Windham varsity softball trounces Oxford Hills during preseason scrimmage

By Matt Pascarella

A week before the start of the regular season, Windham’s varsity softball team played a home scrimmage against Oxford Hills on Friday, April 18 and once the team’s offense got going, they could not be caught and Windham walked away with an 11-1 win.

Windham junior Addison Caiazzo gets to the ball in time to
make a catch during a preseason scrimmage against Oxford
Hills at Windham High School on Friday, April 18.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“I think the team did well,” said Windham sophomore Evelyn Anderson. “We had some trouble offensively in the beginning, but from there we picked it up and the important thing was we kept our energy up. We did well defensively. Just getting out there, being with the team, healthy environment really. Even when we get down on ourselves there’s always someone there to pick us up, no matter what. I think little things defensively need work; like how we’re fielding the ball, offensively just keeping our heads in, but I think as a team we did very well.”

This was a learning scrimmage and an opportunity for both teams to practice how they’d react offensively, so after a scoreless first inning runners were placed on base.

Oxford Hills scored in the top of the third inning to take a 1-0 lead.

But Windham senior Kylie Harvie reached base on an error in the third inning with junior Nola Bryant advancing to second base. Senior Chloe Edwards singled to center field scoring Bryant and the scrimmage was tied 1-1.

In the fourth inning WHS senior Kennedy Kimball singled to centerfield, but advanced to third base and drove in two runs.

From that point on, run after run crossed the plate for Windham. In the fifth inning, junior Addison Caiazzo singled on a bunt and brought in Bryant.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, junior Jezebelle Pinto sent the ball to center field, and it dropped behind the fence for her first varsity home run.

“I was just trying to get a base hit,” said Pinto. “It was the best feeling ever, all my hard work paid off. I think we all did pretty good; we were amazing on the basepaths, adjusting to the pitcher and staying back on that ball, we adjusted really well on that and just as a team. There was a lot of good defense in the infield; no balls really got past anyone. Pitchers did great. I think we’re going to be going for it this season.”

After Pinto’s home run, junior Lacie Higgins doubled, and freshman Yani Kostopoulos singled bringing in Higgins.

“We’ve got to put those baserunners on just to see how our defense reacts with the little pressure there could be, it’s good for them to experience it in April than in June,” said Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “I’m really, really happy with the defense; our communication was there, our backup on bases was there. One thing I would like to see us do a little bit better is adjusting to batters with different pitchers.

“Everyone went up there and put together good at-bats, before this scrimmage I had a really good idea (of who I was putting in the batting order), after this scrimmage it’s nice to see how difficult everyone made it for me. When everyone does their job, it makes my job harder – which is a good thing. If we can put the ball in play, we’ve got speed and smart baserunning to pick us up there.”

Gardiner said this scrimmage says a lot of good things and Windham’s at-bats during practices are just like game at-bats.

Windham opens the 2025 season at home at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25 against Bonny Eagle. <

WHS grad Heanssler shines on, off field at University of North Carolina Wilmington

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2023 graduate Hannah Heanssler was a three-sport athlete for all four years of her high school career, playing field hockey, swimming and softball. She is currently a sophomore playing field hockey at the University of North Carolina Wilmington where she’s majoring in exercise science/physical therapy with plans to get her doctorate in physical therapy and work in an outpatient clinic with athletes and the public.

University of North Carolina
Wilmington sophomore Hannah
Heanssler, a Windham High 
graduate, moves the ball closer to
the goal during a college field
hockey game on Oct. 30, 2024.
PHOTO BY OLIVIA SMOOT 

UNCW does not have a collegiate field hockey team, but Heanssler plays club field hockey, associated with UNCW. Her team is part of the National Field Hockey League. They’ve qualified for Nationals twice and recently won their regional championship. They went undefeated (4-0) then placed fourth going into elimination at Virginia Beach, Virginia on Sunday, April 13. They lost to James Madison University in shootouts. Heanssler scored seven goals during the tournament.

“Getting to play teams from all around the country at such a high level is a dream come true,” said Heanssler. “Playing for UNCW has been everything I hoped to get out of playing field hockey at a higher level, and I am having so much fun. Playing for Windham helped me develop many skills in the sport that I use in my college games.”

Windham varsity coach Cory DiDonato was Heanssler’s sixth-grade teacher and encouraged her to try field hockey. Heanssler was hesitant but took a leap of faith and fell in love with the sport immediately. She says she’s forever grateful for DiDonato’s guidance and motivation.

“She has been one of my biggest role models and mentors in my athletic career and I am so grateful to have played for her,” said Heanssler. “Coach D taught me leadership, confidence, and how to truly push myself to become the best I can. Playing for Windham improved my game in so many ways. It taught me how to be a leader both on and off the field.”

Heanssler has made an impression on her team and will be the president of UNCW club field hockey starting in the fall. Playing field hockey always puts a smile on her face; everything about the game brings joy to her life, which has played a big part in why she’s stuck with it.

“Hannah has been a huge asset to our team ever since she got to UNCW,” said UNCW club field hockey coach Ashley Leverrett. “It’s really been her ability to lift up her teammates that has made a lasting impact on our culture. Her voice carries strong whether it’s during a game or practice, and she’s always looking for ways to help her teammates grow. Hannah played a huge part in both our trip to nationals and our recent regional win. She has a dominant presence on our forward line and a natural competitiveness that fuels the energy of the collective team.”

Aside from excelling on the field, Heanssler has maintained a 4.0 GPA and made the dean’s list each semester. She will also be graduating a semester early. Additionally, Heanssler has led her team in scoring for both her freshman and sophomore seasons and was named Offensive Player of the Year as well as an All-Star twice by the National Field Hockey League.

Heanssler, said success is more than winning. Success is achieving the goals and standards she sets for herself. It’s being a great person on and off the field and making a positive impact in field hockey.

“I have had so much fun being able to play with Hannah the last two years,” said teammate and UNCW senior Taryn Saunders. “Hannah knows the game really well and has great suggestions of how we can improve during our games. Knowing that she was on the field with me and that I could rely on her was super helpful for my performance and confidence during the high caliber of play. Hannah was a huge asset in our recent regional tournament win.” <

Windham avoids shutout against Yarmouth in boys' lacrosse scrimmage

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham High varsity boys’ lacrosse team suited up for a preseason scrimmage against Yarmouth, but came out on the wrong end, falling 16-2 against Yarmouth on Monday, April 14 at Yarmouth High School.

Windham senior Lukas Hammond looks to pass during a
preseason boys' lacrosse scrimmage against Yarmouth at
Yarmouth High School on Monday, April 14.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Yarmouth came out very strong in the scrimmage and scored several goals in the first half. The Eagles kept at it, and scored twice in the second half, but it wasn’t enough against Yarmouth.

Windham plays its first regular season boys’ lacrosse game on Thursday, April 17 against Scarborough.

“We just got to move on and not fixate on this loss,” said Windham sophomore Luke Drottar. “We have a lot of potential; a lot of these guys are pretty good. I think we’ll bounce back. I think just more preparation and practice will help a lot. On the offensive side I think we swung the ball pretty well, on the defensive side we definitely slid our feet a lot better than our last scrimmage.”

Yarmouth came out strong and scored five goals in the first quarter. Windham still had plenty of time and kept their heads up early in the game.

While Windham remained intense, Yarmouth’s offense kept on the attack. Windham took several shots at goal but Yarmouth led at halftime, 12-0.

