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.” <