WHS girls’ soccer holds Gorham scoreless in win over rival

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham varsity girls’ soccer team’s defense rose to the occasion and prevented Gorham from scoring during a varsity girls’ soccer game at Gorham High School on Tuesday, Sept. 22, winning 3-0.

Windham junior Morgan Clark races to be first to the ball
during a girls' varsity soccer game against Gorham on
Tuesday, Sept. 22. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Windham’s offense scored multiple goals in handing Gorham its second consecutive loss.

“We knew we were going to have to work hard,” said Windham junior Emily Wardwell. “It’s always a tight game with them. It’s always going to be an intense and hard game. Our crosses were a lot better ... we got a lot of chances and some goals from that today. In the second half we had some more energy. We needed to come out with more energy and start taking shots on net. Working on our crosses (needs work). It’s honestly just a boost, knowing that we came in and worked hard and got a clean sheet against Gorham. It gives us motivation to keep going.”

Windham took the field with intensity and went hard after ball. They had spectacular offense and defense, as they held back Gorham and took multiple shots at goal. They continued to pressure and with 19 minutes left in the half, Wardwell scored.

Junior Windham goalie Jennifer Schwarz had a nice save at the end of the half. After 40 minutes of play, the Eagles led, 1-0.

Schwarz continued with quick hands in the second half and collected eight saves over 80 minutes.

“We started taking more of our opportunities the second half, we took everything we had and fought for everything,” said junior Morgan Clark. “I think tonight we did a really good job of covering each other and bringing that energy as a team. Our spirits were high and we saw each other in places where we haven’t been able to see each other throughout the season, and it was a really good growing point for us as a team. Working on our crosses and connecting through the midfield (needs work). Those are some easily fixable things, and I think we have a really good shot to go far this season.”

There was no stopping the Eagles as they weren’t going to get the win. Clark scored roughly 16 minutes into the second half.

A few moments later, Wardwell took a shot at goal that bounced just right off one of the goalposts and into the net.

As the game progressed, Windham worked hard to deny Gorham any possible scoring opportunities and succeeded.

“You come here (Gorham) and you win, you build confidence,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer assistant coach Jim Stewart. “A lot of these kids haven’t been in these situations ... these are the kind of games that we need to play. Nobody’s going to quit; I thought there was a chance at the end there, Gorham was going to pop one in. When you play against well-matched teams ... it’s a good, clean, crisp game. That’s the kind of game the kids got to play in, and when they do it, they just grow more confident. Then we’re doing things that we want to do because we’re not thinking about it, we’re just doing it.” 

Stewart said the team needs to head the ball better and win balls in the air as well as win balls on corner kicks. Stewart also said they are communicating better, but he’d like to see them talk confidently to each other. Stewart said the way Windham scored the goals, the way they defended this game, it’s hard to find a lot of bad things.

“The kids ... have come so far from Aug. 17 when we started with them,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer head coach Deb LeBel. “It’s really unselfish play; they are starting to trust each other and play to everybody; the younger kids are stepping up and it’s really fun to see. Any win at Gorham is a good win ... it feels so good.”

Last-minute goal lifts Windham to 1-1 boys' soccer tie against Kennebunk

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity boys’ soccer team traveled to play Kennebunk High School in Kennebunk on Friday, Sept. 18 and after the Eagles trailed for most of the game, a goal by freshman Callum Crockett with less than 40 seconds remaining tied the game 1-1. Windham held off Kennebunk for two overtimes to end the game in a 1-1 tie.

Windham senior Caleb Hayman retains possession of the
ball during a prep boys' soccer game against Kennebunk
 on Friday, Sept. 18. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“Caleb (Hayman) ... crossed the ball, I was right there and headed it in and yeah,” said Crockett on scoring his first varsity goal. “We came out with intensity and just kept it the whole game, the bench and everyone just kept the intensity the whole game. Our passing was pretty good; our through-balls are decent, our defense not letting up and headers. Finishing (needs work); we had lots of plays where we could have finished like breakaways. Other than that, I think we played really good.”

The game began with both teams exhibiting strong defenses in these two evenly matched teams. Windham moved the ball and had multiple shots at goal.

Goalie and Windham senior Jackson Goodwin had several nice saves in the first half. Goodwin had six saves over the course of the game.

The Eagles’s offense got turnovers and pressured until the first buzzer. Midway through, the game was scoreless.

Goodwin kept up the aggressiveness with three solid saves at the start of the second half. Ten minutes into the half, Kennebunk scored. While the Rams led 1-0, there was plenty of time left.

Windham’s defense made sure that one goal was all Kennebunk would score and they succeeded. Windham offense’s intensity and hustle really moved Kennebunk’s goalie around quite a bit, as the Eagles worked to find the back of the net.

“We just came off our first win of the season (against Bonny Eagle on Sept. 16), we always have confidence,” said Windham junior Sean LeBel. “We always have the same intensity, the ball doesn’t always find the net, we had a lot of great opportunities, we trust our backline, our goalie too. We took advantage of their weaknesses, we were able to play the ball over the topline more, we made a couple formation changes, and I think we’ve settled in and know where we are at now as a team – that’s just going to help us moving forward.”

Less than 40 seconds remained when Windham’s aggressiveness paid off when Crockett headed the ball into Kennebunk’s net to tie the game 1-1 and send it into overtime.

The battle continued through two 5-minute overtime periods with neither team scoring. 

LeBel said the team remaining calm needs work. If there’s a guy on a Windham player’s back, they need to be able to play through that. He also said winning 50-50 balls could be improved on.

“Against Bonny Eagle we panicked a lot,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Cole Washburn. “I thought tonight we just played our game, we played calm and composed, that helped us a lot. When we had possession of the ball, we didn’t rush anything, moved the ball quicker and it gave us a lot more success. Our determination was a lot better, we won 50-50 balls in the air, we competed in the mid-field. The first half was the best half all season, and then we took that ... and bounced back. Overall, I think the 80 minutes as a whole were more composed and we played our game. It shows the grittiness and the fitness of our team; they didn’t give up which is really nice to see. I think the compete level was what really impressed me. For us, it’s all the little things (that need work); clearances out of the back, winning headers the first time, all the super tiny little things that require more mental determination. Overall, we played a full 90-minute game and I’m pretty proud of that.” <

Windham varsity golf secures win after a hard week

By Matt Pascarella

At the end of a tough week, where Windham’s varsity golf team played in three consecutive matches and only one practice, the Eagles faced Westbrook at Sunset Ridge, a par 35 course in Westbrook on Friday, Sept. 11 and Windham came out on top.

Windham senior Matt Biggs chips his ball onto the green
during a prep golf match against Westbrook at Sunset 
Ridge in Westbrook on Friday, Sept. 11.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

After nine holes, the two teams were tied at 6.5 – 6.5. The lowest five out of six scores are taken for the team total, junior Chase Gagnon’s score of 58 was not counted in the team total, but his score was used to break the tie against Westbrook’s sixth player, who shot a 65. In team stroke totals, Windham beat Westbrook 253-270.

