Windham varsity golf works hard in early season match

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity golf now plays their home matches at a new location this season and are still getting the feel for the new course. They played Massabesic at home at Point Sebago in Casco, a par 36 course, on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Windham senior Josh Logan concentrates before he putts
during a prep golf match against Massabesic at Point
Sebago in Casco on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

While they lost to the Stags 8-5 in points, this was an improvement over their previous home match where they scored twice as many points this match and did significantly better stroke-wise. Windham hit 14 strokes more than Massabesic (230-244), compared to the 30-plus strokes they swung last week against Gorham. Several Windham players improved on their scores from last week too.

“I played it a little safer today and it was more of just trying to find the fairway rather than get the ball really, really far,” said Windham senior Devin Zachary who was tied with his opponent until the last hole. “My putting was significantly better today ... My distance on my chipping needs improvement. The putting was going great for me today.”

Top Windham scorers included: Zachary who registered a 44 against Massabesic and earned the team one match point, freshmen Riley Gallagher, who shot a 47 and earned the team two match points, and junior Matt Biggs, who shot a 49 and earned the team two match points. Freshman Hunter Pulkkinen also shot a 49 and was all square with his opponent, meaning they won the same number of holes.

“I won my match in stroke-play against my partner,” said Gallagher. “My short game was good, I only had 17 putts, just chipping ... just played good. My driver wasn’t too bad today, but if I can get a little more distance on it, a little bit straighter, that’d be good. My irons have been decent; my short game’s good. It was good (playing against Massabesic).”

Josh Logan, a senior, said last week’s match went a little better for him; he shot a 53 during this match. Everything else was dialed in, but he struggled with putting. His driver was great; on the last hole, he cut the trees and landed 40 feet from the green. His long game was good, but he’s going to work on his putting.

“I think we’re still trying to figure out the course; we’ve been at Riverside for eight years and then coming back here, there’s still a little bit of a learning curve,” said Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo. “We’re performing pretty good in practice and then matches come and there seem to be to one or two holes that eat us up or send us down the wrong path, right off the bat. It seems to be the first hole – you get off to the wrong start and ... when you’re five-over after the first hole, it’s hard to bounce back. The freshmen/sophomores seem to be doing pretty well so far; Riley today has been pretty steady. It’s the consistency piece we’re lacking and trying to get better at. The kids have to understand that one hole doesn’t make an entire match, and the kids have to figure out how to make use of the (remaining holes) in the match and not worry about one bad hole here or there. We’re trying to find some middle ground where we’re just a little more consistent day-to-day.” <

WHS varsity volleyball pushes Bonny Eagle to five sets in home opener

By Matt Pascarella

In their first home game of the regular season, Windham varsity volleyball showed they have what it takes to go up against tough teams. In a match that’s best three out of five sets; Windham forced a fifth set, but the Scots won this match, 3-2, at Windham High on Monday, Sept. 8.

Windham senior and team captain Sydney Harmon serves
the ball over the net during the varsity volleyball home 
opener against Bonny Eagle at Windham High on
Monday, Sept. 8. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“Bonny Eagle pushes back (in the fourth set), but we held our ground and dug deep when we needed to get the points,” said Windham varsity volleyball coach Chris Cloutier. “Our serving did pretty well tonight, we were getting our serves in, we were making (Bonny Eagle) earn their points off our serves, but once it started getting into play, we didn’t keep them involved as much as we needed to – letting our defense try to win the game for us, instead of trying to score all the points offensively.”

In the first set, Windham, along with server senior captain Josephine Sibley put six points on the scoreboard quickly. Bonny Eagle had a few good serves too and was now three points behind the Eagles. Windham had strong volleying and soon it was set point. Bonny Eagle made a small comeback, but the Eagles won this set 25-21.

In the second set, it was close early on; Bonny Eagle took the lead. Windham fought hard, but Bonny Eagle was able to stay out in front. The Scots won this set 25-20.

Set three was similar in that Windham led the Scots early. The game was soon tied, but Bonny Eagle pulled away and won this set, 25-20.