“I think we’ve got to get after it man down, man up, cutting toward the ball,” said Windham sophomore Tegan Perkins. “For defense, we got to be more talking and for our second slide, we just got to pitch it and have that all day and be really physical in slides. I think the game started to fall when we started getting chippy, when kids would drop a ball or make a bad pass and just put their heads down. I think our quick passes were really good and our first slide was mostly there every time; our right and left were there every time. We had a few guys who were super physical and always there and a couple guys who were just super loud, and it helped to have our goalie really loud. Caden Valle stepped up in goal.”

In the second half, Drottar intercepted a Yarmouth pass and scored.

Windham continued to take shots at the Yarmouth goalie, which resulted in freshman Sean Lebel scoring late in the fourth quarter.

“We got to play within the rules of the game,” said Windham varsity boys’ lacrosse coach Peter Small. “We were playing ‘chippy’ (overly aggressive) beyond the rules of the game. I want us to play aggressive but within the rules of the game. As we started to get frustrated, we started to play chippy and get outside our head and stopped playing the way we think and know we should play. Our skill level is there; our foot movement on defense was pretty good, at times our sticks were really good; on the offensive side we can move in position, and we can move the ball really well.”

Small said that this loss shows everyone from coaches down to players needs to lock in. As they started to put pieces together of people who haven’t played together, communication needs to happen more.

He said the WHS team’s eyes are wider open now to the pace at which the game needs to be played. According to Small, they need to put those pieces together and move in a concerted 10 guys on the field entering the regular season.

Their next home game for Windham is at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 against Biddeford. <

Windham Middle School’s spring sports start soon

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Middle School began preparing for its spring sports season on Monday, April 14. The Middle School season begins on Monday, May 5 and teams are ready to compete.

Windham sixth grader Elena Kostopoulos leaps over the
hurdles as she practices for the upcoming middle school
outdoor track and field season on Monday, April 14.
The season for WMS is scheduled to begin on Monday,
May 5 with a first meet to be held at Windham High
School. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Baseball

This season, Windham Middle School welcomes a new baseball coach, Charlie Reiniger, a 2024 Cheverus graduate.

“My goals are helping develop them into better baseball players, that’s key for the varsity program,” said Reiniger. “The other thing that’s key for these seventh and eighth graders is helping them develop into good young men. They already have an outstanding attitude, every single one of these guys wants to be here; everybody that made the team was making the play and that shows their dedication to baseball, they’ve been working over the winter.”

Reiniger has coached junior varsity soccer for South Portland, varsity basketball for Cheverus, seventh grade Cape Elizabeth baseball and was looking for a change. He is excited for the upcoming season.

“We have a very talented team,” said eighth grader Ryan Manning. “We just need to focus on the game that’s ahead of us and don’t focus on anything else; skill-wise, this is a very talented group of young men.”

According to Reiniger, it’s a team game, but individualized. Baseball is a game of mistakes, and you coach through the mistakes. He wants to make them better baseball players and develop them as a team.

Softball

Katherine Parsons is also a first-year coach for Windham Middle School’s softball team.

She said one of her goals is to assess the player's abilities and continue the process of building their arsenal of skills, along with instilling a deeper love for the game, that will carry them into being able to play at the next level.

“My philosophy is that we are people first; and that our team should be our softball family,” said Parsons. “I think the most important thing is to recognize that you have to meet kids where they are. I hope the kids continue to hone their skills, develop an even bigger love of the game, and appreciate them for what they bring to the table, both on the field, and off the field.”

Parsons’ love of softball sparked an interest in more in-depth parts of the game. She was a writer for the website “Fansided,” where she followed players in the minor leagues and assessed the likelihood of them advancing their careers.

“I just want us to have fun,” said eighth grader Audrey Libby. “We gained a lot of seventh graders which is helpful. We have a lot of people who really love to play softball, so it should be fun with all of us together.”

Outdoor track and field

Windham eighth grader Lila Miller has a goal of beating her personal record in the mile run. She says participating in outdoor track helps her build up her endurance for other sports, along with making new friends.

“For some of these kids, this is an introduction,” said WMS boys’ outdoor track and field coach Aaron Talon. “They’re getting a taste of what there is to offer for the outdoor track experience.”

Middle school track offers three different events kids can choose from on a meet day. Participating at the middle school level gives them a nice overview of what’s available if they choose to continue at the high school level.

“My goal for every season is to make sure our athletes are having a great time,” said WMS girls’ outdoor track and field coach Jason Lanoie. “It’s not about winning every event; it’s about the athletes achieving their personal best.”

Lanoie wants all his athletes to try new events and push their boundaries. Trying something new may lead to a different experience for their track career when they get to high school.

Both Talon and Lanoie say that they want WMS athletes to be prepared for the next level, to compete at the best of their ability and be part of a team that they’re proud of. <

Windham girls’ lacrosse drops Massabesic in preseason scrimmage

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham High varsity girls’ lacrosse team played their first preseason match against Massabesic in Waterboro on Monday, April 7. WHS jumped out to a strong start early and commanded the field in the first half, where they scored over a half-dozen goals. Their defense held back the Mustangs to earn a 13-5 win.

Windham freshman Brooklyn Roy makes her way by
Massabesic opponents during a preseason girls' lacrosse
scrimmage at Massabesic High School in Waterboro
on Monday, April 7. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

The Lady Eagles open the regular season on Thursday, April 17 against Kennebunk.

“It was our first scrimmage against somebody else, which was great,” said Windham girls’ lacrosse head coach Matt Perkins. “You really don’t know; we’ve been on half field, we’ve been in the parking lot, so to have a full field ... for the first time, I thought they played hard, played well. Definitely the effort was great, the hustle was great and even when we dropped the ball, kids hustled to get after it, they didn’t hang their head, that’s encouraging. We could do a better job passing the ball on the edges and not taking chances and throwing it away. I love the effort and the attitude has been phenomenal.”

Within a matter of seconds of the preseason matchup, Windham senior Grace Joly scored. Then junior Neve Ledbetter found the back of the net. Windham had control of the field, and their defense kept back Massabesic.

Windham was first to the ball and scored again and again throughout the first half. Freshman Brooklyn Roy scored, then junior Abby Trainor found the back of the net. Junior Olivia McPherson scored before the end of the first quarter and WHS led, 5-0.

Trainor said the team had worked on wall-ball during the winter as well as spent time in the weight room. This had improved their chemistry while uniting and strengthening skills before the start of preseason. Trainor said their transition went really well; they connected on passes and moved the ball down the field, seeing those open players to pass to.

The second quarter saw a procession of WHS players who found the back of the net. Windham led 9-2 halfway through the game.

“We definitely put in the work through the preseason, we were working hard every single day; that showed today and will put us in a good place for the upcoming games,” said Roy. “The hard work we’ve put in in the past week enabled this win. Everyone has been showing up and putting in the effort. I thought our transitions were really good. We got the ball down the field really fast and that helped us score goals more.”

Windham pressured at the start of the second half. Their defense remained strong, and they continued to move the ball quickly.

Massabesic’s defense improved in the second half, and it made a small comeback, but it was not enough as Ledbetter scored again. McPherson and Trainor did as well toward the end of the game. Windham’s defense remained excellent right up until the final buzzer.

“We’ve been working extremely hard over the past week of preseason,” said Ledbetter. “We come out really hard, step right on that field and we are completely in that lacrosse mindset. It definitely shows for the rest of the season that we can come out and win and be powerful as a team and have each other’s backs. Our defense really stepped up; we’re learning new stuff all the time ... we rose to the occasion and played extremely well.” <

WHS grad Gerry continues to show softball skills at University of Rhode Island

By Matt Pascarella

An impressive pitcher since she was young, Windham High School 2024 graduate Brooke Gerry left quite a mark on the field. She achieved 500 career strikeouts, helped Windham win their first state championship in 2023, and was named 2024 Miss Maine Softball – just to name a few of her accomplishments.

