Staci Warren: Her Mainely Girl Adventures

By Staci Warren

Fall brings a lot of feelings for me. The Perseid meteor showers are at the end of their show for 2024. The colder temps and the turning of the leaves and watching them drop brings a certain sadness in knowing that my weekends in the wilderness will soon be coming to an end. The sweet smells of summer are passing, the bees are prepping for winter, and I’ve started thinking about calling moose and deer hunting before snow flies.

Hedgehog mushrooms can be harvested
late into the fall and can grow pretty
large. They can be an excellent addition
to the holiday gathering food table.
PHOTO BY STACI WARREN 

To extend our camping season in to November, we enjoy foraging for mushrooms when we aren’t hunting, although many times we’re hunting and come across a great find that we can’t leave the woods without.

What you use to forage is important. We have mushroom knives with brushes to help clean them as we forage. We also use canvas bags with a large, padded shoulder strap for most of our mushrooms but have found that a good cardboard box works best for larger delicate chanterelles so that they don’t break. Store your mushrooms in the refrigerator in a brown paper bag or container lined with paper towels and the vented lid. This will help preserve your harvest until you use them. Mushrooms can spoil easily so be ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work preserving, drying or freezing them.

The tasty Hedgehog mushroom (Hydnum repandum and Hydnum rufescens) is a great late season mushroom and barring a frost, can get pretty big. Hedgehog mushrooms are peach colored to orange, range in size from dime to the size of your hand depending on which variety you find and have “teeth” on the underside of the cap.

The have a wonderful hearty flavor sautéed, and I use them to make the Modern Proper’s Hungarian Mushroom Soup, one of the best tasting soups I’ve ever had or made. As with any wild mushroom, always know what you’re eating for sure, always cook it thoroughly, and eat just a small amount the first time you try a new one as some mushrooms have been known to cause intestinal distress.

If you’re interested in foraging for mushrooms, I highly recommend: Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Eastern Canada, authored by Mainer, David Spahr. The book is a great learning guide for beginners, and most of the mushrooms are easily identifiable in the Maine woods no matter where you reside.

The longer I forage the more I’m discovering that I can use mushrooms in more ways than I ever realized. My latest, which has taken four years to get it right the first time is Trumpet Jelly. Made with the Trumpet Soup base published a couple months ago (see https://lifestyles.thewindhameagle.com/2024/08/staci-warren-her-mainely-girl-adventures.html), 

Trumpet Jelly is a much-loved addition to our family holiday gathering food table. It has a distinct savory trumpet flavor with a hint of sweetness. I serve it as you would serve pepper jelly, for example, over cream cheese and crackers on the side, but I’ve also added it to a meat dish as a condiment. If you haven’t made the soup yet, there’s still time; trumpet mushrooms are still popping up all over! Please feel to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Trumpet Jelly

1-1/2 to 2 pints of Trumpet Soup Base (no cream added)

1 package of low-sugar Sure-Jell

1-1/2 tablespoons of citric acid

1 cup of chicken stock

1 tablespoons of butter

6 cups of sugar

Pour soup base into large kettle. Add Sure-Jell, citric acid and chicken stock. Using a wooden spoon, stir and heat mixture until it comes to a boil. Add the sugar all at once and stir until sugar is melted. Your mixture will be black. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil and continue to boil for two minutes at a time checking to see if jelly will set, or until thermometer reaches 220 degrees but making sure not to burn the jelly. Remove from heat. Ladle into half pint jars. Wipe rims with warm cloth. You can now add shredded wax on top of the hot jelly before applying the lids, or just apply lids making sure rings are tight. Set aside and check for sealed covers by pressing centers. If they pop up after the jar has cooled, you’ll have to recheck the rims of the glass and then pressure cook them on high for 25 minutes. Afterward, label and date your jelly.

As winter creeps in, don’t forget to look up to the night skies for the International Space Station and more meteor showers in the coming months.

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

Windham Eagle Soccer Camp brings community together

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s Eagle Soccer Camp welcomed athletes of all skill levels from grades kindergarten through eighth grade for a second consecutive year. Campers are taught the skills of the game by Windham High School’s girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer teams as well as Windham High graduates with the week-long camp held at Windham High School from July 15 to July 19.

Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski showcases her
footwork at the second Eagle Soccer Camp run by
Windham's varsity girls' and boy's soccer teams held
at Windham High School on July 17.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Participants say that this was a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and learn from each other.

“You got ... alumni that’s back – I’m an alumnus and it’s great coming back,” said Windham varsity girls’ assistant coach Jim Stewart. “I think it’s a dream as a parent and a player in Windham to see this community come together and offer a camp for kids to come together and have fun. Soccer is a bit of a mechanism for community. We’re all together, we’re all having fun, we’re all enjoying our time together.”

Windham’s Eagle Soccer Camp teaches its participants about the game in a low-pressure environment with high success. The participants learn about Windham soccer and are given the skills to apply and succeed within the varsity program. Each day they are taught a move and the more moves they know the greater the chances for them to succeed.

“I’ve taught the kids my love for the game, and I just want to show them how much I love it and want them to enjoy it as much as I do,” said Windham senior and Eagle Soccer Camp eighth grade counselor Luke Cunniffe. “The kid’s energy is infectious, throughout the whole week so far – when I’m tired, they still have energy, so I got to keep up with them. It’s meeting and getting to know the high school coaches a year before they could potentially play for them. And meet some of their future teammates; it allows them to see what the program is before they get there so that’s something to look forward to when they get to high school.”

The counselors cultivate relationships and a connection with the kids. During the season, camp participants have fun cheering at the varsity games and those connections that are made last a long time.