“It’s been a rough week ... Monday was a holiday and we didn’t practice Friday,” said Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo. “I hadn’t seen the kids since last Thursday. They are a young group and it’s mostly freshmen and sophomores. So many of them have played so much golf up to this point that maybe a little golf fatigue is starting to set in. We’re already halfway through the season. Their attitudes have been good; we’re trying to win matches but also develop players. I think the fact that so many of the kid’s scores are so close right now is encouraging. Just to try to improve was our goal. We didn’t play great a week ago here when we played Gorham. They’re getting there, it seems to be a couple holes here and there that wrecked a couple rounds for some of the kids. Their attitudes have been great all year long; they’re really a great group of kids.”

During the match, Windham seniors Wyatt Richards shot a 48 and he earned the team 1.5 match points; Matt Biggs shot a 49 and earned the team two match points.

“I was just trying to be consistent, play well and hit the ball straight – just play simple,” said Richards. “Slow it down and not swing out of my shoes and hit the ball very far. My drives looked pretty good off the tee shots, some of my putting wasn’t the best, some chipping needs work. I can take as a learning experience to not get in your head. You can just turn (the game) around like that, so you don’t want to get in your head.”

Sophomore Hunter Pulkkinen said he wasn’t ready this match. Last time against Gorham he shot a 46 at Sunset Ridge. He said his driver was dead straight, and his chipping game was good. Putting needs work. Pulkkinen said he needs to play smarter on the 100-yard shots.

Pulkkinen shot a 50; freshman Stella Veilleux shot a 51 and also earned the team two match points, senior Braden Childs shot a 55 and Gagnon shot a 58. Windham earned an additional point to tie the match. <

WYSA opens season for sixth through eighth grade teams

By Matt Pascarella

In the first games of Windham Youth Soccer Association’s fall season, sixth through eighth grade teams Warren Mechanical and Wildwood Properties played at Gambo Field in Windham on Saturday, Sept. 12 as Warren Mechanical earned its first win of the season by a score of 8-1.

Windham seventh grader Riahanna Sayed will not be caught
as she  moves the ball closer to her opponent's goal during
Windham Youth Soccer Association's season opener
between Warren Mechanical and Wildwood Properties
at Gambo Field in Windham on Saturday, Sept. 12.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Warren Mechanical came out aggressively and scored multiple goals in the first and second halves of play. Wildwood Properties scored late in the second half to avoid being shut out.

“The focus in practice has been to try to teach some of the fundamentals,” said WYSA Warren Mechanical coach Jared Archilles. “Utilizing more of the width of the field needs work. We have a tendency to consolidate children in the middle of the field. Some of the things we worked on in practice that went well during gameplay was spacing, trapping the ball, and communicating with one another. There’s always an opportunity to work on some of the fundamentals ... understanding where people need to be.”

Both teams came out with a lot of hustle and communication. Each team had solid defense, but Warren Mechanical’s offense kept the ball in front of Wildwood Properties’ goal for a large portion of the game.

Warren Mechanical seventh grader Riahanna Sayed scored during the first half. Following Sayed’s goal, sixth grader Silas Arnold scored.

Wildwood Properties goalie and eighth grader Quinn Roina had a nice stop before the end of the half but at halftime, Warren Mechanical led, 2-0.

"It was exciting,” said Wildwood Properties seventh grader Avalyn Tweedie. “I could have definitely done better, especially in the second half of the game – if I can keep my stamina up that would be good. I think if we were able to get the ball up closer to their goal we would have had a chance at scoring more, but we had to play more defensively.”

The second half of the game was intense for both teams. Warren Mechanical seventh grader Trent Archilles scored three goals over the course of the half. Both teams had very good defense, but Warren Mechanical’s offense was in high gear. Sayed scored again. Warren Mechanical’s seventh grader Esteban Cayetano scored twice consecutively close to the end of the second half.

“I scored a hat trick, and my team was passing a lot,” said Trent Archilles. “We’re just trying to get the team together; the team chemistry has been decent. The passing and communication went well. Defense (needs work); we need to spread out a little more.”

Sixth grader and Wildwood Properties goalie Maverick Lucas posted multiple saves in the second half. Toward the end of the half, Roina scored to put Wildwood Properties on the scoreboard.

Sayed said everybody’s shooting and communication went well. Not clumping up in the field needs work. Her goal was to win the game.

“We want to show them how fun it is and then we can start refining the skills as we go along,” said WYSA Wildwood Properties coach Derek Hanrahan. “I saw a lot of communication between kids that potentially don’t know each other, getting the ball, stopping the ball, playing it. I saw some players out there that were making some nice moves. I think the team aspect needs some work, understanding the position of play, understanding the formation a bit better and getting more touches and more play will help them to stop the ball when they want to and pass the ball when they need to.” <

Strong second half boosts Oxford Hills to football win over Windham

By Matt Pascarella

In their first game of the regular season, Windham varsity football played Oxford Hills at Windham on Friday, Sept. 4. The two teams were neck-and-neck at halftime, but in the third quarter, the Vikings pulled ahead and couldn’t be caught to win, 34-14.

Senior Tegan Perkins begins to run toward the end zone after
catching a pass during Windham High's varsity football 
home opener against Oxford Hills on Friday, Sept. 4. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“We knew they were a strong team; I think the biggest thing was first game shivers,” said Windham senior Tegan Perkins. “Most of our guys are double-way starters. We were matching them pretty good, our guys stuck through it pretty well and nobody gave up from what I saw. We did really well at taking off after the huddle in all of our routes. We did well getting together as a team more at the end. We need to give our quarterback more time; the reads are there. If he has time, we just got to read it and that’s more touchdowns. I think we gave it our best ... overall, we all stuck up for each other. I was glad about the teamwork we showed.”

The game began with Oxford Hills receiving the ball at kickoff. Windham quickly recovered the ball after a Viking fumble and it was first and 10 on the 40-yard line.

Oxford Hills regained the ball when Windham turned the ball over on downs. With 28 seconds left in the first quarter, the Vikings scored a touchdown. The extra point was no good and the Vikings led 6-0.

At the start of second quarter, it was second and six for Windham. A short time later, the Eagles got a first down. The ball was at Oxford Hill’s 46-yard line. Windham got another first down at the Vikings’ 36-yard line. 

Windham junior Patrick Davenport connected with Perkins for a 29-yard touchdown pass. Then Davenport connected with junior Dominic Lopez, who ran the ball in for the 2-point conversion.

Shortly before the end of the half, Oxford Hills scored another touchdown, but Windham blocked their attempt at a 2-point conversion. At intermission, the Vikings led 12-8.

“We just got to work harder ... we have the talent and we need to put it all together on the field,” said Windham senior Landon Wyman. “Our pass game was pretty good; our run game is there. We definitely got to pull our emotions together; we can’t do anything about the refs, we just got to play through. If we just fix the little things that hurt us, like lazy blocking or not getting to the ball fast enough, if we pull that together, we’ll be good.”

Oxford Hills found the end zone early in the third quarter, but Windham’s defense blocked their 2-point conversion again.