Windham High graduate Brooke Gerry winds up to pitch
for the University of Rhode Island during a college
softball game against the University of Dayton on Sunday
March 23 in Kingston, Rhode Island.
PHOTO BY JAY RUZICKA 

Now a freshman at the University of Rhode Island majoring in psychology with plans to become a sports psychologist, she is playing Division I softball and has spent a fair amount of time in the circle early in her college career.

“URI has a strong team, and we are going to be competing every game to end the season on a positive note,” said Gerry. “College is a whole different level of softball, especially at the Division I level. The hitters are a lot better, and the umpire's strike zone is definitely tighter. The college level is a lot more fun, however. My teammates are supporting me in every pitch, and I know they have my back.”

So far, Gerry has had the opportunity to start a game during her first collegiate preseason softball tournament at Western Carolina University in North Carolina. She likes that she’s been able to take the field with URI teammates who want to compete and play for a purpose.

“I was very excited to see Brooke come in as a freshman and help contribute in the circle for our team,” said teammate and URI senior Emily Power. “I love the amount of fresh energy and determination she instantly brings. Coming into her first year of college softball, this role has made her not only stronger but a leader on our pitching staff. The other freshmen in her class look up to Brooke, and know she is someone they can count on, on and off the field. She is the type of pitcher who wants the ball in her hand and wants to come in and shut batters down.”

Power said that by the time Gerry is a senior, she will uplift the program and create an excellent culture for the future of URI Softball.

At the age of 4, Gerry began playing softball and by 6 she was in the circle. She comes from a softball family where both her mom and sister played. Her family has supported her throughout her entire career.

“Growing up around softball has given me a lot of relationships that give me support no matter what,” said Gerry. In college these relationships have helped me because I know how much support I have behind me no matter how far away from home that I am.”

Gerry said being coached by Fred Wilcox at the national level is what best prepared her to play collegiately. At the travel-ball national level, she was exposed to high-level competition and learned the adjustments she had to make to succeed at that level.

While Gerry played for Windham High varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner, she learned to stay within yourself, and to not listen to what others say about her or her performance.

This summer, Gerry will be coaching for the New England Elite travel team. Her sister will be coaching a 12-under team, while Gerry and her mom will coach a 14-under team along with Fred and Ella Wilcox.

According to Gerry, success is not about how much money you make, or awards won. She says that success is feeling accomplished within yourself and feeling proud of what you’ve done in life, whether it be in the classroom or on the field.

“One thing I know about Brooke is she is a competitor and holds herself accountable when she is in the circle,” said URI softball coach Michael Coutts. “She also works very hard and knows that she has things she can be better at. She is very unselfish and is willing to do whatever we need from her.” <

Her Mainely Girl Adventures: Fly Fishing Tips for Beginners

By Staci Warren

I’m no expert, but I love fly fishing for brook trout and salmon. When our favorite spot became artificial lures only, I decided to try fly fishing despite not knowing anything about it. The rods we used were long, heavy, and super flexed and casting was an all-out effort. We spent more time changing out flies than actually catching fish, so we got a lot of practice tying knots. In short, it was all trial and lots of errors, once we had success it was all the sweeter. Being a novice can be challenging, so I’ve shared some tips to help you get started.

Staci Warren recommends plenty of
practice for anyone new to fly
fishing in Maine and shares some
tips to help those just starting out
in the sport. COURTESY PHOTO

If you buy nothing else, buy a better beginner fly rod: a combo to take the guesswork out of buying and will prevent casting bad habits. My first better rod was an 8 foot, 5 to 6 weight, 2-piece combo that now costs around $149; however, I recently found one major outdoor retailer has a similar one for $59. Ten years later, I still use my combo along with my 9 foot, 6 weight., 4-piece ($169) combo. 

Major outdoor retailers have similar options within the same price range, so it’s not that hard to find a beginner outfit. I recommend buying an extra spool or matching reel for a sinking line if you plan to fish a river or do some trolling; most combos come with floating line.

I first used a traditional cloth vest, but now I use a small harness-style chest pack that can be bought for almost the same amount as a cloth vest, and it has everything at my fingertips. These types of pack give you more freedom to move than the full-size vest packs and are cooler to wear in the summer. Mine has a rod holder and all the tools are on zips. I am still guilty of cramming too much in it, but it makes changing a fly or tippet on the river easier.

If you plan to fish a river, or wade a shallow pond, buy a pair of waders that fit. Good waders are not cheap, but I quickly learned that sweating in a pair of men’s rubber waders with size 11 boots for my size 8 feet is no fun and fishing in freezing spring water with my sneakers doesn’t cut it either. 

If you can’t buy your “dream pair,” at least make sure they fit properly and that you can wear fleece pants and wool socks under them for the early season freezing waters. A good breathable pair of stocking foot waders with separate pair of boots is my preference.

The net may seem insignificant, but it’s hard to land a fish without a net. For years, I netted my catch with a $14 wooden net. The net was barely big enough for a decent salmon, and the fly hooks got tangled in the black netting. 

Thinking I finally found a better net, last year, I doled out a whopping $34 for an aluminum one with a rubber net. It hung low on my back but was bigger than the wooden one. I think I used it twice before it disappeared, presumably down the river last fall. I’m back to using one of the wooden nets I kept as backup. For my birthday, I’ve asked for an upgrade!

Understanding the hatch cycle will help you determine what flies to use and when to use them.

While everyone has an opinion, here’s what I have had the most success using. Early spring on the river, use streamers or nymph setup using sinking line. Woolly Buggers (size 8 olive or black) with a tan, beadhead Hare’s Ear Flashback nymph (size 10 or 12) tied 18 inches down, or using a Black Ghost, will yield ice-out salmon.

Early season, we troll for native brook trout on the pond using sinking line and one of the following: Black Ghost, Grey Ghost, Mickey Finn, or Maple Syrup (red or white). Save the floating line and dry flies for May trout fishing. My favorites are (size 10 or 12) Mosquito, Black Gnat, Blue Wing Olive, Elk Hair Caddis and Adams. I recommend buying a dozen nymphs and six each of the others to start the season off.

It’ll be hard but try to avoid the lure of filling your box with flies you won’t need. Don’t forget extra tippet and leader, and practice, practice, practice: “Hello, It’s for You” casting! Remember, any fly fisherman at some point was a beginner. Wherever you fish, be safe, know the laws, and have a great season!

-- Staci Warren provides a unique woman’s perspective and column on the outdoors every month. She is a freelance writer whose blog, My Mainely Girl Adventures, is about a woman hunting, fishing, trapping, foraging and living in the Maine outdoors. She also loves camping, star gazing, wildlife watching, and hunting for fossils. She’s an active member and board member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association and is a monthly columnist and feature writer for The Maine Sportsman Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring women hunters and trappers. <

WHS pitchers, catchers preparing for strong seasons

By Matt Pascarella

Last week was the start of Windham High’s varsity baseball and softball pitchers and catcher’s practices and the teams are rounding into shape.

Windham High senior Caden McCartney, center, throws
some pitches during a practice session for baseball and 
softball pitchers and catchers indoors at WHS on March 25.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Both teams got things going at Windham High School on Tuesday, March 25 and since a lot of players had been throwing or catching prior to the start of preseason, their preparation was evident as they got ready for the upcoming season.

