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.” <

Windham boys’ varsity summer basketball crushes Cheverus

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham High School boys’ varsity summer basketball team downed Cheverus at Windham on Monday, July 13 and previewed a bright future for the team in the process.

Windham junior Boston Krainis looks for a teammate to pass
to while flying through mid-air during a boys' varsity
summer basketball game against Cheverus at Windham 
High school on Monday, July 13.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

Windham had a strong start in the first half and put some distance between them and the Stags early on. Windham hit several three-pointers in the first half and did not let up in the second half. Offense and defense were outstanding. While Cheverus made some leeway over the two halves, it was not enough. As the clock was running out, Windham would not be caught and won, 60-47.

“We just want to have a lot of fun,” said Windham varsity boys’ summer basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “We want to get up and down, we do a little stuff in practice that we want to apply to the game. Every summer game is physical; there are less calls. It’s really testing our character, I think that’s what we try to work on the most during the summer is how we respond to adversity, how we respond when things don’t go our way. These guys are just great kids, they give me everything they have and it’s easy to coach them. It’s pretty exciting to be around a group of guys like that. The physicality (went well). Cheverus is very physical, our guys didn’t back down from it. Our team just trusted one another, put in the effort ... there was no quit in our guys. These games in the summer ... mean a lot because it translates in the regular season.”

The Eagles started the game playing strong defense and kept Cheverus scoreless for almost the first full five minutes of the game.

Freshman Robbie Sanicola put Windham on the scoreboard when he sank a three-pointer. Next, senior Landon Wyman sank a three-pointer and Senior Colin Janvrin had an incredible slam dunk.

Windham forced several turnovers; and they displayed excellent ball movement.

Cheverus was trying to catch up, but Windham made it hard. Junior Boston Krainis hit a three-pointer. Windham led by more than 10 points. Janvrin dunked again; then sank a three-pointer before the buzzer. At halftime, Windham held a 27-16 lead.

“We show up and practice hard ... and on a hot day like this it translates to what we learn in practice and how hard we try,” said Janvrin. “We’ve been bonding a lot, hanging out together outside of games and coming together as a team. Our defense only let up 47 points, and it was big ... getting the ball in transition. We shared the ball and shot the ball really well. Finding our roles and what guys do on other teams (needs work).”

Krainis sank a three-pointer in the first minute of the second half as Windham’s intensity remained very strong. Its offense continued to widen the points gap between Windham and Cheverus as Windham sophomore Cooper Leland hit a three-pointer.

The Eagles’ offense fought to be first to the ball and they rebounded well. As soon as Cheverus closed the points gap a little, Windham would answer and widen it again.

With 1 minute remaining, the Eagles had built more than a 10-point lead and they held onto that lead until the final buzzer.

“We like to play as a team and move the ball around; we all trust each other, defense was really connected,” said Sanicola. “Offenses we all know where we’re going to be. It’s just going through practice, playing hard with each other and then that leads to a game like this. Rebounding on defense (needs work), having intensity, not letting the opponent get second-chance points. A game like this I can learn to stay connected to the whole game and not let them hang around.” <

Windham I girls’ varsity summer soccer sails past Freeport

By Matt Pascarella

After Windham shutout rival Gorham 4-0 on Monday, July 6, the Windham I girls’ varsity summer soccer team headed to Freeport to play Freeport on Wednesday, July 8. Windham scored twice in the first half and really turned up the intensity in the second half, with Eagle defense holding back Freeport. Windham scored one goal in the second half to win the game, 3-0.

Windham sophomore Carly Franzoni is about to kick the
ball into the goal during a girls' summer soccer game against
Freeport at freeport High School on Wednesday, July 8.
PHOTO  BY MATT PASCARELLA

“The summer is all about getting to know the kids,” said Windham I varsity girls’ summer soccer coach Deb LeBel. “Seeing who can play in different positions, who’s going to step up and fill in, getting the underclassmen more comfortable with the upperclassmen. It’s really about making connections and building where we left off last year. We had some outstanding coaching by Jimmy (Stewart) and (Chris) Aube. Players are starting to really take what the coaches are saying and really apply now. Their soccer IQ is getting higher, and patience. When we’re patient and switch it through the back to the other side, good things happen.”

The Eagles came out with intensity, but Freeport defense was strong and turned the ball over several times. That didn’t last long as Windham was quick to regain the ball and then took several shots at the goal.

Aggressiveness paid off for Windham when part way through the first half, senior Denali Momot scored. They kept it going when Windham sophomore Carly Franzoni scored before the end of the half.

Midway through the game Windham led, 2-0.