Perkins ran the ball in for a 1-yard touchdown after a completed pass from junior Beckett Bragdon moved the ball to first-and-goal on the 3-yard line. The extra point was no good. Windham only trailed by four at this point in the game.

Another touchdown by the Vikings gave them a 26-14 lead after three quarters.

Windham continued to play hard and gave a maximum effort until the final buzzer.

The Vikings scored once more before the end of the game.

“We got behind the stick some where they bit us in second and long. They busted up our drives and we had multiple penalties that cost us, especially in the first half,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “It’s things we’ve got to fix. Some of it is maturity and some of it is believing in what you’re doing. I saw a lot of guys step up and continue to battle. The passing game was pretty good in the second half, a mistake here and a mistake there caught us and we got behind. Composure needs work. It’s a hard game, and Oxford Hills is a good team and if things don’t go your way, how are you going to handle the moment?” <

WHS cross country teams shine in home meet

By Matt Pascarella

In their first and only home meet of the season, Windham High School’s Cross Country teams faced Deering, Biddeford and Noble on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Windham senior Mason Bragdon maintains his focus as he
concentrates on the course during a prep cross country
meet at Windham on Saturday, Sept. 5.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

On this 5K course, the Windham boys finished second with a score of 49 and the Windham girls finished third with a score of 47.

“This was our first regular distance meet of the year, so I wanted to make sure they went ahead and got a time that we can start working off of,” said WHS cross country coach Paula Pock. “Today was to finish, see where we are at and continue to build from there. A lot of the athletes partnered up with their teammates, so they worked together, they all were ... pretty consistent on their pacing.”

BOYS

Freshman Miles Moreau finished first overall and first for Windham with a time of 18:43.30 minutes.

“My goals are to see what I can do and to see what my team can do this year,” said Moreau, who achieved a personal record this race. “My goal (for this race) was to go under 20 minutes. The first mile was a good one; I need to work on going faster up my hills. I learned I can go faster than I thought.”

Senior Mason Bragdon finished fourth overall and second for Windham in a time of 20:13.46.

Third for Windham and 13th overall was freshman Franklin Murray with a time of 22:59.76.

Not far behind Murray was freshman Clement Trombley who finished fourth for Windham and 15th overall posting a time of 23:18.89.

GIRLS

“We’ve done a lot of miles in practice, and I really want to put those to use today,” said Windham junior Stephanie Roghelia who finished fourth overall and first for Windham with a 24:12.94 time while also achieving a personal record. “My hills (went well); keeping my pace throughout the whole race (needs work) sometimes I go out a little fast and taper off, but I really want to work on negative slowing my race.”

Senior Alanna Lewis finished second for Windham and 10th overall with a time of 27:38.01.

Grace Rinaldi, a freshman, finished third for Windham and 12th overall with a 28:32.00 time.

Junior Virginia Pampaloni finished fourth for Windham and was 14th overall with time of 30:04.16.

“We had a lot of kids run their personal records, definitely for the season, but also for those who ran it last year, they got personal record from last year,” said Pock. “We’re going to continue working on our hill strength as well as endurance. I was extremely pleased; they showed a lot of grit, worked really hard, and they all stuck with it. Not overthinking is important.” <

WHS varsity boys’ soccer falls to Greely in preseason game

By Matt Pascarella

The start of the high school fall sports season has already begun, but in preparation for it, the Windham’s varsity boys’ soccer team played one final preseason game against Greely at Greely High School in Cumberland on Saturday, Aug. 29.

Windham junior Liam Wade tries to stop his opponent's
progress during a preseason boys' soccer game at
Greely High School in Cumberland on Aug. 29.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

The game was a hard-fought defensive battle that witnessed both teams going scoreless for over 60 minutes. 

More than halfway through the second half, the ball slipped through Windham senior goalie Jackson Goodwin’s fingers and gave the Rangers a 1-0 win.

“The effort was there,” said Windham senior Cameron Drapeau. “I don’t think we executed as we should of, our communication was less than it was in previous games. We need to execute and communicate our passes; work as we know we can. Our passing has been good; our communication has been better than last season. Communication can still improve. Overall, our possession and being calm on the ball can improve.”

The Eagles came out ready to play and defense was solid for the entire half, with neither team scoring. During the first and second half, Windham goalie Goodwin made multiple impressive saves.

“We as a team lacked winning headers, lacked getting to the ball,” said Goodwin.

In the second half, the first 20-plus minutes were scoreless. Then, with a little over 16 minutes left to play, the ball narrowly slipped through Goodwin’s fingers to give Greely its only goal of the game.

“I think a positive you can take away is if you take the goal that (Goodwin) gave up away, it’s still a 0-0 game,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Cole Washburn. “Positives were the effort was really, really high, no one gave up, they continued to play through; that says a lot about the program and where it’s headed going into the regular season ... wanting to play at a high level at all times. Now we know what we need to fix and work on ... we’ll work for the next few days on winning balls in the air, know where guys are on the field at all times and working together on the field. It’s about being better every day.”

Goodwin said the 60 scoreless minutes of play shows that Windham can play with just about any other team with a lot of passion and a lot of effort. He said they need to connect passes and keep communication up the entire game. <

Windham varsity field hockey ties Greely in preseason match

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity field hockey played Greely at home on Friday, Aug. 28 during its final game of the preseason and the Eagles held off the Rangers to end the game in a 2-2 tie.

Windham sophomore Hayley Johnsen moves to stop an
opponent's ball during a preseason field hockey game
against Greeley at Windham High School on Friday,
Aug. 28. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Windham scored early and led 2-0 after the first quarter but Greely came back and tied the game 2-2 by halftime. Neither team scored after the first half.

“I think the preseason has prepared us really well,” said Windham senior Morgan McLain. “We’ve been doing a lot of conditioning; our agility and speed is way better than it was last year. We played our best. Our passing went really well up the right side of the field and the left side of the field. I think our defense are really starting to understand. We’re also starting to click as a family; we know where we’re going to be. We know how to get the ball up. Looking before we pass (needs work), moving the ball to a spot where our players are going not to where they are making it easier for them to run at the ball rather than stop their feet and go get the ball.”

Early in the first quarter, Windham junior Sarah Smyth scored after a penalty corner. Windham moved the ball well. Moments later, Windham sophomore Hayley Johnsen also scored.

The Eagles’ defense kept Greely from many scoring opportunities. Windham was aggressive and we tied 2-2 at the halftime break.

“Really working on the foundation of the team (is the preseason goal),” said Windham varsity field hockey coach Maddy Perfetti. “We ran them hard during the preseason and asked a lot of them and they stepped up and they are exhausted. If you can play tired, then we can do anything. Really working on those foundational 1 v. 1 skills, passing the ball and how to be a good teammate. Their positive communication on the field was just miles ahead of where it’s been. Teaching them that you can have your negative emotion, but not to put it onto everybody else. Working from the back, having a strong defensive unit needs to work. Making sure they have chemistry with each other, that they can play as a team ... they need to have that awareness of their teammates around them and building from that.” 

The second half was a strong defensive battle for both teams. Windham stayed with the ball and defense prevented any scoring for a full 30 minutes.