Baseball

“It’s a big week for building attitude and character,” said Windham varsity baseball coach Chris Doughty on the first day of practice for pitchers and catchers.

By just the fourth day of pitchers and catchers practice Doughty said he thought WHS pitchers were well conditioned and had been working hard in the offseason. Doughty and his coaches said they are ingraining a team-first attitude for the players. The only name that matters is the one on the front of their shirt, not the back.

WHS pitcher Caden McCartney, a senior, first began pitching in Little League. This week his accuracy has improved, and he’s pitched to a variety of catchers with strong skillsets.

“Everyone has been working very hard,” said McCartney. “Everyone has been putting in a full effort and taking the throwing really serious. Catchers are all working really hard; they look good, like they want to play.”

Veteran player Cam Davis, a senior, stepped up and volunteered to be behind the plate as a catcher, although he’d never played there before. It was a huge example of leadership and an excellent example of putting the team first, Doughty said.

“It’s not as hard as it seems to be, but I’m definitely ready to keep learning it,” said Davis, who caught in his first bullpen on Tuesday, March 25. “I’m trying not to get in my head as much, breathe, talk it out with my teammates. This year I feel like it’s going to be different; there’s a great team chemistry.”

The WHS baseball season opens at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25 against Biddeford at Windham High School.

Softball

Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner said her goal this early in the season was to see where the girls are fitness-wise. She knows many of them have been working in the offseason in preparation for the spring.

“It’s been going absolutely phenomenal,” said Gardiner on the fourth day of practice. “You can’t ask for more with a group of kids. It’s really nice to see the team bonding that we’ve already put in place four days in.”

Windham senior Kennedy Kimball will be in the pitching circle this season and catching for her will be WHS senior Stella Jarvais. They have been working together as pitcher-catcher duo since Little League and have a real strong sense of how to communicate with each other.

“It feels really good to be back in here and pitching full for a longer period of time and to be able to throw to Stella,” said Kimball. “It’s really nice to start that process of communication, we know what counts work the best, what pitches worked, it is easy since I’ve thrown to her for so long.”

Kimball said she sees the team is coming together and has gotten back in the swing of things.

“We just have this insane chemistry that honestly I’ve never had with another pitcher,” said Jarvais. “Just being able to have someone who understands you as a pitcher and vice versa. We talked through her pitching and when I’m able to be in her ear, like ‘oh you’re doing a great job’ that helps her confidence.”

The more they are practicing together as a team and the more Jarvais hears what Coach Gardiner tells her, the more prepared she feels each and every day, she said.

The WHS softball begins at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25 against Bonny Eagle at Windham High. <

Windham graduate takes lacrosse skills to college-level games

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2022 graduate Logan Campbell grew up playing Windham Youth Lacrosse and is now competing in the sport in college at Southern New Hampshire University.

Windham High graduate and Southern New Hampshire
University junior Logan Campbell stays alert during a 
men's lacrosse game against Felician University in
February. Since graduating from Windham High School,
Campbell has majored in construction management with
a minor in finance while showing he's a skilled leader
on the field for SNHU. PHOTO BY JIM STANKIEWICZ

Campbell began playing in fourth grade and grew to love lacrosse. Now a junior in college, Campbell is majoring in construction management and minoring in finance. After college, he hopes to have a job working for a commercial construction company.

“He has always shown a positive approach to everything he does on and off the field,” said Paul Calkins, SNHU men’s lacrosse coach. “Logan began showing leadership qualities this season. When we talk about ‘glue guys’ and ‘SNHU guys’ he is the first name that pops up with our staff. He is the first guy to the building for meetings, lift and practice. His best quality is his calm presence. There is nothing that rattles him. He has always sets an example of ‘if you work hard your opportunities will come.’”

Campbell says that he loves the challenge of playing in every college game, along with the preparation for playing in those games.

One of the reasons he chose SNHU was because his friend and Windham graduate Travis Brown also goes to school there. He and Brown grew up playing Windham Youth Lacrosse which eventually transitioned into them playing for the varsity team at Windham High School.

When Campbell visited SNHU, Brown, now a senior on SNHU’s men’s lacrosse team, introduced him to members of the team and Campbell said he felt welcomed knowing that this place would be his spot for the next four years.

“Logan and I were very close throughout our youth,” Brown said. “His dad was our first lacrosse coach. We have been playing lacrosse together since as long as I can remember. He reached out to me for advice in his recruiting process. Of course, I helped him as much as I could, but at the end of the day, I was pushing him to join me at SNHU.

“Overall, I thought he’d fit in well at SNHU educationally and athletically and would love to have him on my team for another three years,” said Brown. “Logan is a great leader on the field. Logan is 110 percent focused on his craft and wants to better himself every chance he gets. I’ve seen this rubbing off on the younger defenders around him. Seeing a lifelong friend in front of you makes you want to work that much harder.”

Peter Small, Windham’s varsity boys’ lacrosse coach, prepared Campbell for collegiate lacrosse by teaching him that your stick skills can never be the best no matter who you are, and he also showed him how to be a good teammate on and off the field.

Campbell said playing for a college team is always a grind. But there is a good culture at SNHU and especially this year, he said. The team hangs out together outside of lacrosse and there’s never a dull moment.

He loves working hard for things and Campbell is addicted to the process of improving his game, whether that be in the gym, running or stick work. Playing time is not guaranteed in college, it’s granted. Any day you take off, your competitors are getting better than you.

“I define success as doing the little things on a daily basis and having discipline,” said Campbell. “Fall in love with the process, and the success will come along with it. If you have discipline and know you have to do something when you don't want to, you will succeed.” <

Youth Baseball Clinic helps younger players learn new skills

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s varsity baseball team conducted its final week of a youth baseball clinic at Windham High School on Sunday, March 23 and called it a success as both varsity and younger players gear up for exciting seasons.

Windham fifth grader Jacoby Penney keeps his focus on the
ball while in the batting cage at Windham High School
during the Windham Youth Baseball Clinic on
Sunday, March 23. PHOTO BY MATT PASSCARELLA   

This six-week clinic is a perfect opportunity for youth to work on the skills of the game, while learning new techniques from current Windham High varsity baseball players and coaches.

“To practice and get better for a new season is why I’m here,” said Windham fifth-grader Alex McGonagle. “It helps me to get better and more in shape for the new season. I’ve learned how to control the ball more and hit better. I’ve learned how to just scoop the ball up when you’re running. It feels like you are one of the varsity players when practicing with them – my dream is to play varsity – they inspire me so much that I want to pursue my career in baseball and become a Major League Baseball player. Thanks to the community for letting us come here and learn so much.”

The youth clinic was broken up into three sections: infield/outfield, pitching and hitting.

“The goal of the clinic is it goes right in line with the culture and perspective of our program so we’re trying to build everything from the ground up,” said Windham High varsity baseball coach Chris Doughty. “That starts with T-ball, AA, AAA, Little League, Middle School until eventually they make it to the end goal for us which is them being at the varsity level.”

The varsity team emphasizes their culture, making sure younger players have characteristics of what they want in their program like positive attitude, hustle and good character.

When Doughty first started participating in these clinics three years ago, they had 30 kids sign up, and this year there were about 70 kids who participated.

Doughty said Windham baseball is on people’s minds, and they want to be a part of what the varsity program is doing and that starts at the youth level.

“I need the extra help to get better and I’m learning new fundamentals and skills to be just as good when the baseball season starts up,” said Windham fifth-grader Jacoby Penney. “I’m working towards playing varsity baseball.”