“Summertime for me, as long as I can remember, has always been soccer camp when I was a kid,” said Eagle Soccer Camp organizer and Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “I remember how instructive, how fun, how much of a character-building moment that all was – great memories. Not only is it about trying to provide young players at every level an opportunity to learn more about the game, and have it be educational and technical ... but I want the program to be strong and the kids coming through to play the game the right way. The kids are making memories, they’re having fun, and they are being active and in the moment. You are also helping build the next generation of coaches.”

For Neal, seeing his players interacting and teaching camp members who are learning from one another puts a huge smile on his face. It's huge for Neal to have the younger kids show up at a high school game and root for players they are familiar with and look up to. He also wants the high school players to know they have a responsibility and set a good example for the younger players.

“I think it’s good to build up the youth; when we’re here it gives them someone to look up to – I just really wanted to be a part of that this year,” said Windham sophomore and counselor Mackenzie Delewski. “I think they’ve learned sportsmanship and how to work with others. The camp as a whole shows how we are all working together to make soccer better – they’re working to get better and we’re working to help them.”

Windham fourth grader Sammy Stubbert has had fun and has become a better soccer player through learning moves. It’s good interacting with the varsity players and he plans to cheer for them during their games. The moves he’s learned will help him on the soccer field.

“I had a lot of fun last year and got better on skill work,” said Windham eighth grader Carly Franzoni. “I love being with the coaches and counselors. They are really nice and it’s helpful – they teach you a lot of stuff.” <

Windham Youth Basketball’s 3-on-3 tournament a chance for all to enjoy sport

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Youth Basketball Association’s ninth annual 3-on-3 Sonic Coed tournament was held at the Windham Public Safety building on Sunday, July 21 and witnessed another solid turnout. The tournament is a chance for players of all ages from any town to compete in a friendly game of the sport they love.

Windham sixth grader Lucien Kri looks to pass during
Windham Youth Basketball Association's Sonic Coed
3-on-3 Tournament in Windham on Sunday, July 21.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“This all started with a good friend of mine, Dan Giguere,” said Windham resident Chris Sargent. “Having my kids play in it and ... these kids just have a love for basketball and it’s great to see; the future is so bright for Windham basketball.”

Giguere was a coach, teacher, father and very active in the community. Sadly, Giguere passed away in a car accident.

Seventh grader and Kennebunk resident Chase Lovejoy was asked to play by Steven DePaolo II who coaches his travel team. Lovejoy enjoys playing basketball and preparing for the winter season.

“I really like playing basketball during the summer, because I want to be ready for the season and this is fun,” said Windham sixth grader Sammi Wyman. “You get to know people that are on your team that you didn’t know before; and you get to play with them.”

The Windham Youth Basketball Association raised $1,500 through the event which will be split between the Windham Youth Basketball programs and the Windham High School basketball programs.

“It’s important because it’s fun,” said organizer Ben Delewski. “I enjoy refereeing it and playing in it; the coed aspect of it really strengthens Windham as a basketball town with a basketball culture.” <

Jordan-Small Middle School’s student-staff basketball game a fun tradition

By Matt Pascarella

It’s been a tradition at Jordan-Small Middle School (JSMS) in Raymond since 2003 that before February vacation, the school celebrates the end of the basketball season with a friendly student-staff game. This year on Friday, Feb. 16, JSMS staff members, students and coaches gathered in the gym to keep the tradition alive with coed staff teams playing 20- to 25-minute games against the school’s girls’ basketball team and then the boys’ basketball team.

Eighth grader Brooklyn Roy races to the basket during the
annual student-staff basketball game at Jordan-Small
Middle school in Raymond on Friday, Feb. 16.
PHOTO BY GARY HARRIMAN

“The purpose of the game is to celebrate the end of the season using the staff game as a culminating event,” said John Powers, who helped organize the event as well as teaches sixth and eighth-grade math at JSMS. “The entire school attends and they spend the time cheering on their friends and favorite teachers. We keep score but the game is friendly. It's fairly common for staff or students to give each other high fives when the other team makes a great play. I have personally played in the game every year since 2003 and it's always a ton of fun.”

One of the benefits of the games is the whole school getting to see their athletes in action. As not every student is able to attend games during basketball season, this gives them the opportunity to see the results and all the hard work that the athletes put in.

Powers said the game has that old-school pep rally feel to it. Getting the entire school together for a friendly competition is a great way to spend the final hour before February vacation, he said.

He grew up playing basketball through high school and always enjoyed it. He’s been coaching at JSMS for many years and says while it’s fun for the adults to compete against the students, it’s also fun to be on a team with colleagues doing something they often don’t get to do.

One of the highlights for Powers this year was JSMS eighth grader Sean Lebel, who made a deep three-pointer from just over half court. The crowd went wild and everyone on the court celebrated with high fives.

“As a student-athlete playing in the game, I was just trying to score on the teachers as much as possible,” said JSMS graduate and boys’ basketball coach Andrew Wing. “You really wanted to beat the staff because it has never happened before. As an alum-coach playing in the game, you are simply trying to not get embarrassed by the talented young student athletes and you also don’t want to be the first staff team that loses to the students.”

According to Wing, the game is important not only because it’s a tradition, but it’s fun for the student athletes.

For Wing, playing with the teachers instead of the students was a nice full-circle moment.

The games were also meaningful for the student athletes.

“The thing that I like most about the game is that you are able to play against teachers and staff members that you have formed relationships with over the past few years,” said Sean Lebel. “The student-staff game gives you an opportunity to have fun and bond with the people and players around you. It is a great experience to have the whole school watching you while you play basketball. Everybody in the crowd cheers both teams on and always stays positive even if somebody makes mistakes.” <

Windham siblings earn triple championship wins during tournaments

By Matt Pascarella

For Windham siblings Creighty, Cooper and Kelenese Dickson, Saturday, Feb 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25 were big days. WHS Junior Creighty Dickson helped his team secure Windham basketball’s first-ever regional title when they beat Portland 43-34 at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on Saturday, Feb. 24. Sixth grader Cooper Dickson helped his team beat Falmouth Force 54-52 in the Maine Hoops Town Team Championships at the Augusta Civic Center on Sunday, Feb. 25. Also in that tournament, fifth grader Kelenese Dickson and her team defeated Oxford Hills, 31-28.