In the fourth quarter, Windham pressured and took several shots at Greely’s goal, but nothing got by for a goal.

“I think we’re in really good shape,” said Johnsen. “With what today held for us I’m really excited to see what we have ahead of us. Passing is looking really strong. Our defense and midfield have worked the ball up to forward line and if forward can finish it, we’re in good shape. Getting to the sides and the sideline in midfield (needs work). Greely is strong, they have a good foundation set, but if we had worked harder to get to the sidelines, we could have broken the tie.” <

Windham varsity girls’ soccer defeats Maranacook in preseason game

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham varsity girls’ soccer team played an early preseason game against Maranacook at Windham on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The teams were evenly matched in the first half, but Windham really cranked up the offensive intensity in the second half and knocked down the Black Bears 4-1 by the end of the game.

Windham sophomore Logan Curry won't be caught as she
heads toward the goal during a preseason girls' soccer
game against Maranacook on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“We had more intensity and drive to get the ball up in the second half, said Windham sophomore Logan Curry who scored two goals during the game. “I think in the beginning of the game the forwards weren’t as connected, with the help of coaches the forwards started to connect and create more space for the wings to get the ball. We communicated and played to space that helps create more space for other people to get the ball. We had some great plays in the back that led up to the forwards and created some good chances for us.”

The Eagles were a little slow to start in the first half but worked hard to be first to the ball and had multiple shots at Maranacook’s goalie, moving her around between the posts.

Curry scored during the first half. Windham offense and defense kept the pressure on the Maranacook goalie and for the most part kept the ball away from Windham’s goalie. Eagle offense did not let up until the first buzzer.

At intermission, the game was tied 1-1.

“The goal for all these scrimmages is to get better and to get kids to know how to play with each other,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb LeBel. “The younger players are stepping up and I’m really proud of them. We did ask (the team) to pick up the intensity in the second half and they did – they came right out and had some really nice shots.”

Windham pressured right from the start of the second half. Offense came at the goalie hard, with multiple shots at goal. Defense held the Black Bears back and severely limited their scoring chances.

Junior Emily Wardwell scored. Then junior Anna Bowie found the back of the net. Curry scored again before the final buzzer.

“We really stayed connected,” said Bowie. Everyone really got the ball and was getting to open space; everyone had a supporting pass which I think is really important. This is one of the first games where we came together as a team and looked really good. The second half we were definitely more aggressive in the box; we talked at halftime about being more aggressive. In the second half we made sure we won the ball and that’s why we scored more. Our goals are to really grow a bond as a team ... the more connected we become, the better we’ll be. Sometimes with our defense we have trouble figuring out how we can mark all the players. As the season goes on, we’ll figure those things out, and it’ll help us be stronger on defense.”

LeBel said the team did a better job toward the end of the game. Defensively they are getting stronger every single game; their confidence is building and she feels that when they possess well out of the back, it leads to them having really good scoring opportunities. LeBel said their finishing needs work; shoot with purpose and for the corners. If a player doesn’t have a nice shot, they should pass to a teammate so they can finish.

Windham will play Kennebunk in the season home opener at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3. <

WHS varsity volleyball works on sharpening skills during preseason games

By Matt Pascarella

In preparation for the start of the regular season, Windham High School’s varsity volleyball team played in the preseason Greely Play Day at Greely High School in Cumberland on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Windham senior Shaylin Burrell sets the ball for her
teammates in a prep volleyball game against Cheverus
during a preseason 'Play Day' at Greely High School
in Cumberland on Saturday, Aug. 22.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“We’re starting off getting a bunch of mechanics down and getting players comfortable with each other,” said Windham High varsity volleyball coach Chris Cloutier. “Improvement (is the goal). Wins will come with the improvement. It’s letting them get comfortable on the floor, making decisions, communicating with each other. One of the things we emphasize is being ok with failure, because failure leads to growth. We were aggressive, our centers were doing well with getting the balls out to the hitters, defensive coverage was pretty good. Getting comfortable in serve-receive (needs work) and knowing the tendencies of the players when you’re in serve-receive ... anticipating versus watching and reacting.”

The day was broken into 30-minute play periods scored to 25. This was the first time this varsity team played together against other varsity teams. Windham played four games total in which they beat Wells 25-10, lost to Greely 25-10, played a very, very close game with Gray New-Gloucester where they came back from being significantly behind to end the game in a 25-25 tie (winner had to win by two) and then lost to Cheverus 25-17 in the final game.

“I think we did great; I’m glad we got to do this before the real season started,” said Windham junior Ava Sibley. “I think this was a great start to the preseason. We played against some teams we don’t play in the regular season. Our serve-receive was really good. I think everyone did a good job hitting and serving, our serving percentage was really good as well. Sometimes people get in their heads, so I think we need to work on getting our energy up no matter what happens. My takeaway from today is it doesn’t really matter if we win or lose, it’s having fun that matters the most – when you’re having fun you play your best.”

Windham senior and libero Zoi Candelmo said that the Play Day games help the team to see what they need to work on, and it helps their coach to see issues at the start of the season. Their goal is to try to come together as a team. They lost 12 seniors to graduation, so they’re building a whole new team.

“It’s really easy to do the drills (in practice) and expect it because you know where the balls going to go in the drill, but when you go up against players you don’t know; it’s really helpful getting a read on them,” said Windham senior Shaylin Burrell. “It’s so helpful because you get a taste of what it’s going to be like playing these teams without it actually being (scored) for something.”

She said that the team chemistry is really good this season.

“Learning to work together went well,” said Candelmo. “During a few games our serve-receive was good. We came in with three goals: serve-receive, ball-setter, ball-hitter and blocking, and we did well in trying to improve on those goals. We need to work on where to be and when to be there. Setting our blocks at the right place to allow our defense to play around it.”

The takeaway for both Candelmo and Burrell was that the Play Day games were helpful. They got to see what they need to improve upon and had fun in the process. They believe Windham is a balanced team that plays well together and will only get better.

Windham’s varsity volleyball will compete in its home-opener against Gray New-Gloucester at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. <

WHS football starts strong at preseason practice

By Matt Pascarella

The preseason for athletics officially began earlier this week and Windham High School’s varsity football team had its first practice of the fall on Monday, Aug. 17. Windham showed they are working hard and ready to win as a team.

Windham junior Dominic Lopez reaches to catch a pass
during the first practice of the varsity football preseason
at Windham High School on Monday, Aug. 17.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“We had a plan all summer as to what stuff we’d install and where we’d be to hit the ground running, so I feel pretty good about where we’re at and where guys are at,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “We’re just following what we went through summer to now. The biggest thing (goal-wise for the players) is energy and being coachable, asking questions and being open to learning. Guys will be working on learning the playbook; the big thing for us is the ability to understand your job and the guy’s job next to you.”

The team has a scrimmage scheduled at Kennebunk High on Saturday, Aug. 22. This will be the first time the Eagles will take the field this season.

