Windham seniors Harmon and Profenno shine during Class A Maine State Golf Championships

By Matt Pascarella

For their final time, Windham seniors Fiona Harmon and Addison Profenno competed in the Class A Maine State Golf Championship on Friday, Oct. 11 at the Natanis Golf Course, a par 72, in Vassalboro. Both girls had incredible final games as high school seniors; Harmon shot an 87 and placed second, she also qualified for the New England Golf Tournament. Profenno shot a 92, placed sixth and is waiting to see if she qualified for the New England Golf Tournament.

Windham High seniors Addison Profenno,
left, and Fiona Harmon gather after
competing in the Class A Maine State
Golf Championships at the Natanis
Golf Course in Vassalboro on
Friday, Oct. 10.
PHOTO BY ABBY SPECTOR

“They are excellent teammates,” said Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo. “They are friendly to everyone – they are all-around awesome kids. They are nice, they treat everyone like they want to be treated. I’m super excited and happy for them. Over four years they’ve worked harder than anyone; they get to be here for one last chance, win or lose; I just think it’s great they get to be here. They’re sad it’s ending. We’re super lucky that they’re at Windham and not elsewhere.”

Both golfers hit par or better on at least five holes. Profenno received a top 10 plaque and birdied – one under par – on the fourth hole. Harmon received a runner-up plaque.

“I’m very proud of myself and what I have done in the four years that I’ve competed for Windham varsity golf,” said Harmon. “Friday was a great way to end my high school golf career. It took lots of dedication and practice to reach my goal. The highlight of Friday was all the support I had on the golf course. I also want to applaud all the other girls that competed at states. They all show great sportsmanship for each other, and I was very lucky to be able to play with all of them for the last four years.”

Harmon is unsure if she wants to play golf post-high school and Profenno would like to play on a club team after high school.

“I feel really well on how I played,” said Profenno. “Of course, there will always be the wish of shooting lower or making a putt I missed, but overall, I am satisfied. I feel like I was much more prepared mentally and physically than other years. I was completely focused and was more aware of what I needed to do when I had an unfortunate shot. My high point ... was definitely playing with the same people as I did last year. It was a very fun competition and made the long round enjoyable. I also was very proud about making a birdie putt on the first par three I played. Overall, the past four years on varsity have been a high point in my high school experience.”

Profenno and Harmon said Coach Manzo was always there to keep them motivated and having fun. They are thankful for all they learned on the golf course. They thank Manzo and their teammates for where they are today.

“I felt both did an incredible job representing our team, our school, and our community,” said Manzo. “Both seemed highly engaged and focused the entire day. I saw a lot of thinking going on out there, from club selection to reading putts. It was cool to start, and they had to battle serious wind all day long, which made conditions challenging. I’m just super proud of both of them. They are two outstanding kids who always want to play well, so this was a great way for them to wrap up their high school careers.” <

WHS varsity golf falls to Greely but shows early season improvement

By Matt Pascarella

After Windham varsity golf opened its 2024 season with a big win over Westbrook, Windham traveled to take on Greely on Thursday, Sept. 5 at Val Halla in Cumberland. That’s a par 36 course and although WHS turned in a strong effort, it lost, 10-3, to the Rangers.

Windham senior Joe Donnelly watches his putt during a prep
golf match against Greely at Val Halla Golf and Recreation
Course in Cumberland on Thursday, Sept. 5.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Windham senior Joe Donnelly shot a 43, while senior Fiona Harmon shot a 44 and junior Nolan McPhail shot a 48. Sophomore Wyatt Richards earned 2 points for the team going 3-and-2 and shot a 51. Junior Davis Jordan shot a 50 and earned 1 point for the team, going all-square, meaning he and his opponent had an equal number of points.

“I think we did good, obviously the plug greens were a little bit of a curve ball, but I think we did alright,” said Donnelly. “I personally played OK; the team played OK, but I think the plugged greens got us, but we’ll come back and beat them next time. For me, posted off the tee pretty good ... we just had a little bit of approach shot issues, putting was fine, but we played OK. Chipping needs work.”

Plugged greens create a bumpy surface on the course which often occurs through aeration during maintenance and helped WHS golfers during the Greely match.

“The course was in great shape,” said Harmon. “I was struggling off the tee a little bit, overall, I did well. My short game was pretty good, greens were aerated so it was kind of hard. Long irons and getting off the tee (still need work).”

In total strokes, Windham was less than 20 strokes behind Greely, 220-238.

“We have notoriously struggled when we play at Val Halla,” said Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo. “I think the match was closer than the score reflected. Many of the matches came down to the last few holes, half of the medal scores were all within three to five shots, and while I do not think we gave them our best shot, this was an improvement for us at their course.”

Both Davis Jordan and Wyatt Richards were able to come away with points in the five and six spot. Davis tied both match and medal and had an opportunity to win both on the last hole and Wyatt won both match and medal.

Manzo said each match in the top six matters, so he was happy that both Jordan and Richards were able to come away with some points for the team.