(L to R) Windham junior Creighty Dickson, Windham fifth
grader Kelenese Dickson and Windham sixth grader Cooper
Dickson all celebrated championship wins last weekend 
after their teams won titles. Kelenese started playing
basketball after watching her brothers compete for Windham
teams and now has won another championship for her
family. PHOTOS BY MATT PASCARELLA
and KATIE DICKSON   

“It was so exciting to be at the Cross Insurance Arena,” said Creighty Dickson. “I was excited and nervous as it's been a dream of mine. I love my team, it’s my second family.”

Cooper Dickson’s team had never beaten their rival Falmouth and he said going into the game that he really wanted to. He loves playing with his team; they’ve been playing together for many years, and they keep getting better.

“I was really pumped to play Oxford Hills,” said Kelenese Dickson. “We beat them two times this weekend and before this weekend we had never been able to win against them. I had so much fun with my teammates.”

All three of them began playing basketball at a young age. Creighty Dickson began playing at age 5 with youth teams, Cooper Dickson started at age 4 with Windham Youth Basketball and trained with his big brother. Kelenese started at age 6 after she saw her brothers playing and wanted to join them. They all play Amateur Athletic Union as well as travel basketball and spend a lot of time competing.

“It took us not getting in our heads, not giving up and playing our hardest until the end of the game to win,” said Cooper Dickson. “The win felt good because it was the first time beating them. I was really excited; we move onto Rhode Island this month for a regional tournament.”

According to Kelenese Dickson, it took them to push through and work as a team to win the tournament. She said it felt good for her team to be in first place. She also will play in a regional tournament in Rhode Island this month.

Creighty Dickson was injured in the second half of the regional final game but only stayed out momentarily. He wanted to get back on the court and win.

“He’s a tough kid; he’s a true basketball player,” said Windham varsity coach Chad Pulkkinen. “He lives and breathes it; his energy is contagious with our group. He wasn’t going to just step off the floor, if he can still crawl, he’s getting on that court. He’s a great kid who tries his best for his brothers.”

They’ve all stuck with the game because of their love for it. Kelenese Dickson says she loves basketball because it’s full of enjoyment. She likes being aggressive and always wants to be better than her brothers.

“What makes her an exceptional player is her ability to score at will,” said Windham fifth grade girls’ basketball coach Chris Sargent. “She has great defense and understanding of the game and game situations. She has always been the happiest girl on and off the floor. A born leader, great all-around player.”

Creighty Dickson loves the sport and has set goals for himself and wants to accomplish them.

“I love to compete, and I have so much fun,” said Cooper Dickson. “I did drills with my dad and brother and that’s always inspired me.”

According to Windham sixth grade basketball coach Steven DePaolo II, Cooper Dickson is a team asset when he plays team basketball and keeps his head in the game, and everyone plays for each other. It is how the team has been so successful.

“I feel like their time and commitment is paying off as they practice daily and really work hard to be better,” said mom Katie Dickson. “Creighty is consistent, unselfish and good at everything he does ... he paves the way for the rest of them. Cooper is super competitive, and you see that when he is playing. He plays with big emotions and a big heart but really hates losing which makes him determined. Kelenese is so strong and energetic; as the baby of the family, she often can get drowned out in the noise in our home. She has learned to develop a very loud and passionate presence to make sure everyone knows she is with us.”

For dad Craig Dickson, it’s fun to watch them develop and to love the game like he does. It’s great for him to see their extra effort paying off. They play basketball year-round; it’s a daily part of their lives. They are good students. The best part for their father is their hard work on and off the court. <

Tales from the Outdoors: Opening Day to Closing of the Season

By Bob Chapin

As I sat there up in my tree stand waiting for the sun to come up and the 2023 Deer season to open, I considered myself blessed to be able to do this.

I am on a friend’s land, in a free country, where private citizens can legally hunt the wild animals that inhabit this land. I think sometimes we take for granted the privileges as Americans we have that are protected by other citizens who willingly place their lives on the line to protect those privileges.

As a 30-year retired veteran of the Air Force, I know some of the sacrifices they are making because I have made them myself at times. The family gatherings missed, the wedding of my sister, the passing of my father and mother, the births of my nieces and nephews, and the special occasions you would rather have spent with your friends have all been missed to serve this great nation. While I regret those losses, I was always proud to be serving the nation and doing my part to protect it.

As we are reminded every Veterans’ Day, I would ask you to take a moment to thank a vet for their sacrifices so that you can enjoy the life you lead. These are troubling times for our nation and a moment of thankful civility toward another would be appreciated.

The light gradually brightens, and the forest dwellers are slowly waking up and starting their daily routines. First you hear the owls, then the crows, then a flock of geese wings overhead and the small creatures such as mice, chipmunks, possums, and skunks start to move about. I am always amazed at how much noise they can make as they scurry from one burrow to another.

Perhaps it is because I am in pursuit of deer that they all sound like deer and must be investigated less a real deer manage to sneak by me. I am hoping to avoid a repeat of last year when a big doe had managed to get too close to me before I discovered her presence. She was about 10 feet from the base of my stand before I realized she was there – a feat I would have thought impossible given the cornflake-like leaves we had in the woods a year ago. With this year’s rain I will have to be extra vigilant not to have a similar experience.