According to Windham senior Landon Wyman, scrimmages and exhibition games show the team who’s really getting after it and wants to win. His goals for the season are to let everyone have fun and do as much as possible to try and benefit the team.

Over the course of the summer, players have been putting in the work. The team played summer football in preparation for the fall season. They’ve been putting the talent together to create team chemistry.

“We’ve been a lot more intense from last year,” said Windham junior Dominic Lopez. “We’ve been stepping up in practice and preparing more so we can improve on what we did last year. My goals are to make sure the team ... goes to states and at least makes playoffs.”

Lopez said that his personal goal is to make All-Conference this year. He also said he wants to make sure everyone on the team improves.

“If you see someone mess up, don’t get down on them,” said Lopez. “Try to help them improve what they’re doing and fix them in practice. And ... talk to new players outside of practice to make sure they’re included in everything.”

This team knows what it takes to succeed and has been working hard to make sure that happens. There was a lot of strong effort put forth by many individual players during that first practice of the preseason and the team has been putting in the work all week. Windham is ready to show what they are made of.

After Windham scrimmages at Kennebunk, they’ll play an exhibition game against Noble at home on Thursday, Aug. 27. Kickoff for that matchup is at 6 p.m.

“It’s about building each practice,” said Perkins. “We’re not caught up on who we’re playing and what they’re doing, it’s about us getting better and us seeing ourselves develop so the guys can understand how the process works.”

On Friday, Sept. 4, Windham will take on the Oxford Hills Vikings at home in the first official game of the regular season with a 6 p.m. kickoff. <

Sports lessons impact Windham grad's college academics

By Matt Pascarella

Windham 2023 graduate Logan Hirning was a football star while at Windham High School and played in the prestigious Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic. He also played lacrosse. Next year he will graduate from the University of Maine Orono with a degree in construction engineering and says he learned a lot about how leadership and discipline can lead to success in the long-term during his time playing at Windham.

Logan Hirning played football for
Windham in high school but in
college he is focusing on academics
and plays club lacrosse.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Hirning has taken a bit of a break from sports to focus on his education but plays club lacrosse. After graduation, Hirning would like to be hired by a general contractor as a project engineer.

“Sports have always been extremely important to me and club was a perfect way to fit in sports while allowing me to focus on my academics,” said Hirning. “I chose construction engineering because of my roots within sports. Construction is a lot like being on a sports team; each party involved has their own role and responsibilities and in achieving success.”

He started playing lacrosse in the third grade and football in second grade. Hirning also played T-ball and baseball. However, he felt baseball was too slow and from then on, lacrosse became his passion. Although he decided to not play football in college, in playing club lacrosse, he’s made new friends while finding that sense of community that playing at Windham made him love so much.

When Hirning played for Windham, he said it proved to him the importance of being on a team.

Hirning has been able to maintain his scholarship while at the University of Maine Orono. He’s also achieved Dean’s List for academics each semester while balancing being vice president of his club lacrosse team.

This summer, Hirning had an internship with Consigli Construction in Portland working directly under a project manager. He worked alongside subcontractors, collected closeout documents, submitted requests for information to the architect, learned a lot and gained a ton of experience through working in the field.

WHS teammate and University of Maine Orono senior William Woolston has played alongside Hirning since they were both in the seventh grade.

“I’ve had the chance to see him grow as both a player and a person,” said Woolston. “Logan is a great teammate because he’s always encouraging the people around him and holds everyone to a high standard, including himself. He’s a strong defensive leader who communicates well, keeps everyone organized, and leads by example with his work ethic and effort. He brings a positive attitude every day, is dependable, and makes the players around him better.”

According to Woolston, Hirning is the type of person every team wants to have – Hirning is a great leader, hard worker and an even better friend and teammate.

“Some advice that I would give young athletes entering college is if you are worried about academic workload and still need that sense of community or team to look into club sports,” said Hirning. “For me it was a perfect opportunity to maintain both.”

Off the field, Hirning enjoys spending time golfing and fishing. He also enjoys spending as much time with friends and family as much as he can. <

Juniors baseball wins Windham Little League division title

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Little League juniors baseball team became “A” division champions after they won the championship game against Tri-Town at Windham on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Windham took a 5-1 lead in the second inning. Tri-Town scored one more run during the game, but Windham owned this game with a 7-2 win.

Windham Little League juniors baseball sophomore Brady
Legere is about to catch the ball and make a play during
the championship game at Windham on Wednesday,
Aug. 5. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

The WLL 2026 juniors baseball championship team consisted of Brady Legere, Colton Kalakowsky, Nolan Harvie, Max Inzerillo, Eli Souther, Elijah Sun, Brayden Morgan, Cody Ruth, Wesson LeDuc, Byron Dansereau and Matthew Beaulieu.

"Our team did really good against this team,” said sophomore Cody Ruth. “Our team locked in and actually did what we were trying to do all season, listening to our coaches. The other team’s pitchers were a good speed for us ... not too many errors, no errors on defense. Everyone really contributed, it was a whole team effort. This was a really good opportunity to show we got a bunch of young prodigies coming up.”

Tri-Town scored one run in the second inning.

Windham answered in the bottom of the second inning, after seventh grader Sun walked. Freshman Brayden Morgan walked then Ruth was hit by a pitch. Eighth grader Wesson LeDuc walked and a run scored.

Seventh grader Byron Dansereau walked, Morgan scored. After a ground out, Ruth and LeDuc scored. Sophomore Brady Legere reached first on an error and Dansereau scored. Windham led 5-1 after two innings.

Max Inzerillo pitched five innings with four strikeouts and Elijah Sun pitched the last two with three strikeouts.

“Just keep throwing strikes, keep going after the hitter,” said Inzerillo. “It didn’t matter where they were, I just had to keep throwing strikes and keep attacking. We hit really well; we played really good defense. I pitched good. It means a lot (to win); we played all summer.”

The Eagle’s defense kept back Tri-Town and only allowed them to score one more run before the end of the game.

Sun singled, Morgan singled, then Ruth singled in the sixth inning. LeDuc singled and Sun and Morgan scored.

“It means a lot (to win the championship), I contributed to that,” said Sun. “I got the opportunity to play on this team. Everything went well, our pitching, our defense, our offense. Offense has improved over the season.”

After a walk in the seventh inning, it was three batters up, and three batters back to the dugout for Tri-Town.

Eli Souther said the team had really good defense, really good pitching; it was good all around. They shut them down, which is what they were supposed to do.

“The attitude today was to take them seriously and try to get a win,” said Windham Little League juniors baseball coach Charlie Reiniger. “I’m happy we’re a much better team. It’s a good progression ... this group has played together for a while. Pitching was outstanding. Cody Ruth did a fantastic job at third base, our fielding was great, we didn’t make an error today. Max was executing his pitches, and they were grounding out and popping out. It means a lot to me; I’ve had a lot of these guys for a couple years ... it’s a good culmination of a couple years of being with them. They dedicated all summer to it. It’s a nice way to go out because these guys have done everything we’ve asked them to do. It means a lot to me to see them go out on top.” <

Windham Little League juniors softball ousts Portland in championship game

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Little League juniors softball team played in the championship game of the summer season against Portland at Windham on Thursday, Aug. 6. Windham scored four runs in the fourth inning and seven runs in the fifth inning. Defense held back Portland as Windham won this game, 12-2.