“Team score wise, our goal would be to be below 220,” he said. “I do believe as the season goes on, we will be able to move in that direction with the ultimate goal of saving our lowest round for the Southern Maine Activities Association Qualifier in early October.” <

 

Windham Middle School boys’ basketball teams split against Biddeford

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham Middle School boys’ seventh and eighth grade boys’ basketball teams took on Biddeford at home on Monday, Jan. 29 in one of the final games of the season. Windham’s eighth grade team had the lead going into the half and held back Biddeford to get a 39-33 win. Windham seventh graders fought hard against the Tigers, but fell 49-35, despite a push toward the end which closed a wide gap between the teams.

Windham eighth grader Boston Krainis drives to the basket
during a boy's middle school basketball game against
Biddeford at home on Monday, Jan. 29.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Eighth Grade

“I think we played well in spurts, and I think we were a little lost at times,” said Windham Middle School eighth grade boys’ basketball coach Adam Manzo. “They held it together and made some free throws down the stretch and made the plays at the end; it wasn’t our best game by any means, but sometimes you have to win ugly. They take on things and retain things really well, but at times it looks like we just forget what we learned. First quarter ... press went well; we rebounded the ball in the first quarter. They become both too selfish and too unselfish [and that needs work]. We pass the ball when we should just shoot the ball and sometimes, we don’t pass the ball when we should. They’ve been playing together for so long that sometimes they forget there are four other people on the floor and it’s ok to give that ball up.”

Windham jumped out to an early lead and grabbed rebounds and moved the ball effectively. They scored several times and their defense kept Biddeford practically scoreless early on.

Windham continued to take shot after shot, but in a low-scoring second quarter Biddeford’s turnovers helped them catch up, although Windham still maintained the lead, 18-11 at the first buzzer.

“The first quarter we moved the ball well, great teamwork,” said Boston Krainis. “Second quarter got a little sloppy, giving up offensive rebounds and third quarter was all right and then fourth quarter we turned it on, shots started falling, getting the lead up defense ... great game, overall.”

Krainis said defensive rebounds need work. Although, he thinks they’ve definitely improved since the start of the season.

Windham opened the second half with a basket. They continued to get rebounds. They fought for the ball and kept a comfortable lead.

Biddeford slowly creeped up and soon was within striking distance of turning this game around. Windham pressured and did not let that happen.

“We had good passes; the ball wasn’t moving as fast, but I feel we could have moved it a lot better,” said Werani Anthony. “We had a good game overall – shots were going up, layups were going up, our passes were good. I think we need better quarter vision on the court, because we had open plays in the paint a lot and couldn’t get the ball to them – other than that we played a pretty good game.”

Seventh Grade

A three-pointer by Dezi Grant put Windham on the scoreboard. Ryan Manning sunk a couple foul shots. Riley Gallagher sunk a three-pointer. Despite this, Biddeford pulled away in the first quarter.

Windham’s offense slowly picked up. Biddeford grabbed turnovers and ran up the scoreboard. At the half, Biddeford led 26-16.

Windham fought for the ball in the second half and never stopped trying. They got some rebounds and closed the points gap a little as they entered the fourth quarter.

“We played very hard; we were just getting beat by [Biddeford’s] size,” said Manning. “I think we need to get more rebounds. We did good offensively ... heading into the third quarter, coach really motivated us, and we really pushed it hard. Our offense [went well]; we ran a couple plays that got us baskets.”

Manning said they need to be more aggressive, especially if they want to flip scores. He thought they were a little soft during this game.

As the clock wound down, Windham grabbed rebounds and sunk several baskets. They had a push at the end, but it wasn’t enough.

“We didn’t pull it all together on a consistent basis,” said Windham Middle School seventh grade boys’ basketball coach Craig Dickson. “We weren’t pulling all the things we had learned together all at once. It’s a great bunch of kids but it’s hard, I just try to keep building their confidence and telling the kids to shoot [the ball]. I think they periodically demonstrated aggressiveness. Any time my guys can be tough and aggressive, the grit that it takes to win. We’ve been consistently working on dribbling and shooting – I don’t ever want to deter a kid from shooting. I’ve seen the progress – kids are getting better, their shooting more and their confidence is going up.” <

Windham varsity golf plays Greely on road and shows improvement

By Matt Pascarella

Halfway through the season and coming off a win over Bonny Eagle, the Windham High School coed varsity golf team continues to improve and showed its skill during a match against Greely at Val Halla Golf & Recreation, a par 36 course in Cumberland on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Although Windham improved from the last time these two teams met when Greely won by a score of 11-2, this time the Eagles fell 9-4 to the Rangers.

Windham junior Addison Profenno hits the ball during a
coed varsity golf match against Greely at Val Halla Golf
and Recreation in Cumberland on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Overall, Greely topped Windham in total strokes, 213-237.

“It was tough because we didn’t have practice [on Monday] because of the weather,” said Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo. “Not having practice, the day before a match is tough sometimes. This is probably one of the nicest courses we’ve played so far.”