“I feel like it’s so early in the season, this game was a good building block for us,” said Sibley. “We really gave it our all. I feel like we’re going to go far in the ... season. I think (this match) sets us up to know that we can sub people in and they can be equally as successful as our starters. Our team cares for each other, and that they’re going to cheer us on no matter what. Our serving was really good and our serve-receive just needs a little bit of work, but it’s progressively getting better every single season. Our biggest struggle is communication and trusting each other, but that’ll come over time.”

The fourth set was make-or-break, and it was a close one. Windham came out playing aggressively and took a six-point lead. Bonny Eagle was not far behind. The game was tied at 15, then it was tied at 23. The Eagles forced a fifth set as they won, 25-23.

“Our fourth set, we pushed and pushed; our scores kept fluctuating throughout the whole set,” said Windham senior captain Sydney Harmon. “Toward the end of the set we got together as a team and (knew) if we lose this it’s over, and we wanted to win. We kept pushing and pushing, but I think we were all really tired for the fifth set. Our communication was gone because we were so afraid of making mistakes.”

Bonny Eagle jumped out ahead in the final set with a 10-point lead in a set that ended at 15. Windham slowly made a comeback and did avoid being shut out. However, Bonny Eagle had a big lead and won the deciding set, 15-6.

“We yo-yoed a little bit in that match,” said Cloutier. “We had some technical things to clean up that stood out to me and some stuff we’ve been working on like block-coverage, not making the unforced errors ourselves. Our energy yo-yoed as well. In this game you’ve got to be mentally tough in order to pull through, you got to be able to roll through errors and ... let the last error go. That’s a tough thing to learn.”

Harmon said she was pretty happy overall with how things went, although they wanted the win, this match showed they were consistent in important areas of the court and they need to tighten some things up. <

WHS Cross Country team excels in season’s first 5K

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School’s Cross Country team competed in its first 5K of the season during the Dan Dors Invitational at Lake Region High School in Naples on Friday, Aug. 29. Thunder and lightning delayed the race, but these athletes were ready to give everything they had.

Windham seniors Sydney Broadbent, left, Lila Stanley,
back right, and Emma Fox run down a hill during the
Dan Dors Cross Country Invitational at Lake Region
High School in Naples on Friday, Aug, 29.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

In an effort to beat the rain, both boys and girls ran at the same time. Windham had a strong showing as the girls’ team finished second – only one point behind the first-place school – with a score of 31. The WHS boys’ team finished fourth with a score of 93.

GIRLS

“There was a lot of adrenaline buildup because of the rain, thunder and lightning delays ... that kind of added to the excitement on the start line, starting with boys and girls running together,” said Windham senior Sydney Broadbent who crossed the finish line first for Windham and fourth overall, with a 22:37-minute time. “It was a really exciting way to kick off the season. It feels good to run as a whole team, you can run with the boys and pace with them. I think we did amazing ... for it being the first 5K this season.”

Windham senior Lila Stanley was second to cross the finish line for Windham, fifth overall, also with a time of 22:37.

Emma Fox, a senior, finished third for Windham, sixth overall, with a time of 22:40. Fox set a personal record for herself with this time.

Fifth to cross the finish line for Windham and 12th overall was Demetria Nicholas with a time of 24:54.

BOYS 

“We all did very good, we pushed ourselves,” said Windham senior Gavin Lawler who finished first for Windham, fifth overall, with a personal record of 18:45. “We had a meet two days ago as well, bouncing back from that was challenging. I had a good group to pace with, my teammates (junior) Mason (Bragdon) and (senior) Caleb (Saucier) with me. They pushed me as far as they could go and overall, I feel we did pretty good as a team. Running with the girls gave me more motivation to push further.”

Second to finish for Windham was Bragdon with an 18:56 time, seventh overall.

Saucier finished third for Windham, eighth overall, with a time of 18:58.

Reid VanDerburgh, a sophomore, finished fourth for the team with a time of 23:34.

Junior Morgan Willey finished fifth for Windham with a time of 24:15.