Windham Little League juniors softball eighth grader Lily
Nickel fields the ball during the Windham juniors softball
championship game against Portland at Windham on
Thursday, Aug. 6. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“I always try to instill in the girls this never quite attitude,” said Windham Little League juniors softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “I said to them right before the fourth inning the best thing about softball is it’s not a timed sport. And we still had three innings left; so, now how can we make the adjustments the second time through the order and be more disciplined and put the ball in play? Our plate discipline wasn’t there early on ... and defensively we weren’t on our toes. It was nice to see us make those adjustments in the fourth inning and settle down at the plate. They’ve prepared for this all summer long.” 

The WLL 2026 juniors softball championship team consisted of Audrey Libby, Avary Caiazzo, Bella Wescott, Brielle Duffy, Brooke Legere, Caitlynn Halladay, Acadia Wilson, Isabelle Gonzalez, Leah Ronfeldt, Libby Rulman, Lily Nickel, Lydia York, Madelyn Royer, Madison Kennedy, Natalie Brey, Niyah Cummings, Peyton McLean and Shaylee Stanwood.

The Eagles began the game by stopping a runner at home to prevent a run scored early on.

In the fourth inning, Windham eighth grader Legere singled, as did eighth grader Wescott. Legere scored. Then freshman Stanwood hit a long, long, ball to left field for a two-run homerun. Sophomore York singled; Freshman Gonzalez singled and York scored. Windham led 4-2.

“Being loud, excited and hyped led to the win,” said Stanwood who went 3-4 at the plate. “We got together and ... (weren’t nervous about playing Portland again). Everything went well; our fielding and our hitting was really good today. It means a lot to win a juniors championship, because a little team together, can make you better at the game. I’ve improved.”

Seventh grader Kennedy doubled in the fifth inning. Eighth grader Nickel singled. Legere singled and Kennedy and Nickel scored. Windham added five more runs that inning.

“(My mindset was) just to focus on throwing strikes and be working on my spin pitches,” said Wescott who went 3-4 at-bat and pitched the entire game with six strikeouts. “It feels pretty amazing to win a championship, especially to do it with these amazing girls. A lot of practice and hard work (led to the win). We’ve all played together for a while and it’s been really great. Our hitting was really good, we made good contact, and our fielding was good. Everyone put in a lot of hard work and effort and came away with the win.”

Legere singled in the sixth inning, as did Wescott; then Legere scored to end the game.

Gardiner said this juniors league was exactly what she wanted it to be; it was important for her to get to know the girls and vice versa before high school. This season was very rewarding. <

Windham graduate Sarah Talon to play professional basketball in Germany

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School graduate Sarah Talon recently earned her degree from the University of Maine Orono in psychology with a minor in leadership. She plans to work in a therapy department with young kids and athletes. But before she begins her career, she’ll get to fulfill a lifelong dream. This fall, she’ll be moving to Germany where she’ll play pro basketball after signing with the New Basket Oberhausen team.

Windham High and University of Maine graduate Sarah Talon
puts up a shot during a home game at UMaine Orono in
March. Talon recently signed a professional basketball 
contract to play in Germany this fall for the New Basket
Oberhausen team. PHOTO BY ALLISON TALON  

Once the National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s basketball season was over, Talon signed with a Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) agent who sent game film to various teams overseas. There are many opportunities to play professional basketball overseas. While she received interest from several countries, Germany’s New Basket Oberhausen team sent her an offer in early June and Talon signed to play with them.

“I think I’ve always had that goal (of playing professional basketball) in the back of my mind,” said Talon. “I knew I didn’t want to stop playing basketball and I wanted to play at the next level; it was an opportunity that arose and I jumped on it, and I’m really thankful for it. Germany was one of my first offers. It was everything I really wanted and needed, and I jumped on that opportunity really fast.”

According to FIBA agent Muhamet Mehmeti, an overseas playing career depends a lot on agent connections and how successful that agent is at placing players with teams.

“I'm connected in almost every team all around Europe, also Australia,” said Mehmeti. “I started working with Sarah straight after college, she had a good season and also is a good person, so it was a perfect fit for me to work with her. I got her film and started to show her to hundreds of teams all around. We had some interest, but we decided for Oberhausen as this league in Germany has proved to be a good one for players on their first year. (If they) play good (they can) jump in bigger leagues as this process is step by step.”

It was in middle school that Talon realized she was better at basketball than soccer. She remembers watching Catherine McCauley player Allie Clement as well as her big sister Hannah. Clement and Hannah were role models of Talon’s, and she wanted to do what they did.

Talon will be playing on a one-year contract which begins on Sept. 1. In addition to playing on the team, she will be coaching a young girls’ basketball team in Germany. The first league game for New Basket Oberhausen is Sept. 26.

“I’m very excited,” said Talon. “I’m a little nervous obviously – I’ve been to Europe one time. I think being in a new country will be a very cool experience; once I do get used to it, this will be very fun. I will use all the basketball IQ I’ve learned along the way, being at Windham and being at the University of Maine Orono and playing at the professional level, I’m really excited.”

She will spend the year getting acquainted with the German basketball experience. Talon said it’s going to be great to see how different things are basketball-wise there and she is looking forward to this new opportunity. <

WYBA’s Sonic Coed 3-on-3 basketball tournament builds friendships

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham Youth Basketball Association held its 11th annual Sonic Coed 3-on-3 Tournament at Moody Courts in Windham on Saturday, Aug. 1. It was a beautiful night and a fantastic opportunity for Windham and other communities to get together and play basketball, all while remembering the late Pat Moody.

Windham fourth grader Carsyn Dore tries to make a basket
during the Sonic 3-on-3 Tournament at the Pat Moody
Courts in Windham on Saturday, Aug. 1. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Over 30 teams were registered to participate from third grade through adult leagues in the tournament which benefits the Pat Moody Foundation. It raised more than $1,200 from the event.

“This tournament develops a sense of community, friendships and resilience,” said Windham resident Marina Longstreth. “Growing this tournament is the future of basketball in our town. The tournament is Pat, he would love to have the kids playing, everybody cheering. At the end of the day there is no winning or losing, it’s getting better at the game, that’s all that mattered for him.”

The money raised will go toward supporting Windham and surrounding communities to help out student athletes in need as well as to fund future college scholarships.

Moody started the tournament in 2013, and it is named in memory of Danny "Sonic" Giguere, Windham Class of 1998, who passed away after a car accident. Giguere was a coach, a teacher, a father of three sons and was very active within the community.

“It’s a great community event,” said Windham resident and Windham High School graduate Connor Janvrin. “It’s such a big basketball community. It’s just nice to see it going so well for the Moody Foundation. It’s fun to play against familiar faces. We’re doing what Pat loved, we’re all having fun ... it’s nice. My favorite thing about the tournament is having fun and playing for a great cause. Of course (I’d come back next year).”