Manzo said as a team, this group is more connected. He said that they all get along very well and more importantly this year other than wins and losses is that this team has become such good friends and good teammates; and everyone is on the same page.

Windham junior Brady Harvie earned Windham two match points and shot a 39 against Greely. Junior Addison Profenno also earned the team two match points, birdied on the second hole, and shot a 43; junior Joe Donnelly shot a 49, sophomore Devin Zachary shot a 52, sophomore Josh Logan shot a 54 and freshman Bradyn Woodward shot a 59.

Harvie said conditions were nice for the match and the weather was great. He said he hit his irons pretty well, but his driver was a little off. Harvie also made some good putts and he said that when he plays tighter courses like this that his goal is to keep the ball in play.

Donnelly had never played the back 9 at Val Halla and said that he played it as safe as he could. He said that his driver went well, long irons were ok, but short game wasn’t there.

Profenno said she was pleased with her game against Greely.

“I usually put a lot of pressure on myself,” said Profenno. “But this time, I took every shot as my first one.” This paid off for Profenno as she notched one of her season’s lowest scores.

She said her teammate Devin Zachary helped her, and the course had good conditions; there was no heat which made for nice play. This time playing against Greely fared better for Profenno and she thought the back 9 at Val Halla was better for her than the front 9.

Manzo’s message to the team remained the same against a powerful team like Greely - wins are great, but is Windham playing well at the right time, and up to their best potential. He said this is important as they head toward end-of-the-season qualifiers.

Everyone on the team is capable of doing well as the end-of-season approaches, Manzo said. <

Windham High golfers set sights at 2023 prep title

By Ed Pierce

One of the greatest golfers of all time, Jack Nicklaus, believed that confidence is the most important factor in the game of golf, and he said no matter how great your natural talent is, there is only one way to obtain golfing success, and that is to work at it. Entering this new season, members of the Windham High School coed varsity golf team have been getting ready to showcase their skills and make a serious run at distinguishing themselves out on the links in 2023.

Windham junior Fiona Harmon lines up a putt during the 
Cass A Individual Schoolgirl Golf Championships at 
Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro last season. Harmon
is expected to be one of the top players for Windham's
coed golf team this year. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Windham Varsity Golf Coach Adam Manzo said that members of the team started practicing Aug. 14 at Riverside North Golf Course in Portland and are talented and eager to get the season under way.

Members of the 2023 WHS Varsity Golf Team include seniors Brady Harvie and Nathan Jordan; juniors Joe Donnelly, Fiona Harmon, Addison Profenno, and Ben Shaw; sophomores Josh Logan and Devin Zachary; and freshman Bradyn Woodward.

According to Manzo, the most difficult aspect as a coach in preparing for a new golf season is getting the team prepared to compete in a short amount of time.

“Our season is incredibly short, so it is imperative that the kids use the summer to prep for the upcoming high school golf season,” Manzo said. “This season, I feel the kids did a nice job on their own over the summer and came in ready to compete.”

He said that Windham is returning a solid core of players from last year’s squad, and he fully expects this team will be a handful and be highly competitive.

The top returning golfers for Windham are Brady Harvie, a senior, and Fiona Harmon, a junior. Harvie was a 2nd Team SMAA selection last season and Harmon finished third overall in the Class A Individual Schoolgirl Championship last season, just 2 strokes away from winning the title. Promising newcomers on the team are Josh Logan, a sophomore), Bradyn Woodward, a freshman, and Devin Zachary, a sophomore.

The regular season for Windham began with a match against Westbrook High School at Sunset Ridge Golf Links in Westbrook on Wednesday, Aug. 29 and the Eagles came away with a 13-0 win.

Manzo said the team will compete in matches throughout September with the SMAA Individual and Team qualifier to be held Oct. 2. If Windham or any team members play well enough to qualify individually, the Class A State Championship will be held Oct. 7 at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro.

“I want the kids to have the same take-away as they do every year, progress and improve throughout the season with the goal of qualifying multiple individuals as well as the team qualifying to compete in the state championship,” Manzo said. “It ends up being a one day, 18-hole shootout, and I think we have as good of a chance as any other team.”

Windham’s 2023 JV Golf Team plays and practices at Riverside South Golf Course in Portland.

The JV Golf Team is coached by Brody Artes and team members this year are sophomores Brody Lewis, Nolan McPhail, Carter Mahieu and Aidan Tweedie; and freshmen Matthew Biggs, Braden Childs and Wyatt Richards. <

WMS eighth-grade baseball holds on to defeat Moore

By Matt Pascarella

In a game that started as a bit of a runaway for Windham Middle School became a lot closer when the eighth baseball team played Moore Middle School at Windham on Friday, May 12. Windham jumped to a 6-0 lead after one inning and defense kept Moore scoreless for more of the game. But Moore scored four runs in the fifth inning and steadily added runs until the end. Windham prevented Moore taking the lead and held on for a 9-8 win.