“I think we fixed our mistakes and stayed wide and played as a team which we’ve been getting better at,” said Franzoni. “Once we turned the ball over, we got the ball right back. Some communication (needs work); we just weren’t sure who got the ball or sometimes there would be someone in the middle without getting the ball in. I think we can learn that we got confidence from the game today and we can go into other games with confidence.”

Intensity did not dip for Windham in the second half as they turned up the heat and gave Freeport’s goalie a real workout with shot after shot after shot at the goal.

On a corner kick Momot knocked the ball right past the goalie and into the goal.

“We communicated very well, we’re a very fresh team,” said Momot. “A lot of people are coming up from junior varsity, so we haven’t played a lot together, but I think we’re doing really well with that. In the second half we talked a lot more, the wings made sure to stay wide, opened up the field, and that worked really well. I feel like we need to make sure to stay wide, as we didn’t do that in the first half. We changed a lot going into the second half and it worked very well. We’ve learned to play a lot quicker ... we need to make sure to play as a team and don’t hold the ball for too long.”

LeBel said a lot of the kids have made big steps in the offseason, and the team is hungry and ready to go. She said they need to keep building trust with each other and learning their teammate’s strengths; Windham is in a good starting spot. <

RSU 14 Grounds Coordinator has amazing experience while working for World Cup games

By Matt Pascarella

Windham RSU 14’s Grounds Coordinator Michael DiDonato had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity working field maintenance at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts when the facility hosted three World Cup soccer games from June 21 to June 30. DiDonato was on the game field, painting, mowing, setting up for the World Cup games during his time there. He was on the field for halftime care of the field as well as post-game shut down.

RSU 14 Grounds Coordinator Mike
DiDonato maintains the field at
Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts
during World Cup soccer games from
June 21 to June 30. DiDonato was one
of 36 individuals from the Northeast
chosen for this prestigious honor.
SUBMITTED PHOTOI    

“The atmosphere of 64,000 soccer fans cheering on their respected country was electric,” said DiDonato. “Being a part of the process to host such an amazing event with some of the best turf grass professionals in New England was an honor. This is another big event that I wanted to be a part of and hoped I would get picked to be a part of. I was one of 36 total that would be picked to work the World Cup.”

Ever since it was announced that the World Cup would be hosted by the United States, that had been the center point of the Sports Field Managers Association National Conference. DiDonato attends this conference every year for educational sessions to learn about what’s new in the industry, agronomics, irrigation work-life balance, and more. Once Gillette Stadium was chosen as one of the locations where games would be held, DiDonato’s interest was piqued and he thought this was an unbelievable opportunity for him in his working career.

Last November, Gillette Stadium held an informational meeting about the event, where DiDonato reviewed the logistics and was able to put his name in a pool of interested individuals. The informational meeting was packed with various athletic field managers, assistants and golf course superintendents at various levels from Division I schools in the Northeast, kindergarten through 12th grade managers, town crew workers and golf course superintendents. He says he couldn't put a number on the amount of people that signed up but there were over 200 people in the room.

He filled out a survey that highlighted everything that DiDonato was familiar with pertaining to field maintenance. The Head Sports Field Manager for Gillette Stadium, Ryan Bjorn, has known DiDonato for years and thought he would be a great fit for this opportunity.

For DiDonato to be one 36 individuals picked from the Northeast to work field maintenance at Gillette Stadium during the World Cup is a true honor.

DiDonato’s responsibilities consisted of mowing practice fields, the game field, painting and running string for mowing and painting. They had two teams to set up and break down the practice goals after warm-ups. A team repairing divots and finally watering the pitch before opening ceremonies. At halftime they would walk the field repairing divots with mini pitch forks while the pitch was being watered again.

DiDonato and his team were in the stadium only on game days. The other days were spent on the New England Patriot’s practice fields, mowing, painting, among other tasks. He also worked on the New England Revolution fields doing the same thing. On non-game World Cup game days, DiDonato was in the stadium a few times for seeding, pulling string for various jobs, taking off the grow lights, or putting them on every day.

“Before the last match the field team had to stand in as soccer players to rehearse opening ceremonies,” said DiDonato. “We got to play the part of the athletes and walk out with the (children) that were in attendance and it was fantastic to see it from the athlete's vantage point. What a way to wrap up an amazing experience.” <

Windham Under-12 baseball All-Stars fall short against Gorham

By Matt Pascarella

Coming off back-to-back wins against Yarmouth and Portland Little Leagues, Windham’s Under-12 All-Star team went head-to-head with Gorham’s Under-12 All-Stars in an elimination game during the two-game elimination District 6 Tournament at the Westbrook Little League Complex on Wednesday, July 1.