Players from all over Southern Maine come out to play the game Moody loved so much. Members from these communities were lined up along the edges of the courts to support the players. This tournament is about the love of the game and getting to know one another – or reconnecting – through basketball.

“The goal of the Sonic 3-on-3 Tournament is to provide a fun basketball experience with summertime vibes,” said WYBA president Ben Delewski. “It's about including everyone, competing and having fun. The coed aspect of the tourney makes it a really unique experience. The real goal is to get the community together for a fun time…the money raised is just the cherry on top. The Pat Moody Foundation was heavily involved in the tournament the last two years, (now held at) the Moody Courts. Pat is everywhere.”

WHS graduate, Windham resident and Sonic Tournament Co-Director Chloe Delewski, said she comes back every year because the tournament is about the kids who want to come out, play and have fun. Everyone participating loves basketball and that is something Pat loved to do. Pat had a big effect on the community. Chloe Delewski said her favorite part of the tournament is getting to be part of something bigger than herself. She enjoys seeing everyone and will definitely be back next year.

“This is the first time I’ve been here, it’s just a great atmosphere,” said Falmouth senior Connor Gooch. “It’s great for the community. I got a couple friends together, I had never heard of this tournament before ... it was super fun, I had a great time. Bringing the community together, Pat was a great guy who had an impact on other people and stuff like this (is great). My favorite part about playing in this tournament is the people; it’s a lot of fun. I’d come back next year.”

Ben Dewlewski feels extremely lucky to have so many special people and businesses volunteering their time to pull off this event. He wants to acknowledge Jessica Lamb, Peyton McLean, AnnaLynne Goodwin, the entire WYBA Board, The Pat Moody Foundation and tournament sponsors Windham Millwork, Investment Executives and Bob the Screenprinter. He would also like to thank the Sonic Co-Director, Chloe Delewski.

“Pat would have absolutely loved (to)night,” said a Raymond resident and assistant Windham High School varsity boys’ basketball coach Geoff Grigsby. <

Windham varsity boys’ summer soccer ends season with strong win over Cheverus

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham varsity summer soccer team’s older group composed of juniors and seniors played its final game of the season against Cheverus at Manchester School in Windham on Tuesday, July 28 and Windham walked off the field with a 5-2 win.

Windham junior Ben Foster fires a shot directly at the goal
during a varsity boy's summer soccer game against Cheverus
at Manchester School in Windham on Tuesday, July 28.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA    

The Eagles’ offense scored four goals in the first half, while their defense kept the Stags to just one goal. Each team scored one goal in the second half.

“We played with great chemistry today, we possessed very well,” said Windham junior Sean LeBel, who scored twice during the game. “Last week we had Eagle Soccer Camp and that got us a lot of touches on the ball and that made us ready for today. We’re a close group and we’re really positive, and that’s great. Summer Soccer is definitely important with the team chemistry and we’ve improved a lot skill-wise. I think we’re ready for the season.”

Windham began the game by moving the ball well with great communication and took multiple shots at goal as the half progressed.

Cheverus scored partway through the first half.

“We got a goal scored on us early on and that forced us to shift to second gear ... and get our result,” said Windham senior Caleb Hayman. “Playing with relaxation, playing with straight chemistry and good passion led to the win. We all worked our butts off and our finishing when it came down to it, we were able to score our goals when we needed to. Possession and finishing (went well). Our defense played pretty well along with physicality and passion.”

Hayman said through the summer season he’s noticed they we’re all becoming closer and closer as a team. Players are able to get on each other about how to play the game and no one gets mad.

Junior and Windham player Ben Foster scored from a corner kick to tie the game 1-1. Shortly following Foster’s goal, LeBel scored. Then, Windham senior Matt Bilodeau scored on a penalty kick.

Before the end of the half, LeBel maneuvered past the Cheverus goalie and scored again. Midway through, Windham led 4-1.

In the second half, the Eagle’s defense held back the Stags, as Windham controlled the field. Although Cheverus scored one goal, Windham quickly answered moments later when Hayman scored.

As the clock ticked away, the Stags wouldn’t recover.

“Our senior leaders ... were using the word ‘passion’ a lot tonight and having passion for the game,” said Windham varsity boys’ summer soccer coach Cole Washburn. “Going into the game with passion and showed the passion to win against a (tough) team. Our possession was really good tonight. We possessed the ball for a majority of the game and that led to slowly working up the field ... as we went forward and that created chances for us where we scored on five of those opportunities. Our substitutes got the most goals over our starters, but starters held that possession really good and didn’t let Cheverus touch the ball a lot, which was key. We had fun, that’s the biggest part of summer and building a team with good energy moving forward. It’s good to see that team camaraderie early.”

Washburn said that the goal of summer soccer is to focus on the simple things and test out guys in different positions, different formations and to get touches on the ball. Washburn said a couple losses early in the season woke the guys up a bit and the technical level of the team’s a lot higher from the start of the season with a lot cleaner touches. All around he thinks it was just a better team performance and believes the team is starting to gel really well. <

WLL juniors softball posts major win in final game of summer season

By Matt Pascarella

Before the playoffs started on Tuesday, July 28, Windham Little League’s juniors team secured a tremendous win against Portland Little League at Windham on Monday, July 27.

Windham sophomore Peyton McLean stretches to catch the
ball in time for an out at first base during a Windham Little
League juniors softball game against Portland at Windham
on Monday, July 27. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

The Eagles scored multiple runs in every inning but the first and the second. Freshman Izzy Gonzalez went 3-3 at the plate which included an inside-the-park homer. The second inning was the only inning where a Windham player didn’t cross the plate as Windham crushed the Bulldogs, 18-5.

"I think, more than anything it has been so important to have our younger group be able to play together and get to know each other and mesh with the kids coming over from Raymond,” said Windham Little League juniors summer softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “It’s been such a great thing for us to do this summer. This is really about playing with our town and playing with the group of girls we’re going to be with for the next four years. Summer softball is meant to keep the stress down, keep the fun high and me to get to know them and them to get to know me ... it’s been really great having that opportunity this summer.”

In the first inning, Windham scored one run when eighth grader Brooke Legere walked, stole her way around the diamond and then raced home on a wild pitch.

Windham defense kept Portland scoreless for four complete innings.

Inning four saw Gonzalez hit a triple. Then sophomore Peyton McLean singled and Gonzalez scored. After three base hits, sophomore Lydia York doubled and drove in three runs. York scored after a hit from freshman Caitlynn Halladay and Windham led 9-0 after four innings.

Portland scored four runs in the fifth inning.

Legere singled in the WLL fifth inning, as did eighth grader Natalie Brey. Then a walk and the bases are loaded. Gonzalez stepped up to the plate and drove in three runs. It was then 12-4, with Windham ahead.

“It was really fun to see all my teammates hype me up,” said Gonzalez in response to hitting the in-the-park homer. “They were all cheering me on even though I’ve only known them a couple of weeks, that was my favorite part. Summer softball is really fun; it’s helped me to get to know a lot of the people I’ll be playing with throughout the years. I’ve learned how to keep myself calm ... and not get frustrated easily. And Coach Darcey has really helped me with that. Our excitement and cheering each other on (led to the win). We need to get to know each other more, but that’ll come through playing.”