Windham Middle School eighth grade pitcher Colin Janvrin
keeps his eye on the strike zone before throwing a pitch
during a game against Moore on Friday, May 12. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Windham eighth grade baseball coach Adam Manzo said he told the team at the beginning of the season, that if they minimize mistakes and pitchers throw strikes, they could do well. Manzo said the first inning’s runs set Windham’s tone for the game.

After the fifth inning, the ball got away from them and errors and a couple walks late in the game hurt. The kids stick with it and were able to grind it out and finish; and Manzo said it was nice to get another win.

Windham defense started the game strong with three consecutive Moore batters sent back to the dugout.

In the bottom of the first inning, Caleb Hayman walked. Seventh grader Mason Rulman singled and brought in Hayman. Bradyn Woodward walked, and seventh grader Patrick Davenport got on base after being hit with a pitch. Colin Janvrin hit a ground ball and reached first base. Woodward and Davenport scored. Ronin Rotaru hit a ground ball and also reached first base on an error. Kellen Gardiner walked, and bases are loaded. Sam Redlon singled and Janvrin and Rotaru scored. Two more walks and Windham led 6-0 after one inning.

Janvrin’s pitching and Windham defense made it difficult for Moore to gain much traction. He pitched six innings and said he trusted his team to make good plays. He said there was good fielding, they ran the bases hard and hit well.

In the bottom of the third inning, Rotaru doubled. Gardiner grounded out, but Rotaru scored.

Hayman doubled in the bottom of the fourth inning; then Alex Pastore is hit by a pitch. Rulman singled and Hayman and Pastore scored.

Moore scored four runs in the top of the fifth inning.

In the top of the seventh inning, it was 9-5, Windham. Moore chipped away and scored another three runs, but Windham prevented further scoring and held onto their win.

Rulman closed the game on the mound in his first time pitching for the eighth grade team. He said it felt pretty good. Rulman said they hit well and made good plays in the field.

“We all had a good start to the game ... we came through and won; it was a good game, good teamwork, good everything,” said Pastore. “Good job to my boys.”

Pastore said Windham had good hitting and good teamwork.

“Overall, I think we have a pretty strong group, they’re resilient,” said Manzo. “They don’t get bothered ... they didn’t get down on themselves or the team. They play so much baseball they know what it takes to get it done.” <

WMS boys’ basketball splits games against St. Brigid

By Matt Pascarella

In the final games of the season, Windham eighth and seventh-grade boys’ basketball played St. Brigid Catholic School in Portland and split two high-intensity games on Thursday, Jan. 26.

Windham seventh grader Roni Anthony blows by an
opponent while keeping his eyes on the hoop during a
game against  St. Brigid School on Thursday, Jan. 26.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Windham’s eighth-grade team came out strong but let up and St. Brigid took the lead. Windham battled back the entire game, but St. Brigid got the 60-39 win.

Windham’s seventh-grade team played a close game separated by only a few points as the clock was close to running out. The Eagles held onto their lead and won 47-46.

Eighth Grade

Windham grabbed rebounds early to drive their score up quickly. Windham’s Boston Krainis hit a three-pointer.

Despite Windham’s strong abilities, St. Brigid jumped out ahead. Windham fought hard to catch their opponent.

St. Brigid grabbed several turnovers. Windham continued to snag rebounds and shooting shots at basket, but they weren’t falling. At the half, Windham trailed 36-23.

“We came out flat and they were ready to go,” said Krainis.

Krainis said if Windham rushed offensively, if they calmed down, they may have been able to turn the score around. Krainis said the season went pretty well.

In the second half, Windham had quick hands and moved the ball. Windham had closed the gap between the teams some, but St. Brigid still had a commanding lead.

Windham worked hard and did their best but wasn’t able to get ahead.

“We got off to a good start, the first four minutes,” said Windham Middle School eighth-grade boys’ coach Adam Manzo. “Then we went through a dry patch where we couldn’t put the ball in the hoop. The other hard part is the second half of the season we haven’t played a lot ... so I think it’s tough playing against competition, we had to knock a little bit of the rust off early.”

Manzo said the team competed from start to finish and he never questioned their effort, which was something they discussed in the beginning. They are a highly coachable group of kids that he enjoyed coaching all season.

Seventh Grade

Windham was aggressive with great offense and defense from the start and grabbed rebounds. Windham held St. Brigid to three baskets in the first quarter.

St. Brigid tied the game at 14 in the second quarter.

Windham continued to move the ball and inched out ahead 18-17 midway through.

“That’s probably the most exciting game we’ve had all season,” said Windham Middle School seventh-grade boys’ coach Craig Dickson. “To have it so close ... I thought we’d have an easier time, but St. Brigid played really tough defense and were double teaming; luckily, we played the eighth-graders two practices in a row; they played full-court press on us the whole time and that was helpful.”

Dickson said Windham did a good job with their full-court run and jump and created chaos on the court that resulted in a bunch of turnovers. Dickson is disappointed the season is over; he wished he had a couple years with the kids. It was a good year though.