Windham seventh grader Elijah Sun receives congratulations
after making it to first base in a District 6 Under-12 All-Star 
baseball game against Gorham at Westbrook Little League
Complex on Wednesday, July 1.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Both teams were scoreless for three complete innings, but Gorham scored two runs in the fourth inning and Windham answered in the fifth inning when they put one run on the scoreboard. Windham worked hard but couldn’t overcome the Rams and lost, 2-1.

“We were ready but didn’t get the outcome we wanted,” said Windham seventh grader Tanner Pulkkinen. “I’m proud of my team, we tried our very best to beat these guys; we knew they were good. Hitting and fielding went well. This season meant a lot, and it was really fun because we were a good team.”

The third inning showcased Windham’s defense as it shut down Gorham with one out and two runners on base. The ball was hit to Windham second baseman and sixth grader Roman Eaton, who got the runner out and then made the throw in time to first baseman Pulkkinen for a double play.

In the fourth inning, Windham seventh grader Charlie Moore walked. A sacrifice bunt from Pulkkinen moved Moore to second base. Windham fifth grader Benson Duffy singled and then made it to second base with Moore on third base. Unfortunately, the inning ended with Windham runners on base.

After Gorham put two runs on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth inning, Windham showed they were still in the game during the next inning.

Windham seventh grader Elijah Sun walked in the fifth inning. Seventh grader Charlie Sanicola singled. With a bunt, Pulkkinen got on base; and the bases were loaded. Seventh grader Jackson Desmond singled and Sun scored. With Windham runners on second base and third base though, a strikeout ended the inning.

“Don’t throw anything down the middle; throw a lot of curveballs,” said Sun in discussing how he approached the game. Sun pitched five innings with six strikeouts and just one walk. “Our defense was pretty good, pitching, hitting was good. A little more defense and offense and getting more hits might have flipped the score. This season meant a lot, it meant playing for my town, the practices, the games, the atmosphere all made it fun.”

Windham’s defense held off Gorham in the fifth inning but couldn’t tie the game in the top of the sixth inning.

“Baseball’s probably one of the greatest sports for anybody,” said Windham Little League All-Star Under-12 baseball coach David Moore. “It teaches you how to handle adversity; we preached the importance of adversity – get knocked down three times get up four; recognizing it, dealing with, overcoming it. They learned that hard work does pay off. We certainly didn’t get beat at the plate or in the field. One or two more balls fall in our direction and it’s a different game. Young men pitching through adversity, it was hot, Elijah went out there and kept us in the game. It was an honor, I’ve had a lot of these kids since they were 5 or 6 years old, it’s kind of full circle, these boys aren’t done yet. Windham baseball is on the map. Other towns know who we are.” <

Three Windham seniors sign college athletic letters of intent

By Matt Pascarella

Three Windham High School seniors have signed college athletic letters of intent.

Windham seniors Oakley McLeod, left with WHS softball 
coach Darcey Gardiner join Nealie Morey and Myla Vercoe
with WHS track coach Jeff Riddle during a college
athletic letter of intent signing at Windham High School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASACRELLA 

Oakley McLeod will attend Saint Anselm’s College in New Hampshire to major in education and play softball. Nealie Morey will attend Saint Joseph’s College to major in nursing and compete on the track team. Myla Vercoe will attend the University of New England in Biddeford to major in nursing and compete on the school’s track team.

Their college commitments were made during a ceremony at Windham High School on Wednesday, May 27.

Oakley McLeod

McLeod would like to become a high school teacher and coach after college.

She said wanted to be part of the letter of intent signing because she wanted her family to be there. It really good for McLeod to sign her letter of intent. It’s taken her a lot of hard work and sacrifices, but she’s glad she’s finally completed her signing.

“She keeps things light and entertaining on the field but also has a fire in her that makes her the most competitive person on our softball team,” said Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “She is my utility queen; she has gone from first base to outfield to second base back to first base, over to third base and beyond that, in preseasons I ask her to catch for us. I’ve watched Oakley set goals for herself since the very beginning of her freshman year. Every day since she has put in the time to reach those goals.”

When McLeod was 7, she began playing softball, and by 15 or 16 she knew she wanted to play college softball.

“Athletics have taught me to have fun, not be hard on myself and also love your friends and family,” said McLeod. “I would like to thank my dad, (family), my coaches and my friends.”

Nealie Morey

Morey would like to become a nurse after college. She wanted to participate in this signing to celebrate with everyone that supported her and her accomplishments; she’s proud of herself and the college she is committing to.