This year I followed, well almost followed, my own advice and got out to scout a number of locations. I had three ground blinds and two tree stands from which to choose depending upon weather, wind, and time of day.

Despite some out-of-state travel, I managed to get out at least a half dozen times but only saw deer on one outing. It was about 8:15 a.m. and I had been in the stand since dawn, getting a little stiff in the joints but still alert. I heard them long before I saw them. As I teeter toward my 80s, I am not too ashamed to admit that I use a headset to augment my hearing in the woods.

There were four of them coming fast through the woods and they were too far away from me with too many trees between us to get a good look, let alone a shot, but I could see they were does, and a yearling. They were being pushed hard by a couple of larger deer that I was sure were bucks as the rut was on.

Two deer followed the exact path that the first four had and they were running flat out too. I thought about simulating a doe or fawn call to stop them, but they had real does in sight and probably had their scent and they were not slowing down. I watched them filter through the trees and disappear with the proverbial flag tails waving.

Those were the only deer I saw while afield this year. I even got out once during the muzzleloader season but did not see another deer.

I had some family travel to Wyoming that took me away from Maine until the season ended so I racked up yet another deer-less season. Checking with several buddies who hunt, the deer sightings and harvesting appear to have fallen off this year in the wildlife management areas I hunt.

With the season over, I can only hope to claim an unwanted vehicle-killed deer if I want any venison this year. It will take some time for Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to officially tabulate the results of this year’s deer season, but I suspect it will reflect a good year. Next year I will try to be a better hunter! <

Raymond basketball teams improving with each game

By Matt Pascarella

On Dec. 1, in their second game of the season, Raymond boys’ and girls’ basketball teams had two effort-filled games against Old Orchard Beach at Jordan- Small Middle School in Raymond.

Raymond seventh grader Silvia Roma passes to a teammate
on Friday, Dec. 1 in a girls basketball game against Old
Orchard Beach at Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELA

The Raymond boys worked hard to turn the game around but lost, 47-36. The Raymond girls had quite a nailbiter that came down to the final seconds with Raymond holding onto a small lead. When the buzzer sounded, the girls fell, 30-29.

Boys

“I was really proud of the effort,” said Raymond boys’ basketball coach Andrew Wing. “We had a really good practice yesterday and everything we worked on I think we got better at – defense, getting back in transition, not giving up as many layups. The press was much better today, cleaner defense.”

Wing said even though defense was better today, it can still improve and on offense free throws need a little work.

Old Orchard Beach jumped out to an early lead.

Raymond moved the ball and had several shots at basket. Eighth grader Sean Lebel put Raymond on the scoreboard when he had a fast break and took the ball straight to the hoop.

Old Orchard Beach grabbed several rebounds and had a 15-8 lead after one quarter. JSMS would make a strong attempt to turn the game around.

Raymond excelled on defense; and eighth grader Liam Buckley had a nice block.

Lebel had another fast break and JSMS put a bunch of points on the scoreboard. It was 23-13, Old Orchard Beach at the half.

The JSMS defense intensified and soon they were eight points away from tying the game.

“We played a lot better than last game,” said Lebel, who scored 25 points. “We still got beat in transition a little bit, but we were able to clean up a lot of things, we didn’t have as many turnovers on offense. The way we were able to get back on defense and get turnovers [went well]; not forcing turnovers for us.”

Raymond grabbed rebounds and seventh grader Cameron Lawler hit a three-pointer. A short time later, they were within four points of tying the game. Then only two points separated the teams.

Unfortunately, Old Orchard Beach pulled away. Nine points separated the team. Raymond fought until the very end.

“We definitely scored more points than last game said Lawler. “We need to work on defense; we’ve been passing better and putting the ball up more.”

Girls

Raymond took the court aggressively. They communicated and although Old Orchard Beach snagged several turnovers and jumped to an early lead. Raymond wasn’t about to let that stand.

Eighth grader Brooklyn Roy put Raymond on the scoreboard. Raymond seventh grader Silvia Roma had a fast break and Raymond led by two after one quarter.

Raymond continued to get rebounds and the game was close. Raymond pulled ahead. They kept Old Orchard Beach virtually scoreless in the second quarter. It was 17-11, Raymond midway through.

The Raymond team wasted no time and scored early in the second half. The game got much closer and only two points separated the teams. Roma had back-to-back baskets as Raymond held onto the lead.

“We worked well as a team,” said Roma, who scored 12 points. “We really pulled together and worked hard and ... we did get a little tired towards the end and some of us were not hustling as much and not calling out who we had, so I think we could work on that.”

Roma was proud of how the team played.

With 33 seconds left one point separated the teams. Raymond worked hard to stay ahead, but Old Orchard Beach was able to edge ahead in the end.

“When we are up, it’s ok to recognize to slow things down, when we’re down then we got to go,” said Raymond girls’ basketball coach Deb Lebel. “They played great defense today, so much better than a week ago, they are improving in their help defense. They are really young, and the more practice they get, the better off we’ll be.” <

Tales from the Outdoors: Tick…Tock….

 By Bob Chapin

No…not the Chinese social media site…that is Tic Tok. This is the time that is escaping you if you haven’t begun your personal checklist of things to get done off your honey- do list so you can get to the things you really want to do to get ready for the coming deer season. The drawing date for the Any Deer permit has already passed and if you were not fortunate to get selected you may still be able to purchase a permit that is left over after all hunters wanting a permit for that particular Wildlife Management Area are satisfied. The window to purchase an additional any-deer permit in select WMA’s opened Nov. 6 at 9 a.m.