The second half was a nail-biter. Windham’s Roni Anthony sank a three and Windham regained the lead. Their solid passing resulted in several baskets.

Intensity remained as the clock wound down and the scores were very close. The game was tied at 41 with two minutes left.

St. Brigid was not able to get by and Windham ended the season with a victory.

“I think we did really good,” said Anthony. “We played as a team, we had good passing, good shooting, good overall.”

Anthony said they played well on defense; on offense they were passing and getting assists. They were excited for this game and pleased with how the season went. <

WHS sophomore Fiona Harmon solid at New England Golf Championships

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High sophomore Fiona Harmon turned in a solid performance in the New England High School Golf Championships at Mohegan Sun Golf Club, a par 69 course in Connecticut on Monday, Oct. 31.

Windham sophomore Fiona Harmon turned in a solid showing
at the New England High School Golf Championships at the
Mohegan Sun Golf Club in Connecticut on Oct. 31. She
shot an 88 at the event and will be a key player for Windham
in the next few years. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 
  

Harmon qualified for the New England Championship when she finished in the top 10 during the Class A Individual Schoolgirl Championships on Oct. 7 at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro, where she placed third.

In the New England High School Golf Championships only 12 girls and 12 boys were allowed to compete from each state.

Harmon set a goal to shoot a 90 going into the New England Golf Championship for the day and at the end of the day, shot an 88.

The day began a bit cold, at around 35 degrees, but while it took Harmon a little time to feel her fingers and toes, it turned out to be one of the most beautiful days ever.

“Competing in this championship was a big step for me,” said Harmon. It was the biggest tournament I had ever played in. I played fairly well, and it was a great experience and I hope to go back next year and do even better.”

One of Harmon’s goals for the day was to have fun while getting the chance to play with other skilled female golfers from all over New England. Harmon had another goal to keep a good mindset and play well. She accomplished both goals and had an amazing day.

“Fiona did an outstanding job representing our team and school down there,” said Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo. “She was able to get off the tee, she struck her irons well, and had very few three putts on the day on fast, difficult greens. Perhaps even more important, she genuinely looked to thoroughly enjoy herself and was appreciative to be where she was.”

According to James Davis, the Executive Director of the Council of New England Secondary School Principals’ Association, playing in a high caliber tournament where you see the best interscholastic golfers, can only improve a golfer’s game. When an underclassman competes in this tournament, it serves as a goal to reach and return every year to the New England Championships.

“What most people don’t see is the time, energy and effort that these athletes put in, to be able to compete at this high level and do it consistently. Their dedication and commitment is a true testament to the player they have become thus far and is vital to their continued development and growth,” said Davis.

At the end of the championships, Harmon tied for 27th place with two other golfers from a group of around 50 girls from all over New England.

“She absolutely crushed it this year, as she saw her scoring average drop by six strokes and improved drastically in every statistic we record. She is a highly coachable kid, tireless worker, and fierce competitor who should be, by all accounts, competing to win the Individual Schoolgirl Championships the next two seasons,” said Manzo. <

Golf more than a game, it's a passion for Windham graduate Drew Mathieu

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School alumnus Drew Mathieu recently finished his second year on the golf team at St. Joseph’s College and his hard work and commitment have begun to pay off early during his collegiate athletic career.

Windham High graduate Drew Mathieu, now a sophomore
at St. Joseph's College, observes his ball placement before
putting at the Great Northeast Athletic Conference 
Championship on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the Biddeford-Saco
Country Club in Saco.
PHOTO BY DAVID BATES PHOTOGRAPHY  

In his freshman year on the St. Joseph’s College team, he was the first golfer in St. Joseph’s College history to win the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Player of the Year and the second to win GNAC Rookie of the Year. As a sophomore he won GNAC Player of the Year again.

Mathieu also helped the Monks win the 2022 Southern Maine Cup for the first time since 2015.

“Drew is a leader and a competitor,” said St. Joseph’s College golf coach Jason Riley. “He leads by example - always shows up on time ready to work and is proof that with hard work you can achieve anything. He pushes himself and his teammates to improve every single day. He is hungry to succeed both on the course and in the classroom.”

Currently a double major in both finance and accounting, Mathieu is on an accelerated program to finish his undergraduate coursework by the end of his junior year. He will complete a graduate program in accounting during his senior year and will graduate with both a bachelor’s in finance and accounting and a master’s in accounting.

He is interested in working for a financial accounting firm with hopes to one day potentially become a chief financial officer.

In middle school, Mathieu was a cross-country runner. However, in the summer between eighth grade and the start of his freshman year of high school, he fractured his ankle.

Although unable to train for the high school cross-country team, he still wanted to play a sport come fall of his freshman year. With his ankle in a cast and using a chair for support, Mathieu took up golf, brought some golf clubs into his back yard and practiced hitting balls.

“This initial time when I began to play golf took off into a passion and a love for the sport,” said Mathieu.

He went from barely being able to hit the ball 150 yards with a driver to being a very solid player in his final two years of high school.