“We couldn’t do the course walk because of the weather,” said Windham Cross Country girls’ and boys’ coach Paula Pock. “Which I think a lot of the kids use to get mentally prepared. I told them to just trust it; if this isn’t exactly where you think you should be right now that’s ok. They ... rolled with it, so I was really proud of them. They all did a great job pacing. I know a lot of the girls got personal records, and we weren’t really gunning for that at all, so now they have a lot of confidence for the rest of the season and can use that as a building block for their next meet.”

Assistant coach Julia Parmakian said Windham looked really strong it was nice to see them pushing each other. <

Raymond’s Casual Kicks adult kickball group provides physicality in competitive, friendly environment

By Matt Pascarella

Raymond Parks and Recreation’s Casual Kicks adults-only kickball group has had a very exciting and community-building six to seven weeks each Wednesday night. They’ve been playing competitive, friendly games of kickball for most of the summer as a way to get out and exercise, while making friends with members of the town.

Raymond resident Samuel Glidden kicks the ball to the
outfield during Raymond Parks and Recreation's
Casual Kicks group kickball game at Sheri Gagnon
Memorial Park in Raymond on Wednesday, Aug. 27.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

The Casual Kicks group had their final summer game at Sheri Gagnon Memorial Park in Raymond on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

“Personally, growing up I was a big soccer fan,” said Raymond Parks and Recreation Director Riley Silvia. “I wanted to do something ... everyone can do and something that’s chill for adults because we do a lot of youth programs and we’re trying to find something that adults can do and bring the community together during the summer. It’s been a pretty consistent group of at least 20 to 25 people every week. I think people kind of came the first week and didn’t know what to expect, and they were so happy to be here and wanted to return every week. It’s a great community event to bring the town together.”

The atmosphere was electric before, during and after the start of the game; everyone was mingling and having a good time. Since this was the final game of the summer, the group had a big cookout to celebrate the successful summer season.

“Some of our friends were joining and peer pressured us into joining and I’m so glad we did; it’s been a blast,” said Raymond resident Mandi Stevenson. “The whole family looks forward to Wednesday nights; the kids get together while we’re here and my husband and I get to get a little bit of exercise and also a little bit of social life, which we don’t normally get, so that’s nice. I just want to mention how awesome Riley has been organizing this – she’s been a rockstar for us.”

Samuel Glidden, a Raymond resident, said he joined the kickball group as a way to stay active while being with friends and the community, while showing the kids the importance of an active lifestyle. For Glidden, it’s been something he really looked forward to. He liked having that friendly, competitive spirit combined with community comradery and physical fitness.

“When (Riley) first brought it up, we were a little hesitant to do it because I’m 42, I’m going to hurt myself,” said Raymond resident Derek Milone. “Then everyone in the community said you got to do it, I signed you up. So, we said let’s do it. It’s been a great way to intermingle sport parents without being on the sidelines. It’s enabled us to scratch our own competitive itch and also stretch muscles and break things. The kids love it too, it’s almost like a juxtaposition, the kids get to watch us, and we get to have a little bit of fun.”

Raymond residents want other members of surrounding towns to know that Raymond Parks and Recreation are a super welcoming group and the more the merrier; residents and non-residents are welcome to sign up. The department is working hard to make sure that everyone, of all ages, are involved in something.

Milone says they are hand-over-foot improving the lives of Raymond residents.

“It’s a great community to get involved in, it’s a way to meet people,” said Silvia. “We have such a great community around us and (Raymond Parks and Recreation) is a great way to gather together, and to meet people. I see it growing. I’m really glad we made this decision this year and kickball will continue in the future.

For more details about available programs, visit their website at Raymond.recdesk.com or call 207-655-4742. <

WHS Varsity Football shows skills against Kennebunk in preseason scrimmage

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity football took the field against Kennebunk at Kennebunk High School on Saturday, Aug. 23 in preparation for the upcoming regular season.

