, winning championships, meeting lifelong friends, and learning from individuals like Coach McGonagle, Coach Perkins, and Coach Ledbetter, I could not have asked for a better experience.” <

Windham varsity girls’ tennis crushes Marshwood

By Matt Pascarella

In its season home opening matches, Windham High’s varsity girls’ tennis team took the court against Marshwood on Friday, April 26 and in a total team effort, WHS earned its first win of 2024 by defeating the Hawks, 4-1.

Windham senior Madeline Dumont returns a serve during
a girls' prep tennis match against Marshwood at Windham
High School on Friday, April 26.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“Windham was moving their opponents around and drop shotting went really well,” said Windham varsity girls’ assistant coach Natalie Egbert. “They need to work more on their serves and just consistency, rallying. Overall, it was a good first match.”

In singles matches, Windham senior Alyssa Conley won her first set 6-4, lost the second, 4-6 and then won the tiebreaker 12-10. Windham senior Taylor Juhase lost the first set 5-7, won the second set, 6-4, but lost the tiebreaker, 6-10.

Windham sophomore Jasmine Lucas defeated her Marshwood opponent, 6-4 and 6-2. In doubles matches, Windham senior Alejandra Hidell and junior Afomyia Timerga won, 6-2 and 6-1. Windham seniors Madeline Dumont and Samantha Bell forced a tiebreaker after winning, 6-2, and losing 4-6; they won their hard-fought final match, 11-9.

“Sam [Bell] is a really great partner and I think we work really well together,” said Dumont. “Marshwood were definitely reasonable opponents and I’m really happy with how we pulled through at the end. We just looked at each other and said, ‘we got to do this; we know it’s late, we know we’re tired ... we locked in and got it done.’ We had a lot of really good alley shots as well as really good serving. Considering it’s the first match of the season, I think it went pretty well, but just communicating on the court needs work.”

Windham had been able to get roughly three weeks of practice in and their abilities on the court showed it. Players in all matches kept their focus on the ball and moved their feet fast and frequently. Everyone put in a strong effort.

According to Juhase, Marshwood did a good job of making her run for the ball. Juhase was able to hit it pretty far back and her placement was ok, but not the best. She threw her shoulder out in the first set; and in the second game and it messed up her serves; she got in her head a little and had to switch to doing softy serves instead of hard ones. She was pleased with how she played and said the games were really close.

"It was really good,” said Lucas. “Once I kind of got in a rhythm, I did well. I won the first four games of the first set and lost the next four. After that I got in a good rhythm and won the next second. Consistency still needs work, and I could improve my serve a bit.” <