Mathieu says his accomplishments in his freshman year on the St. Joseph’s College team are a result of his dedication. He had confidence in himself which ultimately, allowed him to end his freshman year with great success.

Winning awards like GNAC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year are nice validation for him towards the hard work he’s put into the sport but are also a building block to understand where he can take his game next.

“Each day you wake up is an opportunity to improve whether it be as a person or as a player,” said Mathieu.

He’s already accomplished a lot in his collegiate athletic career, and Mathieu knows there is always room to improve. He would like to lead his team to two more GNAC Championships, and to also garner medals in both those championships. He would also like to place at Nationals in spring 2023.

“Drew always brings his best to practice and always keeps everyone positive and energetic,” said teammate and St. Joseph’s College sophomore Alex Beecher. “Drew is a very competitive person so it's always fun to practice with him; he helps push you to play better. The team can rely on him because he consistently posts good scores. He brings a lot of life to the team and ... a good attitude to any occasion.”

According to Mathieu, his biggest piece of advice to an aspiring high school golfer is to overcome the mental challenges the game brings. It’s easy to get frustrated and give up on a round, but if you want to play at the college level, one shot can be the difference between a win and a second-place finish.

Windham High School’s golf program allowed Mathieu to elevate his game to where he could compete collegiately. He would like to thank Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo and Windham junior varsity golf coach Brody Artes for their continued efforts in the program. Mathieu would also like to thank head golf pro Nick Glicos at Martindale Country Club in Auburn for the years he helped improve his game. Mathieu would like to thank his dad, mom, little brother, and whole family for their continued support over the years.

When Mathieu is not on the green, he likes to ski, hike and spend time outdoors. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends. As he continues to add to his collegiate success, he will always be rooting for all Windham athletics. <

Windham High coed varsity golf falls to Greely

By Matt Pascarella

As the Windham varsity golf team looks toward the end of the season, they traveled to Val Halla Golf & Recreation, a par 36 course in Cumberland and faced Greely for the second time this season on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Windham High sophomore Addison Profenno is shown after
driving the ball deep during a coed varsity golf match against
Greely at Val Halla Golf & Recreation in Cumberland on
Tuesday, Sept. 29. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Windham was coming off back-to-back wins against Bonny Eagle (13-0) and Westbrook (7-6). Cold weather and a wet course may have been a factor in Windham’s 13-0 loss to the Rangers. Greely beat Windham in strokes 189-238.

Windham junior Brady Harvie shot a 38, senior Logan Marden shot a 47, sophomore Fiona Harmon shot a 49, sophomore Ben Shaw shot a 53, senior Nolan Dries shot a 52, sophomores Joe Donnelly and Phillip Traina both shot 52, and sophomore Addison Profenno shot a 55.

“Since I started in 2010, we have notoriously struggled at this course,” said Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo. “Not sure why; my hope was in the second half of the season we start to put together scores. For us if we win it’s great, but if we lose and we’re shooting good scores that’s ok because at the end of the year that’s what matters for us is the scores not the wins and losses.”

Manzo said the team’s attitudes and demeanors were good considering things weren’t going their way. He never felt like they had checked out; they competed the entire match. It says a lot about the maturity of this younger group.

“Probably one of the better days for me I was hitting all my clubs really well; overall just hitting the ball well,” said Harvie.

Harvie was only two over par for the day and Coach Manzo said his game was one of the positives of the match. Harvie birdied – one under par – on the third hole.

Harmon started off with a par, bogeyed, but bunker shots were rough and caused her to get high numbers. She said overall her tee shots were in-play and went well. She gave it her all, but it was a

rough day.

Both Harmon and Harvie agreed the team needs to work on their short game, chipping and putting specifically, in order to lower their scores.

Profenno said her drives went well and she kept a good attitude even though she wasn’t doing great. She said she needs to stay focused and relaxed and not put a lot of pressure on herself, because it is just a game.

Windham sophomore Ben Shaw said the day was kind of rough and in order to improve they need to focus every practice on getting better.

According to Coach Manzo, the last two weeks of the season are important to get into a groove where they can work to improve their shooting scores. <

Big end-of-season wins for Windham Middle School softball, baseball

Windham Middle School eighth-grader Nola Bryant throws
to fist base after stopping a ball from reaching the outfield
during a middle school softball game against Westrbook
at home on June 1. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Middle School softball and baseball teams played their final home games of the season on Wednesday, June 1 and Thursday, June 2 against Westbrook and Gorham and posted solid victories in each sport.

WMS softball took command of the game by the third inning and pummeled Westbrook 16-6.

In baseball, Gorham had tied the game before WMS eighth-grader Liam Kalakowsky’s walk with bases loaded in the seventh inning cemented a 3-2 win for Windham.

Softball

Westbrook scored four runs in the first inning. Windham responded when eighth-grader Nola Bryant walked. Then, eight-grader Lacie Higgins bunted for an in-the-park homerun. Eighth-grader Addison Caiazzo and seventh-grader Sarah Smyth singled. Caiazzo scored.