Windham sophomore Jordan Pastore makes his way around
Kennebunk opponents during a varsity football preseason
controlled scrimmage at Kennebunk High School on
Saturday, Aug. 23. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

This was a controlled scrimmage, which is more of a practice session, than a game. Players and coaches improve skills and techniques through various plays, while evaluating performances as the Eagles worked in a competitive environment to be the strongest they can when it comes time for the start of the regular season. While no formal score was kept, Windham crossed into the end zone a significant amount more than the Rams did.

“I think (these scrimmages) help us a lot,” said Windham sophomore and quarterback Patrick Davenport. “Being able to see defenses and just getting live reps is definitely great. I got a lot better at reading defense today. I’m making reads off, handing the ball off from my running back. Defense (needs work), getting hats to ball, breaking down trying to make tackles better – we had too many missed tackles today, myself included and we got to fix that.”

WHS varsity head football coach Matt Perkins said the team had good speed but needed to continue to work on tackling and getting off the ball up front. While he was pleased with the team’s offense speed, he said they need to do a better job sustaining their blocks. Perkins said Windham made a lot of good plays.

Last year, Windham lost 10 seniors, but few were starters, and a lot of last year’s team have returned this year, so they’re having no problem reallocating senior-led positions.

“We all surprised ourselves,” said Windham junior Parker Sperry. “Coming into this season, no one really knew how we were going to be, but I think after this scrimmage we’ve definitely shown massive improvements and I’m very excited about the season. What went well was our team comradery has gotten so much better compared to last year. I think we’re all just working so hard as a team in practice; the whole offensive line and everyone on the offense and defense is just giving everything they have in every play.”

Junior Colin McKenna said these scrimmages are a good opportunity to put what they work on in practice into play. He felt like everybody put in a lot of effort and every play meant a lot to everybody – they didn’t take any plays off.

Davenport, Sperry and McKenna each agreed it’s going to be a good season; and Windham can go out there and beat anyone they want.

“Got to finish tackles and got to finish blocks,” said Perkins. “We got to continue to break down, but I thought our pass game was pretty good, quarterbacks did pretty well, receivers did a good job on the routes finishing. I saw a lot of productive things for sure.”

Windham will play an exhibition game at home with the kickoff at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29 against Sanford. The Eagles will face Portland in the regular season home opener on Sept. 12, with kickoff at 7 p.m. <

Candlepin bowling group fun for all ages

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Parks and Recreation began a candlepin bowling group earlier this year that is open to everyone and meets once a month. This group is a great way to meet new people. It’s not competitive and the participants are very encouraging of one another. The group had their monthly outing at Westport Bowling Lanes in Westbrook on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Windham resident Cindy Moxcey gives the ball some speed
and centers it during a Windham Parks and Recreation
candlepin bowling outing at Westport Bowling Lanes in
Westbrook on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

“I like it, it’s good exercise,” said Windham resident Jean Lake. “It’s fun, we all enjoy each other’s company. Being out with people and getting exercise. Windham Parks and Recreation have a lot to offer – it’s just a matter of choosing what you want to do.”

The candlepin bowling group began in May of this year and is without a doubt a success. Windham Parks and Recreation’s Adult Recreation Coordinator Maria Goodstein said she was trying to think of different activities that the program could do that incorporated exercise with socialization. The program already has a fitness class, so this was a natural progression.

“Everybody can enjoy it; I think it’s fantastic,” said Goodstein. “I’d like to grow the group a little bit more ... (Windham Parks and Recreation) have something for everybody, it doesn’t matter your ability, we’re just here to have fun; I don’t want people to stay away because they are intimated, or they feel they’re not as good as everybody else.”

Candlepin varies from 10-pin bowling in that you throw three smaller bowling balls instead of two large bowling balls. Candlepin pins are narrower than the 10-pin ones.

“I used to bowl a lot when I was a kid ... used to bowl 10-pin too,” said Windham resident Rick Varney. “I’ve been retired for eight years, being around people, getting to know different people around town ... I like to be as active as I can be. We’re a very friendly bunch, we’re only here to have a good time, nobody takes it real seriously. Try any of the activities (Windham Parks and Recreation offer), you might find out you like it; I’d encourage anybody to try it – we’re just here to have fun, that’s all.”