Pheasant hunting season in Maine runs through Dec. 30 and
adult hunters have a daily bag limit of two, either sex.
COURTESY PHOTO

By now you should have checked in with the landowners who have given you permission to hunt their land in the past to see if you are still welcome there this year. Land uses change frequently, and it is your responsibility to confirm that you still have access. Owners die, sell all or parts of their property, subdivide or get zoning changes they ask for or get imposed upon them, neighbors have schools built where they used to farm and conservation easements could affect whether you can hunt there or not…. always check. Good farmland and woodlots are disappearing at a rapid rate. Don’t be surprised should a land use change such that it precludes you hunting your favorite spot.

If you were thinking about a food plot you are already too late. Too bad because with all the rain we have been experiencing, the fields are lush with vegetation. There may be a late-season variety that you could still get a crop out of but you are better off now investing in attractants versus trying to grow something. Use your scouting time to locate an abandoned homestead with an apple or fruit tree orchard. The deer know where they are and will eventually hit them, but it tends to be later in the season.

If you haven’t tried pheasant hunting in Maine, you are missing a real treat and a bargain. The state stocks approximately 21 sites throughout Cumberland and York counties and they are identified on the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife web site. The stocking schedule started Sept. 28, skipped a week then resumed for the next two weekends in October. The state, with the assistance of several Rod and Gun Clubs, places between 25 to 35 birds at each location each stocking evenly split between cocks and hens, and both are fair game. The season for adult hunters started Oct. 1 and closes Dec. 30 with a daily bag limit of two, either sex.

Pheasants are an excellent bird to start new hunters. They are a relatively easy target to hit, even with 20 gauge or .410 shotguns, but when they hold tight until you are right on top of them, their loud raucous cackling and wing beats can startle even the most experienced hunter and make their escape good without a shot being fired. Should that happen to you, watch where they fly and glide to as you may get a second chance. One caution though if you are using a young dog, a big ole cock pheasant can startle a dog as well. Also be careful about discharging a shotgun too close to a young dog unless you have acclimated the dog to the discharge by starting the dog a ways away from the gun and gradually reduce the distance to get him or her used to the sound.

Unfortunately, every year an over-eager hunter who has not done his field homework can ruin a good dog for the rest of the dog’s life. I witnessed such an occasion at a dove hunt in Virginia one year. The thoughtless hunter berated his dog for not fetching downed birds, but he somehow missed the fact his dog was cowering under his chair at the report of his owner’s shotgun…a terrible thing to do to a dog.

As hunters age they are less inclined to climb into tree stands, especially the climbing variety that takes a bit of athleticism to jack themselves up a tree. The advantage they give the hunter is amazing as they shield a lot of their movements on stand from vigilant deer eyes and their scent from acute noses. I did not get into a tree stand until quite late in my hunting career once I began archery hunting. I could not believe the difference it made in the number of deer I was seeing and how close they would come to where I was. In just one morning’s sit I had 19 deer in sight and 11 of those were within bow range. Unfortunately, every year hunters are injured or killed in falls from tree stands, usually homemade ones. Always use a safety harness from the moment you leave the ground. It can save your life. And it is always a good idea to tell a reliable adult where you are going and when you expect to return. Better to suffer the embarrassment of having to get cut down out of your harness than the alternative.

The older I get the more I like ladder stands and ground blinds. The ladder stands, correctly installed can be very stable both for your comfort and as a shooting platform. Be sure and pre-flight carefully any stands that you have left out since last season for rotted tie down straps, support poles that may have slipped, and debris that may have accumulated on the foot platform and seat. Climb up and sit in the stand as you would when hunting to see if you need to trim any vegetation that may be blocking your view and shooting lanes. As I return to my truck from a stand location, I clear my path of any downed limbs and install reflector tacks so I can find the stand in the dark. I put some ground blinds out yesterday and was amazed at how much the undergrowth has grown up. Don’t you be surprised on the morning you had hoped to hunt… good hunting! <

Bowling continues to make difference in life of Windham autistic teen Colin Robinson

By Matt Pascarella

From the moment 18-year-old Windham resident Colin Robinson stepped onto the bowling lanes, he was hooked, and an impact was made.

Windham's Colin Robinson displays his trophy
after winning the Rhode Island Youth Master's
Bowling Tournament on June 3 in Warwick,
Rhode Island. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Robinson has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and is considered very high functioning, but has a very quiet personality. Bowling has helped him be more comfortable communicating with people. It has helped him learn to work in high stress situations with multiple stimuli, remain calm and keep his focus on specific tasks. He has been bowling for 12 years and has competed in bowling tournaments across New England as well as a few in New York.

This past year, Robinson earned nearly $1,000 in scholarships based on both performance and awards. He was one of three recipients of the Roger Perrault Scholarship from the Lewiston-Auburn chapter of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), the sport’s governing body in the United States.

Robinson said he got interested in bowling by practicing with his dad, John Robinson, who is a USBC level 1 certified coach. Colin Robinson said he likes to bowl because it’s competitive and fun. It’s exciting because he gets to compete with skilled bowlers.

Both Colin and his father were practicing at a bowling alley and the manager let them know they had a youth league on Saturdays. They gave it a try and things immediately clicked for Colin Robinson.

He competed in about 25 bowling tournaments last year. Recently, he won two DJBT handicap tournaments, a series in New England during the 2022-2023 season. In a handicap tournament, a predetermined value is added to the pin count. He also recently posted his first scratch tournament win at the Rhode Island Youth Masters.

This was an important win for the Windham teen because he was consistent in hitting his targets and shooting spares, two skills he has worked hard to master in practice.

In 2022, he qualified and competed in Junior Gold, a large tournament where his division, the Under 18 boys, had as many as 1,300 participants. Robinson also bowled in the Junior Gold tournament in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2022 and in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2023.

John Robinson said it’s amazing to watch his son work toward achieving his goals. This season, Colin Robinson started out averaging a score in the 150s in both league and tournament competitions. In the last two months of the season, he was consistently averaging a score in the 170s during tournaments.