In the third inning, Smyth and seventh-grader Kaylee Napolitano singled. Eighth-grader Ashley Cloutier, Bryant and Higgins each walked. Caiazzo tripled; five runs scored.

Higgins was in the circle and had a couple innings where Windham sent three consecutive batters back to the dugout.

“I think we’ve been working really well as a team together,” said Higgins. “We’ve been really aggressive around the bases, and I have a good defense behind me, so it’s easy for me to ... get in the zone and pitch well.”

Higgins said hitting, swinging at strikes more than usual and defense all went well.

Smyth singled in the sixth inning. So did eighth-grader Chloe Delewski. Bryant singled, Higgins walked, and eighth-grader Oakley McLeod doubled. Windham knocked in another five runs.

“It’s a really good group of kids who are super passionate about softball,” said Windham eighth-grade softball coach Brody Artes. “They are really students of the game. They want to get better and practice, practice, practice – the commitment level is good to see.”

Baseball

In the first inning, after eighth-grader Wyatt Washburn walked, eighth-grader Ethan Clapp singled; Washburn scored.

Kalakowsky tripled, and Clapp scored.

Windham had some nice hits, like a single from seventh-grader Kellen Gardiner in the fourth inning and eighth-grader Ronan Mace’s single in the sixth inning.

Clapp was on the mound for most of the game and had several innings where he and Windham’s defense sent three consecutive batters back to the dugout.

Gorham tied the game at two in the seventh inning.

Windham loaded up the bases in the seventh inning when seventh-grader Caleb Hayman doubled, Washburn was intentionally walked, and Clapp walked.

Kalakowsky’s careful eye at the plate earned him a walk and brought in the winning run.

“I wasn’t really looking to hit it that far I just wanted to put it in play and avoid swinging at bad pitches,” said Kalakowsky. “The second it came out of the pitcher’s hands you could tell it was going to be a ball. I was happy we got the win especially on our last game of the year.”

Windham Middle School baseball coach Adam Manzo said Windham was an enjoyable group to coach and got better all year. He said the games they lost they weren’t throwing strikes and fielding, and both happened during this game. <

Windham Middle School boys’ basketball a challenge for Scarborough

Windham eighth-grader AJ Moody shoots above a Scarborough
defender during a boys basketball game at Windham Middle 
School on Jan. 10. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Middle School’s seventh and eighth grade boys’ basketball teams were solid competitors against Scarborough on Jan. 10.

Windham’s eighth grade team found their momentum in the second quarter to make a comeback. They gave Scarborough solid competition but lost 43-34 at the final; only their second loss of the season.

Windham’s seventh grade team was down at the half but pressured in the second half. As the clock ran out, Windham had pulled ahead, and the Eagles got a 34-31 victory.

Eighth Grade

Windham was scoreless in the first quarter. In the second quarter Windham turned up their intensity. Their offense picked up and their defense slowed Scarborough as Windham made a comeback. Scarborough led 23-11 at halftime.

Windham eighth grade boys’ basketball coach Adam Manzo said Scarborough is a really good team and Windham played well defensively. Manzo said the offense struggled a bit. Windham had good looks, but shots weren’t falling.

“We’ve been able to put the ball in the hoop quite a bit but haven’t been able to stop the other team,” said Manzo. “Holding Scarborough to 43 points was pretty good.”

In the second half, Windham kept their energy up and pressured. Windham trailed by eight going into the fourth quarter.

Windham’s AJ Moody hit a three-pointer. Windham fought hard to make up their deficit but came up short.

“We did great,” said Moody. “We pushed the ball better in the second half.”

Moody said they found their groove in the second half but got into it a little too late.

Windham’s Tyrie James said they did good but started slow. If they had come out stronger, they could have won the game.

Seventh Grade

Windham was aggressive from minute one. The game was close. Their intensity was high as they showed Scarborough, they had brought their ‘A’ game.

Scarborough had a narrow lead for most of the first half and led 24-17 going into the second half. However, this game was far from over.

Windham hit a three-pointer early on in the second half. They were quick to grab rebounds; Windham’s Sage Foss sunk a three-pointer. Soon, the game was tied at 25.

In the third quarter Windham defense only allowed Scarborough to score three points.

There was less than six minutes left in the game and it was tied at 27. Windham’s momentum continued as they took a three-point lead. Windham defense held off Scarborough and with 27 seconds left, Windham remained up by three. The clock ran out and Windham earned a well-deserved victory.

“They put in their effort,” said Windham seventh grade boys’ basketball coach Craig Dickson.

Dickson said he talked to the team at halftime about increasing aggressiveness and he thought they did that well. He said Windham got the win through grinding away; the game was so close, but the Eagles had a little bit more heart.

Windham’s Landon Wyman said the team had good hustle toward the end of the game. Windham turned up the intensity in order to win.

“The entire team was playing at their best” said Windham’s Boston Krainis.