Some participants bowl to improve their game, while others bowl for exercise and socialization. Windham resident Cindy Moxcey is trying to get better and learn more about the game.

“I love to bowl; when I was younger, I used to bowl all the time,” said Windham resident Claire Cressey. “(This group) makes us laugh and get together. It’s just for fun, just being good friends. This is the best thing for an older person to do, because it gets you out of the house, make friends and have a lot of good times.”

Beverly Miller, a Windham resident, said she joined the group because she needed exercise. For her, what’s fun about the group is cheering everybody on. Miller said she used to bowl candlepin when she was in high school. She encourages anyone to join; it’s great exercise and nice to be around people.

While candlepin bowling session I has ended, the group’s Session II begins on Sept. 2 and runs through December. For more details, call 207-892-1905. <

Soccer remains a passion that provides opportunities for WHS grad Thornton

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School graduate Abbey Thornton truly loves the game of soccer and has continued to excel on the pitch at the University of Maine in Orono while earning her degree in nursing. Now a junior in college, Thornton is succeeding on and off the field, maintaining a 4.0 GPA her freshman year and made Dean’s List during her sophomore year.

Windham High graduate and University of Maine Orono
junior Abbey Thornton passes the ball during a conference
semifinal women's soccer game against the University of
Massachusetts Lowell on Nov 7, 2024.
PHOTO BY SETH POPLASKI 

"It is a huge adjustment from playing high school soccer to playing Division I soccer,” said Thornton. “I remember freshman year everyone felt so much bigger, stronger, and faster than myself. I was no longer playing against teenage girls, but adults. This adjustment required me to build mental toughness and belief in myself. It required me to always work hard and to earn everything.”

When she was 3 years old, her parents enrolled her in Windham Youth Soccer. Thornton grew up with an older brother and an active family and soccer has been an escape for her and has opened so many doors. She’s made lifelong friends and has traveled across the country to play.

“Windham High Soccer really taught me what soccer was all about,” said Thornton. “On long days, after school, when I was stressed and had a million little things to be doing, I was able to put that on hold. Instead, I got to kick around a ball with some of my best friends, do something I love and have fun. Soccer really is an escape for me and a place I can focus my energy.”

In her two seasons so far at UMaine, Thornton helped the Black Bears to win its first America's East Conference Championship in 2023 and then repeat that title in 2024.

For Thornton, this felt like a movie. She said the team had set out to win the Conference Championship in 2023 and followed through. The 2023 game was a nailbiter that went into overtime. That win made the long days and early mornings worth it. The team set out to be back-to-back champions in 2024 and accomplished that goal, too.

“(Abbey’s) constant commitment to give it her all pushes the people around her to match her energy and go one step further,” said UMO junior teammate Grace Johnson. “Vocally Abbey is constantly providing positive reinforcements to her sounding teammates who are on and off the pitch because Abbey’s support is not dependent on minutes but solely stems from her true compassion for others. Abbey is the teammate who is always reaching out to all the first years after their first game, and the teammate who shows up every day ready to contribute as a player, as a teammate, but most importantly as a friend. You can see the joy radiating off her, that exact energy is something that can’t be taught but a true gift to our program.”

Her advice to athletes who may be interested in continuing to play sports after high school is that hard work beats talent; even if you’re not the most skilled on the field, you can always be the most hardworking. College sports take discipline and sacrifice but are also beyond rewarding, she says.

Being a UMaine Black Bear has allowed Thornton to build relationships that will last a lifetime.

“Abbey leads by example (and) is extremely self-disciplined; her work habits are extraordinary,” said UMO women’s soccer coach Scott Atherley. “Abbey epitomizes the true meaning of student-athlete as she excels at the highest levels academically and athletically. Integrity is a word that immediately comes to mind when I think of Abbey. She is one of our most creative and technical players. In our system, we rely on skillful players who can problem solve and make decisions under pressure. Abbey has great vision and composure. She will assume an important on-field role this season and will continue to have a massive presence in our locker room.” <