“Bowling has helped Colin in every way possible; physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, etc.,” said John Robinson. “He’s learned to calm himself and work with and support his peers. I get just as excited when he gives someone a fist bump or says ‘nice shot’ as when he throws a great shot himself. He’s ... made tremendous progress.”

To watch him practice, it’s evident that Colin Robinson works very hard on his game. This past year, he bowled with some of the best youth bowlers in the country under some of the toughest conditions. And he still practices for these tournaments with his father, although Colin Robinson’s official coach is Jimmy Clark.

“He is so amazing to work with,” said Clark, the owner of Bowler Builders Pro Shop and a USBC silver-level certified coach. “I have watched him embrace every challenge thrown his way. I see more confidence in his actions. Watching Colin grow as an individual has also made him a better teammate. Having autism can make the communication between bowlers a little tricky, but Colin is now able to talk with his fellow bowlers with more confidence and more success.”

According to Colin Robinson, his years of bowling have taught him how to compete against some of the best bowlers. He said practicing with his dad is fun and helps him bowl better.

“Autism and other neurodivergent disorders are a very broad spectrum,” said John Robinson. “I encourage every parent to at least give bowling a try. It doesn’t have to be in a league; just get out and let them roll the ball down the lane. I’m in bowling centers three to four days a week and I frequently see groups of people from high functioning to severely impaired. The joy on their faces when their ball hits the pins is incredibly heartwarming.”

Colin Robinson will compete in a tournament in Rhode Island on Sept. 9 and his league bowling will begin on Sept. 16.

Colin and John Robinson are in the process of setting up goals and planning tournaments for the upcoming season. They say that their big goal is converting to two-handed bowling, where his left hand supports the ball up until he releases it. In addition, Colin Robinson will build upon his existing skills, so that he can do his best and qualify for next year’s Junior Gold. <

WYBA’s Sonic Coed 3-on-3 Tournament brings communities together

By Matt Pascarella

After a few years off, Windham Youth Basketball Association’s Sonic Coed 3-on-3 Tournament returned on Saturday, Aug. 12 in Windham and with a great turnout of 16 teams from third graders to adults 40-plus who were playing in a friendly competition that brings not just players and supporters from Windham, but also surrounding towns.

Gray senior Noah Hebert makes his way to the hoop during
the eighth Sonic Coed 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament hosted
by the Windham Youth Basketball Association on Saturday,
Aug. 12 in Windham. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“This tournament is for a good cause,” said Windham resident and Windham Youth Basketball Association (WYBA) coach Lily Cooper. “It’s a memorial tournament that we’ve been coming to and supporting for years. Just being able to see the kids play together coed, it’s not something they get to do very often. I love being able to see the boys and girls get together and play. It’s great for all the teams and the kids to support each other.”

The tournament was created to celebrate Windham High School basketball player Dan Giguere, who passed away in a car accident. Giguere was a coach, a teacher, a father of three sons and was very active in the community.

WYBA raised close to $1,500 from the tournament which will be split between the Youth Basketball programs and the Windham High School basketball programs.

Gray senior Noah Hebert loves basketball and said the tournament is a fun opportunity to play. For Hebert, spending time with friends, meeting new people and playing a competitive sport he likes is very positive.

“It was time to bring it back,” said WYBA president Ben Delewski. “We have these nice new courts [by the Public Safety building]. It was a great showing, beautiful weather and was a ton of fun.”

Delewski wants to build up the basketball culture in Windham, and events like this can help to start building those powerhouse teams. The Sonic 3-on-3 Coed Tournament helps because the younger kids look up to the older kids and the older kids become role models and with the adults participating everyone can learn from one another and just have a good time. It also teaches to include everyone, as girl’s baskets are worth double the points.

“This is a great cause; perfect day to be out here, seeing everybody. For me, just happy to be playing and keep moving. Everybody’s here having fun,” said Windham resident Johnathan Bassett.

According to Delewski, the tournament teaches kids how to play the right way and get good open shots, having fun and being part of a team. A lot of kids hadn’t played since the end of the winter season, so this is a good summer activity and gets the kids talking about basketball and preparing for the upcoming season.

“I really wanted to play basketball, because I haven’t played since the winter,” said Windham fourth grader Colby Sargent. This was Sargent’s first year playing in the tournament. “It’s really fun because you’re just getting out and playing for fun. It raises money and it’s really good for people to get out and just play.”

Windham graduate and resident Nick Curtis used to play in the tournament as a kid and said it was a lot of fun to play in it now. Curtis said it brings everyone together and supports the basketball programs in a friendly environment.

Windham resident and parent Angela Wyman said the tournament is about team building and community building. She likes that other communities are part of it. Her boys have been playing basketball since they were little and look forward to it every time. It keeps kids involved and brings families and communities together while supporting the basketball programs.

“I’m really pleased with how many people showed up and all the smiles,” said Delewski. <

Tales from the Outdoors: Fishing the Atlantic

By Bob Chapin

If you really want a fun day afield that is also a physical challenge, then consider a “head” trip out into the Atlantic for a day of bottom fishing. When I say “head boat” I am referring to a boat where you pay a “head fee” to be taken aboard and the captain and crew do most of the work getting you to the fishing grounds, equipping you with a rod and reel with terminal tackle already attached, and bait if you choose to use it.

A fisherman awaits a catch while deep sea
fishing in the Atlantic Ocean while aboard
the Bunny Clark out of Ogunquit. 
COURTESY PHOTO 

The operation I am most familiar with is aboard the Bunny Clark out of Perkins Cove in Ogunquit. From my house here in Raymond it takes about an hour and a half to get there, and you are asked to arrive at the dock at 6:15 a.m. for a 7 a.m. departure. The Bunny Clark can accommodate up to 24 fishermen, but they rarely book that many which can get frustrating when your lines keep getting tangled. A group of 18 or less is perfect as it is less chaotic for all, including the crew.