Krainis said everybody wanted this win and knew they had to play tough in order to get it. <

Windham coed golf teams make improvements in every match

Windham varsity golf's Logan Marden, a junior, stays focused
while making a nice putt during the Eagles' match against
Gorham on Monday, Sept. 13 at Riverside Golf Course
in Portland. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

By Matt Pascarella

It’s early in the season, and there is room for improvement with Windham’s young varsity and junior varsity golf teams. On Monday, Sept. 13 at Riverside Golf Course in Portland, Windham faced Gorham and showed off some of their improving skills.

On the Riverside North Course, a par 36, Windham sophomore Brady Harvie shot a 43; and Windham junior Logan Marden shot a 45.

On the JV team Windham freshman Addison Leger and sophomore Nathan Jordan defeated Gorham in the matches.

Gorham beat the varsity team with team totals of 204-244 strokes and a match total of 13-0.

The JV team lost to Gorham with a match total of 2-1.

Varsity

“The first two holes I tripled and doubled,” said Marden. “Then I started to lock in, I bogeyed the par three and followed that with a birdie on the par five. Then I’ve been playing par-bogey golf for the rest of the match.”

Marden said he was only a few strokes behind where he liked to be shooting. He added the season’s been going well. He’d like to fix up his short game, but other than that it’s going alright.

“This year is all about progressing as the season goes on,” said Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo. “We have 13 total kids between JV and varsity and eight of them are freshman. We’ve got a lot of young kids and this year is about making progress each match and getting better.”

Manzo said each match this season the scores are dropping. He added there is room for development.

Other scorers for Windham were freshmen Phillip Traina and Fiona Harmon who both shot 50s. Freshman Joseph Donnelly shot a 56 and freshman Addison Profenno shot a 58.

Junior Varsity

The junior varsity team played a two-man scramble during their matches where they were playing off each other’s shots.

Leger had a nice drive on one of the final holes.

“On this last hole I made sure to breathe when I got up and take my time and keep my eye on the ball to make sure that I had the best hit possible,” said Leger.

Leger said her drive went right up the middle of the fairway, near the green. The end result of that hole, a bogie, was better because of her drive.

Leger saw improvement as she progressed through the course.

“The kids worked hard today,” said Windham JV coach Brody Artes. “[Windham] is working on just improving each and every day. It’s a really, really good group of kids and were just out here having a lot of fun.”

Gorham defeated Windham sophomore Shamus Morrison and freshman Cole Heanssler.

Gorham defeated Windham freshmen Ben Shaw and Nolan Cyr.

Artes said the team is young and still learning various aspects of the game and are looking to get better individually and as a team. He added he definitely saw improvements during the match. <

Windham varsity golf loses to Gorham, but has solid season

Windham senior Ryan Silva tees off at the first
hole in Windham's final match of the season
against Gorham at riverside Golf Course on
Oct. 1. Gorham won, 9.5 to 3.5.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

By Matt Pascarella

In their final match of the regular season Windham played Gorham at Riverside Golf Course, a par 36 in Portland on Thursday, Oct. 1. The Rams beat the Eagles with a team total of 196-211 and a match total of 9.5 to 3.5.

This match was the second time Windham and Gorham teed off together this season. They first met in a preseason tri-match against Westbrook on Sept. 21. Gorham won then 8-5.

Compared to the last time these teams met, both teams were competitive and similar. Four out of the six matches on Oct. 1 came down to the final hole, which shows how tight the matches were.

Windham Exchange student, senior Lukas Hradecky, shot his best round of the year during this match with a score of 37. Teammates senior Drew Mathieu shot a 39, senior Ryan Silva shot a 41, junior Will Mannette shot a 51, sophomore Logan Marden shot a 45 and senior Chase McPherson shot a 49.

“We’ve done pretty good (this season) ... we haven’t had a lot of practice, so it’s been a little bit of a struggle,” said Silva. “This season’s been my best year. I’ve improved a lot over my four years.” Silva’s improved with getting his swing down, squaring with the ball in the middle of the face, making better decisions on the course and putting better.

Marden said this has been one of the best years of golf he’s played. While the pandemic definitely
shortened their season, once they were on the course, it was very similar to previous years.

He put a lot of time in during the summer, playing in the junior tournaments, which helped his success this season.

Prior to the start of the match, Windham coach Adam Manzo told his team he knew it wasn’t the season they thought they would have, but he was glad they got to play. Seniors Mathieu, Silva and McPherson have made significant improvements since freshman year. Manzo thanked each of them and appreciates all the time they have put in over the years.

“For the hand we were given, I thought overall it was a solid season,” said coach Manzo. “I felt like the kids were bummed that it was so short, but you would never know. They showed up each day and made the best out of (a) less than (an) ideal situation. I am so happy that these kids... were able to play.”

Tournament update:  Windham’s season came to an end during the first round of postseason competition held Monday, Oct. 5 at Natanis Golf Course in Vasselboro. However, Mathieu qualified for the individual round of postseason competition, to be held on Oct. 9 at Natanis Golf Course. <