It's good life experience for varsity players and Doughty tells them before every single clinic that the younger kids look up to them. “You’re their heroes, talk to them, instruct, but most importantly give them your time because that goes a long way,” he said.

Doughty wants them to remember what it felt like when varsity players were young and a varsity player worked with them, and how cool that felt.

“It gives us a chance to give out our knowledge to these younger players and it boosts our program as a whole and teaches these kids essential lessons that they need starting out,” said Windham varsity senior Joshua Plummer. “The idea is we teach them what we know and by the time they are our age, they’ll already be ahead of the game. This helps us with our game the way we field the ball ... it’s good to teach them the things that I know. It feels great to be able to share knowledge in a sport that I know and am passionate about – this is a really fun thing for me; I really enjoy working with these kids.”

It's been a great six weeks for the varsity players and the coaches. Participants have seen steady improvement in at least one area of a youth player’s game.

Varsity players say that it feels great for the team to be able to give back to the community. <

WHS graduate leads by example for Saint Joseph’s lacrosse

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2023 graduate Reed Wescott has had a love for lacrosse since his dad introduced him to the game in fourth grade.

Windham's Reed Wescott makes a save for Saint Joseph's 
College during a men's lacrosse game at Salve Regina 
University in Rhode Island last October. 
PHOTO BY JAIME RANGER  

In his very first game, a goalie was needed and Wescott volunteered without giving it a second thought. Now a sophomore at Saint Joseph’s College earning a degree in history/political science with a pre-law track, Wescott is now the goalie for the Saint Joseph’s College men’s lacrosse team, showing his skill and positive character as a teammate and player.

“To be given this opportunity to go to school and be able to play a sport I have been working at my whole life has made me stick with it,” said Wescott. I would be a completely different person than I am right now if it wasn't for this sport and the people I met through it. For me, lacrosse has been an outlet to let go of anything that was bothering me off the field; I knew no matter what day I was having, I could go to practice and leave it all out on the field with me.”

Playing lacrosse at WHS under Coach Peter Small taught Wescott how to overcome and deal with adversity, both on and off the field, he said.

Being able to go out onto the field and adapt to any changes that can occur during the game is a skill that Wescott cherishes from Small.

Saint Joseph’s College men’s lacrosse coach Matt Gilbert said that Wescott’s commitment and leadership skills have earned him the privilege of being selected to serve on the team’s leadership council. The goal of the council is to spread leadership throughout the team so if a teammate needs help, there are team leaders who they can go to besides the main captains.

“Playing goalie in our sport is very tough and the leap from high school lacrosse to our level is a jump for anyone,” said Gilbert. “Reed made that jump look easy at times. He's a fierce friend, devoted teammate and hardworking member of our team. He is intensely focused and works hard to prepare for game days and knows what it takes to be successful in those moments.

“He also has an ever-present and potent sense of humor and is always willing to lend a listening ear to his teammates,” Gilbert said. “He not only supports them emotionally but also is helping to scout shooters and organize our defensive efforts in real time whether on the field, on the sideline or in the film room.”

Wescott has put up some impressive numbers in his short tenure on the team. During this freshman year, he had 21 saves in a game against Emmanuel College in Massachusetts. The Monks went on to win 15-7 in an important Conference Game. Wescott had 147 saves, and 32 ground balls tallied his first year.

In a recent home game against Gordon College on Wednesday, March 19, he had 11 saves; and the Monks won 7-6.

His advice to anyone looking to play a sport in college is to never stop pushing yourself.

“If you get the chance to play collegiately, don’t take it for granted,” Wescott said. “Take every opportunity you are given and give it everything you’ve got with no regrets.”

His teammates have noticed his strong work ethic.

“Reed has been a leader on our team since day one,” said Saint Joseph’s College senior teammate Anthony Samiotes. “He was a freshman who had no fear speaking up in team huddles or making his voice heard to our upperclassmen. Reed is a very supportive and positive teammate. When in a close game, having a solid goalie is incredibly important, and Reed is always up to the task.” <

Players work on fundamentals during Windham Youth Softball Clinic

By Matt Pascarella

Every year, the varsity softball team runs youth clinics for kids in Windham and surrounding areas as an opportunity for younger players to get to know coaches and learn from the older varsity players.

Windham High School varsity softball player Kennedy
Kimball instructs an group of younger players in fundamental
skills during the Windham Youth Softball Clinic at Windham
High on March 16. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

The clinic lasts six weeks and is open to ages 6 to 12. Their second-to-last clinic of the year was conducted at Windham High School on Sunday, March 16. It was a great opportunity for younger players to learn more about the mechanics of the game while also having fun and getting to know the WHS coaches and varsity players.

“It's important for me as a high school coach to empower my athletes and I think putting them in situations where they can lead and teach youth athletes gives them more confidence when they step onto the high school field,” said Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “I get to know the kids and probably more importantly they get to know me and the high school athletes. My goal is to see those girls all come to tryouts their freshman year of high school. It’s important for me as a varsity coach to interact with kids all the way down to coach-pitch, that’s what we had here today. The more girls that we can keep interested in softball then the better our program and culture is as a whole.”

By participating in these softball clinics, when these younger players get to high school, they know exactly what is expected of them and are already familiar with the drills and what they want to get out of each drill they do. The growth that coaches see from the start of the clinic to its finish is tremendous.

Windham catcher Eva Doughty, a fifth grader, said she can’t wait to get better and play this year. At the clinic, Doughty got a chance to catch for a varsity player and she said it was hard but she tried her best and had a lot of fun.

“I have done this clinic years before and I always thought it helped start the season,” said Windham eighth-grader Niyah Cummings, who helped out during the clinic this year. “It helps me build relationships with the high schoolers as well as the younger kids. The varsity high school players are having fun and showing what it’s like to be a ‘big kid’ in the sport they love.”

The clinic is split into three sections: baserunning, fielding and hitting.

Coach Gardiner and the varsity players make it exciting for the younger players with a high level of enthusiasm.

“I love softball, and I love sports in general,” said Windham fifth-grader Colby Sargent. “I’ve just been playing since I was very little. I like how the high schoolers come in because they are very inspiring; we have the potential to be on the varsity team, so they’re basically just teaching us how to be good like them.”

Another positive aspect of the clinic is for the older and younger players to meet and lessen any intimidation that might be there for the younger players. The varsity players also might gain a new fan or two.

Varsity players and Gardiner want younger players to come watch them play. The varsity team also wants to continue to be role models for the community.

“I think it’s a good way for us to see some of the young talent coming up,” said Windham senior varsity player Kennedy Kimball about the clinic. “It’s good for us to see them and for them to meet older girls and to see and get some experience from us as well as have Coach Gardiner be able to look at what’s to come and keep girls in the program. It’s nice to be able to talk to them and know that you’re not just one of the people on the team, and that you actually help them.”

There’s one more clinic left; it will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 23 in the Windham High School gymnasium. The cost to participate is $15. <

WHS graduate Talon successful on both sides of the basketball court

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2020 graduate Hannah Talon has been tenacious on the basketball court since she was little.

Windham High graduate Hannah Talon
was honored as Greater Northeastern
Conference Basketball Tournament
Most Valuable Player in 2023.
PHOTO BY ALLISON TALON 

While earning her degree in exercise science at Saint Joseph’s College she’s been on both sides of the court. When she was injured before her senior year of college, she became a student-assistant coach.

A month before graduation she was asked to officially become an assistant coach of the women’s basketball program, and she has made a big difference.