The last trip I took this past June had about 16 fishermen and a Department of Marine Sciences researcher aboard who was there to check catches and record species, lengths, and weights. Ethan was his name, and he did an excellent job which can get hectic when the fish start coming aboard. We always stop at the Dunkin’ Donuts in Wells enroute and pick up a dozen for Captain Ian and crew. It doesn’t get us a guaranteed preferred place on the boat rail, but it does start the trip off on a pleasant note. 

Speaking of preferred locations there are several on the boat and fishermen who have been a few times, know and “fight” for their favorites. Some like the bow to get away from other fishermen, others prefer the stern cause it is wide and allows more unobstructed water to get your line down, others prefer under the top cover out of the rain and sun if that is a consideration. Frankly, it doesn’t matter where you fish, you all catch fish. We were on what they call their “Elite” trip which returns promptly at 5 p.m. For that you pay a fee of $125 per fisherman.

I usually pack a book or a Kindle to pass the time on the ride out to the fishing grounds at Jefferey’s Ledge, which is a 2-hour boat ride of about 25 miles straight out into the Atlantic. On the way out I have seen whales spouting, tuna fish jumping clear out of the water, and one year a whale shark that for some reason had taken an interest in a lobster buoy and was bumping into it repeatedly. Porpoises are a common sight racing the bow of the boat.

You know you have arrived at the fishing grounds when the captain reduces power and begins circling a set of GPS coordinates for a favorite spot. The first mate will also start handing out fishing rods and you will have to declare whether you want to jig or will use bait. It doesn’t matter which you choose but if you choose bait, you will be handling cut up bait, usually Spanish Mackerel, which some folks rather not get on their fingers because then their lunch tastes like it. It doesn’t matter which you choose because all will catch fish if they are there. The captain picked this particular spot because he has caught fish here in the past but fish move around, a lot, so be prepared for a couple of moves before you get on fish.

It seems no matter where you stop over the Ledge to fish the Dogfish, or sand sharks, are there and will find your bait. When they do it seems as though that is all you catch. When you are using 16-ounce jigs or Dipsey sinkers and fishing in 180 to 300 feet of water just cranking up your terminal tackle alone is a tough proposition. Because you will have more than one hook in your terminal tackle, it is not unusual to catch two fish at a time. This is where the physically challenging part comes in. If the seas are rough while you are out there, you are trying to keep your balance on the boat while reeling in your prize. It is a handful to get to the surface but, hey, that is why you came right?

There is currently a moratorium on Cod until September so those go back, but you are just as likely to catch Pollock, Haddock, Hake, Red Snapper, or Halibut, all good eating fish, if you can keep the dogfish off your line.

The First Mate will come around to retrieve your fish and mark it with a Roman Numeral, so he knows it is yours when he filets them on the ride back to port. Occasionally, Blue Sharks will show up and they hang out under the boat. That is bad news because they will steal your fish before you can get them out of the water. Most are 4 to 6 feet in length and after you have done all that cranking to get your catch up from the bottom you don’t want to lose it to a shark. So, save a bit of energy for that last 15 feet under the water so you can crank your fish in clear of the water once you begin to “see color” as your fish ascends. Do not let it linger near the surface or you will lose it and your terminal tackle. The first set is free, after that you will owe the captain $16 a set!

One last tip…at the end of the day you will be tired and a little frazzled. I like to bring a glass jar with lid filled with water and a clean washcloth. <

Windham eighth grader chosen to play in USA Softball All-American Games

By Matt Pascarella

Windham eighth grader Eliana “Yani” Kostopoulos was the only player selected from Maine to participate in the USA Softball All-American Games; a distinguished tournament that provides exposure to athletes in the U-12 Division and will be played in Oklahoma City from Aug. 10 to Aug. 13. To be selected to play in this tournament is the highest honor a player can receive and means they are considered one of the top athletes in the United States.

Windham eighth grader Eliana 'Yani' 
Kostopoulos has been selected to play in
the USA Softball All-American Games
in the U-12 division in Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma in August.
PHOTO BY GINA KOSTOPOULOS 

“It is an honor to have been offered a roster spot on the Northeast Region 1 Stars,” said Kostopoulos. “I was one of around 150 girls that made our way to our tryout on a snowy February morning in New Hampshire. I’m really excited for this tournament and getting another opportunity to play the game that I love at a higher level.”

It has taken drive and dedication for Kostopoulos to reach this point. She has been challenged this summer moving up with her travel team to U-14 rather than remaining at the U-12 level. It’s important for Kostopoulos to remain mentally tough and to do her best every time she steps onto the field. Softball is a mental game and maintaining a positive attitude is a necessity.

Kostopoulos began playing T-ball at 5 years old and moved up to playing softball at 6 years old, thanks to Portland Little League’s Julie Armstrong who pushed her to move up and play up.

When Kostopoulos was 8, she made her first travel team, the U-10 Lady Mavericks. Her family is a big softball and baseball family, and she would often play catch with a baseball with with her older cousin. Her grandfather used to let her practice with a girls’ All-Star softball team that he coached in Cumberland. The girls were older, but always encouraged Kostopoulos.

“I think I just really fell in love with the sport at a young age,” said Kostopoulos. “My goal is to play college softball and make my family proud.”

The idea of being able to play college ball one day is what keeps Kostopoulos pushing herself and continuing to work hard.

Without softball, she wouldn’t have met some of her best friends and formed bonds. She really loves the sport and loves being on the field with her teammates.

“Yani is a good teammate because she is extremely supportive, and because she makes a great impact on the team,” said Maine Thunder teammate and Sanford freshman Jenna Soucy. “She can do almost everything, she is a great batter and a great first basemen, she’s got a great arm ... she’s tall and she has tons of power at the plate.”