The sixth inning was another scoreless one thanks to solid Windham defense and strong pitching from Gonzalez.

Six runs were added to the scoreboard as Windham was not going to let up.

“I think we are great overall and communicating with each other and what plays we need to work out and how we did,” said Legere. “Our hitting and our communication went really well. Base coverage and knowing where to go need work. Summer softball has been helping me make contact and get through the ball. It taught me ground balls and getting down in front of it.”

One run was scored by Portland in the seventh inning.

Gardiner said the softball IQ in Windham is high and she credits the Little League and youth coaches for teaching this skill. Portland’s pitcher was throwing hard and Gardiner was happy at how successful Windham was hitting and baserunning. Gardiner said to see them take chances and know it’s ok to mess up is good. Pitching was a big thing and eighth graders Bella Wescott and Brey along with freshman Gonzalez who all did phenomenal. Trying new things and getting comfortable here are what they’re trying to build on.” <

36th Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl features star Windham athletes

By Matt Pascarella

Bad weather did not dampen the spirits of the athletes or the spectators at the 36th Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic, a senior-only prep football game held at Lewiston High School on Saturday, July 18. Windham was represented by East player Mason Arbour while Gwendolyn Howard represented Windham on the East Cheerleading squad.

Windham High seniors Mason Arbour, left, and cheerleader
Gwendolyn Howard were both part of the East Team during 
the 36th Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic at Lewiston 
High School on Saturday, July 18.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

A fourth quarter touchdown gave the West the advantage and they won, 28-26. Some 140 of Maine’s top athletes from over 60 schools statewide fundraise to participate in this game and 100 percent of the net proceeds go to The Shriners Hospitals for Children. This network consists of 22 non-profit medical facilities across North America that provide medical services and care for those in need. Fundraisers set a new record this year as all participating athletes in this year’s Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic raised a combined gross amount of more than $300,000.

“It’s a great cause, fundraising for ... the children,” said Arbour. “I get to play football, I love football. The atmosphere of the guys is awesome, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys to play this game with – we came up short, but it was still awesome. We wanted to do it for the kids, for the Shriners.”

Arbour said that he first got interested in football by watching his older brother play. It didn’t take long for Arbour to be mesmerized by the game, and he began playing in second grade.

“What an amazing kid (Mason is),” said Dan O’Connell, the East head coach from John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor. “Humble, funny, comes across as an introvert, but is a little more extroverted than he lets on. He was a great teammate all week, a tremendous athlete, high football IQ. A great kid to be around ... on the field made big plays, physical, runs well. He’s a great kid and a great representative of Windham Football. He leads by example, he never misses a rep, he works his rearend off to be where he is supposed to be and picks up his teammates by communicating. We loved having him around.”

Next year, Arbour will attend Keene State College in New Hampshire to major in architecture and run track.

Howard’s East Cheerleading coach also praised her enthusiasm.

“This year Gwen really stood out as a team player,” said Annie Dobos, East head cheerleading coach from Waterville/Messalonskee. “She kind of was a class clown of sorts. It’s a very long and hot and tiring week for everybody so having that positive energy to break it up definitely helped. Gwen leads by example, she truly shows her teammates what a leader does, how they act and is always including everybody which is a huge characteristic of a great leader.”

Howard participated in gymnastics when she was really young. Her mother was also a cheerleader. Howard joined Windham Youth Cheerleading in sixth grade; it really sparked her love for the sport. The more she kept at cheerleading, the more she progressed and enjoyed it.

In the fall, Howard will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, majoring in nuclear engineering.

“It overall has been a really wonderful experience and I’m very grateful I got to be here and got to meet all these people,” said Howard. “It’s an experience I wasn’t going to have otherwise and it’s very fun to be here. I am here to be a role model to all of my friends that are doing cheer in high school and ... because I coach youth cheerleading. I coach all these girls and it’s a really big thing; I love these kids; I love working with these kids and the fact that I can help out other kids that are getting treatment within the hospitals (is great).” <

Windham boys’ summer basketball camp teaches game to young players

By Matt Pascarella

Windham kindergarten through sixth graders took advantage of an opportunity to work with many of the high school varsity players while learning the foundations of basketball and having fun and making friends at the same time during Windham’s boys’ summer basketball camp. All the proceeds from the camp go right into Windham High’s varsity boys’ basketball program for tournaments, gear and any needed equipment.

Windham sixth grader Landen Rancourt helps Windham High
varsity basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen out with a
demonstration during the Windham Eagles 2026 summer  
boys' basketball camp at Windham High School on
Wednesday, July 15. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

This year’s weeklong camp took place at Windham High School from July 13 to July 16.

“One of the big reasons is getting the youth involved with a fun sport that they can get some exercise, learn how to compete, learn new skills. I think that’s important for the community and for the youth,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach and summer youth camp instructor Chad Pulkkinen in regard to why he feels it’s important to hold the camp every summer. “The other part is our guys, them becoming role models ... I think our guys understand that at one point they were in their shoes and they looked up to those players in high school. Watching kids get to enjoy the game that I love (is what I get out of it). Getting to know these guys ... as they progress in the camps and then into high school; watching the joy in their faces as they play the game is probably the biggest part for me.”

This year the summer basketball camp had around 60 participants showing up every day and putting in a solid effort. The skill levels are broken into two groups, kindergarten through third grade who primarily work on more foundational skills, like the basics of playing the game. The fourth, fifth and sixth graders work on skills like learning to make the right decisions, learning how to move off the basketball and a lot of other different things to teach them to be successful on the court.

“I have a great time,” said Windham junior Boston Krainis. “They are all so happy and excited to be here. It feels good to be giving back to the community. I remember when I was this age looking up to the high school players. I went to a camp like this, and I remember how it felt, (the high school players) being there for me; I just try to replicate that for them.”

Pulkkinen said Windham has great kids in the community and over the years it’s been awesome to see these guys grow. It’s cool to see their progress and how hard they’ve worked. One of the biggest and most important things he and the high school players teach the kids is the importance of being a good teammate. Positive encouragement is key and he wants them to understand that once they get to the high school level, being a good teammate is the most important thing, basketball will come second.

Sixth grader Sammy Stubbert had been to the summer basketball camp before and says he came back because he likes playing in the camp games. He’s learned types of passes and being involved with the camp has improved his shooting. He said it’s cool for him to interact with the high school players. Stubbert said he wants to play varsity basketball in high school.

Sophomore and boys’ summer basketball camp coach Ryan Manning says he enjoys the camp because it gets the kids really excited to learn about the game.

“Ever since I discovered the game of basketball, I’ve been like a hard rock fan of it,” said Windham sixth grader Landen Rancourt. “I can just get those rebounds ... I’ve learned to be a good teammate, to not get mad at stuff and to work on the dribbling skills. (Interacting with the bigger kids) is great, they’re role models to me. Seeing all my friends (has been my favorite part). I would come back next year.” <