She is currently attending Merrimack College online pursuing her master’s in clinical mental health counseling. She will continue to coach at Saint Joseph’s College as she works toward her master’s degree. Talon says she would like to build a career in sports psychology, supporting the mental health of athletes on and off the court.

“Hannah was a very strong player for us,” said head Saint Joseph’s College women’s basketball coach Mike McDevitt. “She was a very versatile player; she was a match up nightmare for our opponents. She used her time on the sidelines watching and learning like a coach. Not everyone can make the transition from player to coach and coach players they played with. She has been able to do that without any problem at all. I know when Hannah speaks with a player during a game, they really value her input.”

In third grade, Talon began playing basketball. In the seventh grade, she became passionate about playing the sport.

By eighth grade, she knew she wanted to play college basketball. This realization fueled countless hours of training in the gym. Although she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) twice while in high school, her determination to play at the next level never wavered.

“Playing for the women's basketball team under Coach McDevitt was an incredibly special experience that shaped me both on and off the court,” said Talon. “My time at Windham with Coach Brody Artes laid the foundation for my collegiate career, instilling in me the values of hard work, resilience, and leadership. The lessons I learned extended far beyond basketball, preparing me for the challenges of college athletics and life beyond the game.”

In 2023, the Saint Joseph’s College women’s basketball team won the Greater Northeastern Athletic Conference Championship. Talon finished that game by scoring 27 points and was named as the Conference Tournament’s Most Valuable Player; she says this was one of her most unforgettable moments as a player on the team.

Before her senior year of college, Talon tore her ACL again and made the tough decision to medically retire. She transitioned into a student-assistant coach role in 2024 where she was able to observe the game, and it was an eye-opening experience that gave her a new perspective.

According to Talon, she gained a deeper appreciation for the immense effort that coaches put in behind-the-scenes.

“My journey wouldn’t have been possible without my parents unwavering encouragement, pushing me forward even on the toughest days of recovery,” said Talon. “I also owe a great deal to my physical therapist, Ryan Brown, and my sports psychologist, Jan Veinot. Their expertise and guidance were instrumental in both my physical and mental comeback to basketball.”

During her time on the sidelines, Talon learned that one of the most valuable lessons is patience. She adapts her approach while maintaining a steady and supportive presence. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and it takes time, repetition and encouragement to help athletes reach their full potential.

“I think her ability to take her experiences as a player and implement that into coaching is key,” said teammate and Saint Joseph’s College graduate student Angelica Hurley. “Hannah stepped up in the moments that we needed it most and brought important energy all around. Hannah is a great coach, and I am grateful that I got the opportunity to be coached by her in my last year.”

Talon says that success is the ability to achieve goals while learning and growing from your mistakes along the way. She said life has a way of opening doors you never expected; success looks different for everyone but setting goals, staying disciplined and being consistent are key to making the most of any opportunity. <

Four Windham seniors sign college athletic letters of intent

By Matt Pascarella

Four Windham seniors signed their letters of intent at Windham High School on Thursday, Feb. 27.

Stella Jarvais will attend the University of Maine Orono to play soccer, Grace Joly will attend Colby-Sawyer in New Hampshire to play lacrosse, Luke Cunniffe will attend Bates in Lewiston to play soccer and Sarah Inman will attend Wheaton College in Massachusetts and be a member of the swimming team.

Windham senior Grace Joly signs a letter of intent to
attend Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire to
play lacrosse and study nursing at the school.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Stella Jarvais

“Stella is the rare, dying breed of a three-sport athlete,” said girls’ varsity soccer coach Deb Lebel. “She’s a tremendous player, but an even better person. Teams have an additional coach when Stella’s their teammate.”

While Jarvais is undecided on her college major, she chose UMaine Orono because of the community environment.

She began playing soccer at a young age through travel and recreational soccer.

Jarvais said it was surreal for her to sign a letter of intent. She reminds underclassmen to remember the process is about what you love and not what people expect from you.

She said she would like to thank all her coaches, teachers, family, and friends that have shown her unconditional love and support through the years.

Grace Joly

Joly will major in nursing at Colby-Sawyer College and might eventually work in pediatrics.

She began playing lacrosse when she was 4 because her club coach, Taylor Colangelo, was a referee for her games.

“It’s amazing to sign the letter of intent,” said Joly. “I feel like people wait for this day and it’s a really good feeling to look in the crowd and see all my family and friends, coaches.”

Her advice to underclassmen is to put in the work and make connections at a college before committing.

“We were afraid she was going to get broken the first time she got hit on the lacrosse field,” said girls’ varsity lacrosse coach Matt Perkins. “Right away she had that smile and personality, and she has really brought our program to a place where everybody is involved.”

Joly said she would like to thank WHS lacrosse coaches Perkins, Babb and Ludka; Coach Colangelo and her parents for everything they’ve done for her.

Luke Cunniffe

“He is a student of the game,” said varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “Anyone that’s watched him and what’s he’s done with our program and how he’s carried himself is so heartwarming.”

Econometrics is what Cunniffe will major in at Bates College and he says that he would like to get a position in finance after that.

Signing a letter of intent was something Cunniffe always saw his friends do and he was grateful to have his moment.

His interest in soccer began during youth sports. He had tried several sports, and soccer quickly became a good outlet for him. He said soccer keeps him making good decisions and motivates him to work hard and to be a good person on and off the field.

His advice to underclassmen is to keep working; keep pushing and working toward their ultimate goal.

“As long as you’re playing the game for the right reasons, and you have people around you supporting you, and motivating you, it’s great,” said Cunniffe.

Cunniffe said he would like to thank his mom, dad, brother Sean, grandmother and his grandfather Bob Witham.

Sarah Inman

Inman says that it felt good for her to sign a letter of intent. She will major in biochemistry at Wheaton College and would like to someday make natural medicine with fewer side effects.

When Inman found swimming, she realized she was naturally born for water. She quickly moved through various swimming groups and pushed herself to do well.

“One of the very few to come through Windham and medal in both the regional championship and the state championship for four years in a row,” said WHS swim coach Peter Small. “She’s an ambassador of the sport and a true leader who approaches everything with grace.”

Her advice to anyone who wants to sign a college athletic letter of intent is to speak the truth and be confident in your choices; do what feels right and know there are people supporting you.

She would like to thank her coaches, teammates and friends who supported her through high school. <

Windham Unified basketball ends season with positivity

By Matt Pascarella

It was a big night for Windham’s Unified basketball team, which joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Monday, March 10 was the last home game of the season and Windham took on Scarborough at home.

Windham junior Zachary O'Brion takes a shot from just 
inside the paint during a Unified basketball game against
Scarborough at Windham High School on Monday,
March 10. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

It was also Senior Night for the Windham Unified team as Devan Kennie, Talia Campobasso, Colby Schmid and Jacob Smith were presented with a gift to thank them and their parents for their time and dedication to Windham Athletics.

The Eagles started strong and held onto their lead until the end of the game, emerging with a 57-41 victory.

“We did good,” said Smith. “Our partners were able to tell us when to not shoot. Talia told me to back down when (it was appropriate). What I saw that went well was we did better at communicating with each other and we did better at helping out our own team. I am so excited that we won that I’ll be thinking about it for a couple days.”

Windham came out strong and moved the ball well. They rebounded and went hard at the hoop. Schmid got a turnover and a basket. Then it was a parade of Windham athletes scoring; there was solid teamwork. The crowd roared in support for all Unified players.