“I started track in eighth grade, mainly did high jump,” said Morey. “Track is like no other sport, it’s so welcoming – people say it’s an individual sport, but it’s really a team sport; it’s all done together. I’m really grateful; it’s opened so many doors for me. It’s taught me perseverance, navigating hard things, and what you put into athletics is mainly what you get out of it.”

Windham High track and field coach Jeff Riddle said Morey chose an event, the high jump, that ends in failure. The mental fortitude and capacity to know you are always going to end in failure is unprecedented in the concept of sport. Riddle said Morey was never satisfied and would attend USA Track and Field events in the summer to extend her capacity and push herself more. She’s passionate and takes care as a captain of her team.

She would like to thank Coach Riddle and her friends and family who have always supported her.

Myla Vercoe

“Our job as coaches is to create tremendous opportunity and then push and push and pause and then create more opportunity,” said Riddle. “We have a stellar teammate in Myla who we often put in a position to coach up her fellow teammates, block starts, jumps ... her future is really, really bright both academically and her athletic pursuits.”

Vercoe says she would like to maybe become a geriatric nurse after college.

“This signing pulls everything together as a final event. Everything these athletes and I have worked so hard for, it brings acknowledgement to everything and pulling it all together,” said Vercoe.

She began running track in the eighth grade because a friend of hers didn’t want to do it alone. Vercoe quickly fell in love with the sport and the environment that came with it.

It was a relief for her to complete her college commitment as she felt acknowledged. Her advice to underclassmen is to stay true to what you want, regardless of how difficult things get, believe in yourself and keep persevering.

She would like to thank her mom, her step-dad Johnathan, her siblings and her sister Vienna. <

Windham Little League’s Beacon Environmental ousts Westbrook

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Little League Juniors team Beacon Environmental defeated Westbrook, 5-2, at Windham Middle School on Monday, June 29.

Windham eighth grader Colton Kalakowsky hits a pitch
into left field during a Windham Little League Beacon
Environmental Juniors baseball game against Westbrook
at Windham on Monday, June 29.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Late in the game, Windham led, 3-2, but a single from seventh grader Jacoby Penney followed by an inside-the-park homerun from eighth grader Colton Kalakowsky cleared the bases. In the top of the seventh inning, Westbrook hit the ball to eighth grader Alex McGonagle who nabbed an incoming runner on his way to third base and then made the throw in time to eighth grader Noah Toothaker at first base for a double play as Windham claimed the victory.

“We take every game one at a time,” said Windham Little League Beacon Environmental coach Charlie Reiniger. “Coming off a loss, we talked to the kids about bouncing back as a team and doing the little things like cheering for each other, picking each other up, getting the balls that go (out of bounds), it’s all these little things that culminate to a win like this. When you do the small things correctly, you are going to have better results on the field. I thought our fielding was really, really good today, pitching was fantastic for us and cheering for each other (went well). We have a mix of guys who are trying to become friends and learn to play together. We proved that we could win a game that was pretty good competition.”

The first inning saw Windham’s Kalakowsky walk, and eighth grader Cody Devoid singled. Eighth grader Nolan Harvie was hit by a pitch and the bases were loaded. Kalakowsky put Windham on the scoreboard when he scored on a passed ball. After another walk, Devoid scored and Windham led, 2-0.

In the top of the fourth inning, Westbrook tied the game 2-2.

Windham was quick to answer back as Harvie singled and eighth grader Eli Souther walked. Harvie then scored on a wild pitch.

Penney singled in the bottom of the sixth inning. Kalakowsky hit a ball deep to left field and both runners scored to give Windham the 5-2 lead.

“That pitch I saw was right down the middle and I just sent it,” said Kalakowsky. “Westbrook was a good team, it was a tough win, we did a great job pitching too. Our defense was great; being stronger at the plate (needs work).”

A ground out got the first out against Westbrook in the seventh inning. Eighth grader Max Inzerillo came in to pitch for McGonagle who pitched most of the game and had eight strikeouts. Two Westbrook players got on base and then a ball was hit right to third baseman McGonagle who got the runner out and then made the throw to first baseman Toothaker for the double play.

“It was pretty fun pitching against them,” said Inzerillo. “I faced the top of the order; they had some pretty good hitters. I was a little nervous and calmed myself down by taking a few deep breaths to slow down a little bit. We pitched really well, played good defense, we attacked well and hit the ball well. We’ve got to be more disciplined ... at the plate.”

When Reiniger looks at this game, he sees more positives than negatives. The goal for the group is to come together, have fun and make the playoffs at the end of the season. Reiniger said it’s all about the players. His assistant coaches and he make sure the players know they are there for them and will support them.<