Windham jumped out to a big lead early. Windham junior Mary Jean had a turnover and scored. Junior Zachary O’Brion hit a three-pointer before the end of the half where Windham led 27-18.

“I went around and scored some baskets from the left (side of the court),” said Windham freshman Tristan Stanley, who scored 12 points.

“It felt pretty great to score so much; getting good baskets went well,” Stanley said.

In the second half, Scarborough closed the gap a bit, but Windham was not letting up. Just a few minutes into the second half, Windham led by over 10 points.

Smith sank a three-pointer, and it was nothing but net. Schmid also hit a three-pointer for Windham and scored 15 points in the game.

Windham’s defense kept Scarborough at bay throughout the contest.

WHS Freshman Maddi Small connected for a basket before the final buzzer to end the season on a high note.

“They were really excited for tonight,” said Windham Unified assistant basketball coach Connor McNeil. “They were excited for Senior Night. We do usually come out to a pretty good lead; the problem has been holding on to it. They did a really good job playing with energy today. They really passed the ball pretty well. We saw a couple give-and-goes which we’ve worked on in practice, that I haven’t seen in the game, so we were pretty pleased to see that. It’s a great team; they play with a lot of energy, and they have a lot of fun. I think the most important thing about Unified basketball is it brings the community together. We had a big event at school to encourage people to come, we had a good turnout – I think Senior Night means a lot to them for that reason. It’s really nice for us to win, so we’re really happy to see everybody come out and support us; that means a lot to us and to the players.”

McNeil said Unified sports are inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. <

Windham varsity basketball coach Pulkkinen earns 100 career wins

By Matt Pascarella

Before winning his second straight boys’ state basketball championship, Windham High varsity basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen notched his 100th career win during the state semifinal game against Portland on Thursday, Feb. 20 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, just 10 years after becoming the team’s head coach.

Windham High varsity boys' basketball coach is interviewed
after his team won the state championship defeating South
Portland on Saturday, March 1. Pulkkinen posted his
100th career victory earlier in the state playoffs 
during the state semifinals against Portland.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to coach and to play a small role in the success of the kids at Windham,” said Pulkkinen. “It (100 wins) means I’ve had the privilege of working with so many great young men who share the same passion for basketball that I do. Our culture has been a priority from the very beginning. The true foundation of our program is the people within it—starting with my assistant coaches. They are instrumental in shaping our culture, embodying the same character, work ethic, and attitude we expect from our players.”

Pulkkinen has always had a personal goal of giving back to the town where he grew up. He is grateful for the opportunity to do so.

After college, Pulkkinen got the opportunity to achieve a lifelong goal – to play basketball professionally. He was invited to several pro-camps where he was scouted internationally and selected by the Northampton Neptunes in England. He was involved in the team’s developmental program, working with nearly 400 kids from ages 8 to 16 teaching them basketball. It has become one of the most enriching experiences of his career.

“Working with Chad, and the rest of this staff, is one of the most rewarding parts of my life,” said Windham assistant coach Geoff Grigsby. “Chad, specifically, is why I wanted to join the program in the first place. Watching a couple years of him coaching at WHS showed he had a lot of potential as a coach. I appreciate the culture he's built and the relationships that will last a lifetime because of his leadership far more.”

In 2015, it was Pat Moody who recruited Pulkkinen for the WHS head coaching position. Pulkkinen and his wife had just had their second child and coaching wasn’t on his mind. Although hesitant, Moody could sense this and continued insisting he could excel in the coaching role. Eventually, Pulkkinen took the job and says that he’s glad he did.

“From the start, Pat set me up for success, including introducing me to two incredible assistant coaches who had already been part of the program: Peter Brown and George McCrillis,” said Pulkkinen. “They are two of the best people in this town. I was fortunate to have their experience and guidance in those early years.”

McCrillis is still coaching with him today alongside three other coaches including Grigsby, Noah Estey and Chris Sargent.

“It’s hard for me to explain what a big part (coaching) is in my life,” said McCrillis. “It’s more than just basketball; it’s the kids, it’s the relationships, it’s their families, the community – and that really starts with Chad. We demand high standards and good sportsmanship. To us it’s about the big picture ... it’s not just about wins and losses (for Chad) and trying to feed our own personal egos. He talked about this right from the get-go that he wanted to develop a culture in Windham that Windham would become known throughout the state as a basketball town.”

Pulkkinen was so intensely focused on the team’s success that McCrillis had to remind him the semifinals victory was his 100th win.

Basketball is a vehicle for life and Pulkkinen, along with his coaches, want players to leave the program feeling prepared for life’s challenges through basketball. The game teaches invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. It means a lot to him to know that he has played a small part in his players’ success, hopefully, has had a positive impact in their journey.

“The impact that he has on us is tremendous, he builds confidence in us on the court as people, students, children,” said senior AJ Moody. “He’s the best coach I’ve ever had; he pushes us through walls to make us the team we were during the State Championships.” <

German foreign exchange student excels on basketball court

By Matt Pascarella

Windham foreign exchange junior Eduard Pertuch played soccer growing up in Germany. Now as part of the Foreign Exchange program at Windham High School for the 2024-2025 school year, he played on the WHS junior varsity basketball team this winter and also played American football for the first time during the fall season.

Windham foreign exchange student Eduard Pertuch, a junior,
navigates his way through Deering players during a JV
basketball game at Windham High School on Friday, Feb. 7.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“Going all the way back to tryouts, Edi's leadership, character, and positivity were captivating,” said Windham boys JV basketball coach Noah Estey. “He has only been playing for two to three years, but he consistently came to me wanting more coaching and feedback because he was extremely motivated. He consistently asked what he could continue to work on to become the best player he could, both for this year and for when he returns to Germany. His work ethic was second to none and was one of our most important players this year due to his leadership, work ethic and contagious positivity.”

Windham is a much bigger school than Pertuch is used to, but he’s enjoyed his time on the court and in the classroom. He likes that there are more and more people to meet and different things to experience.

While he struggled a little at first, he quickly adapted.

“I really like the community,” said Pertuch. “They picked me up from day one, everybody was really, really friendly.”

In Germany, basketball is very popular. Pertuch is a big fan, and it was one of the main reasons he wanted to come to the United States was to experience how Americans played the game.

“It’s an amazing program,” said Pertuch of Windham’s basketball program. “I really love that from the first steps they took to putting a team together that you can trust on the court and off the court. I love competing, I love competition ... seeing your friends out there ... just makes me happy and makes the team happy. It was a great experience.”

Coach Estey said Pertuch was a pleasure to work with and coach. They had many good conversations about the difference between how the game is played in Germany versus how it’s played in the United States.

It’s not an easy adjustment to make coming into a program with student-athletes who have been in the program playing together for years.

According to Windham sophomore and Pertuch’s basketball teammate Sam Redlon, he is one of the kindest, generous, and friendliest people he’s ever met; an outstanding teammate who makes others around him better with his positivity and never gives up on the team.

Redlon said it was fun to play basketball with him. Pertuch was a mentor, a team guy and it was good to have his knowledge at Windham.

“I had him as a teammate for both football and basketball and no one cared more and cheered harder for his teammates than Edi did this year,” said Windham freshman Boston Krainis. “It was impressive to watch how quickly Edi picked up American football after never having been exposed to it. In basketball he was a willing shooter, diving on the floor and celebrating with his teammates. One time the referee misunderstood his enthusiasm and gave him a technical foul. The entire team declared him the happiest person to ever get a technical. The season was much better with him on the team.”

Pertuch says he wants to thank his coaches for their kindness, time and the effort they put in and gives a special thanks to Coach Estey for his patience and to the team for all they’ve done for him. He’s grateful for everything and this was a season he won’t forget.” <

Windham boys’ basketball eliminates Edward Little in regional finals

By Matt Pascarella

After knocking out Portland in the semifinals 65-56, the Windham High School Eagles advanced for the third time in recent history to the regional final on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. Second-place Windham took down fourth-place Edward Little, 55-49.

Windham sophomore Colin Janvrin gets a shot off in time 
during the regional boys' basketball final against Edward
Little at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on Feb. 22. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“It means a lot (to head back to the state championship) ... this is an awesome feeling,” said Windham sophomore Colin Janvrin. “I’m super excited to get on that state championship floor and ball out again. We weren’t really nervous because we’ve been here before and ... we were ready for this. I think (Edward Little) built up a lot of their team chemistry and they got a lot better throughout the whole season, so props to them. We just stayed through and fought through. AJ (Moody) played great defense on (Edward Little’s Maiwen) Diing; he’s a great player and AJ shut him down really well. Everybody on the offensive end just moving the ball around and finding whoever’s hot – getting it done. I think we just got to move the ball around and find our good shots instead of forcing shots on offense. They were playing really good defense, and we got to work around it.”

Edward Little jumped out in front early on. After Windham junior Tyrie James sank a three-pointer, the game got closer. Windham defense went hard after the Eddies.

Windham sophomore Colin Janvrin hit a three-pointer. The game remained tight; not all Windham shots fell. Eagle defense caused several turnovers. Moody had a three-point buzzer beater at the half and Windham led, 23-19.

“It was our best basketball that was needed to win, and, in these games, anything can happen,” said Windham boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “The guys did a great job holding their composure. I think our team is as united as it’s been, which is important especially down the stretch when you miss some foul shots and adversity hits ... all kinds of bad things can happen, and I think our team was ready for those moments. We have great kids who have great experience, it just makes it easy for me as a coach. They were super hungry for it ... we had to come out and match that energy that they wanted revenge; we wanted to make sure we were prepared for that. I thought we rebounded the ball really well; I thought AJ played about as good as you can on Diing. AJ is the best defender in the state, and he stepped up to that challenge today, AJ wanted that challenge, and he took it. Diing is an unbelievable player, and AJ is an unbelievable defender, so I just thought that matchup was fun to watch.”

Windham senior Braycen Freese hit a three-pointer in the second half. More Windham shots were falling, and they led by 10.

But Edward Little was catching up. Windham senior Joseph Blige picked up a turnover and passed to Janvrin who sank a three-pointer.

As the clock ticked away, the game remained tight in the fourth quarter. Six points separated the teams with 2:38 left. With 34 seconds left, three points separated the teams. Janvrin hit two crucial foul shots to expand the WHS lead.

Windham then held down the Eddies until the final buzzer to win their second regional championship.

“It means a lot (to be going to another state championship),” said Moody. “Battling through adversity ... knowing what it takes and executing at practice. I’m proud of us all, I love all my brothers, our community loves us. After a bucket, after a steal, after a rebound, after a timeout, they’re there cheering ... you have our whole community roaring when a three-pointer goes up – they’re there to support us. What we executed in practice (led to this win); practice is our main focus all the time. I’m proud of these guys – rebounding is a main factor, Diing what a great player he is ... I thought we executed pretty well. (Edward Little) came a long way – what a great team they’ve become. We just saw that, and we had to take another step, another level to beat this team; we did a great job at that. Boxing out, trying to rebound (went well). We just need to get back on defense ... transition defense, help-side defense, getting to our spots and after that we’re golden.” <

Her Mainely Girl Adventures: The Curse of the Sunday Buck

By Staci Warren

I have been hunting for 16 years now, and although I’ve gotten my Grand Slam, I still don’t have a Big Buck Club patch. In fact, I’ve never harvested a deer bigger than 8 points. As many hunters do, I dream about shooting a big buck, but I’ve yet to figure out the secret to being at the right place at the right time. I scout. I hunt the wind. I try to be scent-free. I use buck lure and calls and try to be as quiet as possible. And when that doesn’t produce, I change it up by not using any call or lure at all. I hunt every morning and afternoon that my schedule allows, including sitting in the rain.

Staci Warren took a photo of this buck that she observed in 
Maine on a Sunday when hunting was not permitted during
deer season last fall. PHOTO BY STACI WARREN

I watch deer all season but the last three years, deer seemed to disappear as soon as rifle season started. The rut season seemed almost non-existent, with a handful of does moving early mornings and evenings.

Last year, three smaller bucks sporadically showed up on my cameras. I really thought there were no big bucks where I was hunting. With no intention on shooting a little buck, I started calling the curled spikehorn, Loki, and the young buck with a tall-webbed antler, Crab Claw. I had not seen Big Guy, the ten-point buck that had been in area for the last three years, until September and then I didn’t see him again all season. After seeing more big bucks than ever, tagged at the nearby store and posted on Facebook, I assumed Big Guy was one of them.

Prior to the season, I had moved stands. I moved cameras so that deer wouldn’t try to avoid them. Then once the season started, I bow-hunted and then rifle-hunted moving to different spots miles apart when I felt like I was over-hunting a spot. It didn’t seem to matter. All I ever saw were a few does, and spikehorn bucks.

Then came the first Sunday sighting. My husband, John, was checking his beaver traps. On his way back he spotted a big buck just staring at him. All he could do was watch him walk away. No rifle as it was Sunday.

The second Sunday buck arrived right after a rainstorm. A big eight-pointer with no brow tines showed for one day, during prime morning shooting hours when I would be sitting in my stand had it not been Sunday. He was a monster, and it was the first and last time I saw him on my camera.

Two weeks later, a small buck showed up 6:40 a.m. – when I’d be sitting in my stand had it not been Sunday. It ate acorns for a good half hour. That same morning, a big wide ten-point buck had strolled right by my stand at 6:04 a.m., before legal shooting hours.

Rifle season ended with no deer. I purchased a muzzleloader permit and spent the next two weeks chasing the dream of a big buck. Every time a buck showed up, I would be so excited that when the alarm went off at 4:30 a.m. it was like the first day of hunting season all over again.

The next Sunday a buck chasing a doe filled my camera, which was also the first real rut action I had seen all season. I continued to see deer on my camera, but now they were strictly night images.

My season ended with seeing eight doe, two spikehorns, and a tall eight-pointer that I saw from my four- wheeler while checking traps. And of course, the bucks came back for a show once the season ended…on Sunday and every day after, of course.

Although I may not have harvested a buck, I’ve learned a lot about deer behavior—that they really do know when we aren’t in the woods. Since Sunday hunting probably will never happen, I can only hope that someday I’ll be able to outsmart a buck, or as others say, luck out. One thing’s for sure. There are big bucks where I hunt, at least on Sundays! My 2024 buck still didn’t get me my Big Buck Club patch, but it’s a beauty, and filled my freezer with meat for the next year, thankfully in time for the upcoming recession.

Congratulations to all of you who were successful in harvesting a deer this season.

Staci Warren provides a unique woman’s perspective and column on the outdoors every month. She is a freelance writer whose blog, My Mainely Girl Adventures, is about a woman hunting, fishing, trapping, foraging and living in the Maine outdoors. She also loves camping, star gazing, wildlife watching, and hunting for fossils. She’s an active member and board member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association and is a monthly columnist and feature writer for The Maine Sportsman Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring women hunters and trappers. <