Hermon freshman and Maine Thunder teammate Becca Balmas said that Kostopoulos is an excellent choice to play in the USA All-American Softball Games because of her overall positive attitude and successful mindset. She is an amazing infielder and hitter, and Balmas believes she works so hard to be where she is and deserves this opportunity 100 percent.

It is important to Kostopoulos that she earn her place on this trip, just like she earned a spot in this tournament and she’s working really hard in raising money to help pay for it.

If you’d like to help, you can donate through her mother’s Venmo: @gina-kostopoulos

“It means a lot to me to step foot on the same dirt that the college World Series is played and some of the most prestigious softball players tie up their cleats,” said Eliana Kostopoulos. “I am proud to represent the team and organization of every uniform I wear.”<

Raymond softball ends season with all-around effort

By Matt Pascarella

On an overcast afternoon that ended with the game being called part-way through the fifth inning because of a downpour, Raymond’s softball team played their final game of the season at Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond on Thursday, June 8 against Old Orchard Beach. Although the final score of 17-10 favored Old Orchard Beach, Raymond’s efforts had been steadily improving in a short amount of time.

Raymond sixth grader Anita Sargent makes a throw to
first base during a middle school softball game against
Old Orchard Beach at Jordan-Small Middle School on
Thursday, June 8. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“The amount of confidence that all of them came forward with today was major,” said Raymond softball coach Miranda Eisenhart. “Their spirit is what’s so memorable about this team. Half of our team had never played before; their resilience and they just had fun.”

With only five games total this season, Raymond’s softball team exhibited their increased confidence during this final game of the season. Everyone on the team was supportive, positive, and excited to play.

Eisenhart said they had players playing new positions during this game, they knew where to throw the ball and were aggressive at the plate – even turning up the intensity when it came to base stealing.

In the first inning, seventh grader Brooke Tuttle walked. She quickly stole her way to third base and scored on a passed ball. Sixth grader Julianna Vassoler also walked and did exactly the same thing; as did sixth grader Anita Sargent. Seventh grader Kylie Gervais walked and after waiting for the right moment, stole and slid into home on a passed ball. Seventh grader Cassidy Sawyer walked and scored on a passed ball, too. The game was tied 5-5.

In the third inning, Raymond defense was on it when shortstop Sargent made an excellent catch to get an out.

Raymond’s offense tied the game again after three innings. Gervais got a base hit, then scored on a passed ball. Sixth grader Silvia Roma walked, stole her way around the infield and scored on a passed ball. Sawyer also walked and later scored on a passed ball. Seventh grader Ava-Noel Chevarie walked, seventh grader Alexus Williams was hit by the pitch, eighth grader Karla Rodriguez walked, and the bases are loaded. Chevarie and Williams each scored. Now the game is tied 10-10.

“I think [the game] went very well,” said Rodriguez. “We’ve gotten better with batting, passing and backing up.”

Gervais’ quick glove caught a line drive in the top of the fourth inning. She also made a throw to first baseman Roma to get an out at the top of the fifth inning.

According to Gervais, things were a little rough and rocky in the circle, but overall went well. Gervais said the comeback Raymond had made before the end of the game was impressive.

Roma said working together helped the team develop from earlier in the season to today. Starting out, a lot of the girls on the Raymond team didn’t know one another and didn’t work together as a team early on. Roma has seen several girls who never played before and became good players this season. <

Tales from the Woods: Breaking out the boat

By Bob Chapin

With the very first signs of Spring, before all the snow is gone from the shady areas of the lawn, those of us who are boaters and fisher persons think about breaking out the boat and getting ready for the first launch. Even before you roll it out of the garage or pull the tarps or shrink wrap off, you can renew your registration for the boat and trailer at your local town hall or online. A tip: if you take your old registration to the Auburn DMV you can renew for five years versus your normal one year and at a lower rate. Maine residents get their invasive aquatic species sticker integrated into their registration. Carry your boat and trailer registration with you wherever you boat.

Before launching your boat for another season, owners
should check electric lights, flotation devices, safety
equipment, flares, the motor, guides and the battery to
prevent problems. COURTESY PHOTO 

Once you get the wrapper off the boat is a good time to check for mice infestations as they love to make nests up under the bow and in any closed compartments such as undersea storage, floor lockers, live wells, and transom cabinets. While you are there check for chewed wiring and tubing such as transducer tubing, gas lines, and anything coated in plastic. I once had five kayaks gnawed one winter, two with complete holes through the hull. Make yourself a note to put mouse discouragement devices in place next fall if you find any evidence they have been there.

While we are talking about electrical wire now would be a good time to top off your starting battery and any auxiliary battery you use for trolling motors, lights, bilge pumps, etc. If you used a trickle charger all winter your batteries should be fully charged. Fully charged means that if you put a simple multi-meter tester on it and set the dial to 50 volts DC, you should read at least 12.1 volt – any less and it goes on the charger. It is recommended that you disconnect the electrical leads to the battery while it is on the charger and charge it in an area with good ventilation. The process of charging a battery releases hydrogen gas which is very flammable.

If you were diligent last fall and changed out the lower gear and the engine oil and filed off the burrs on your prop, then you should be ready to go. If not you have work to do. If it has been three years or more since you last changed out the spark plugs on your engine, then do so now—you’ll be glad you did.

If your hull was intact with no leaks last fall, then you should be good to go. With an aluminum boat, if you had a few leaking rivets, you can try hammering them tight with a ball peen hammer or specially designed punch but be sure and have a friend back you up on the inside of the boat with a stout backstop or risk putting dents in your boat. If you still get leakage, consider drilling out the offending rivet and replacing it with a slightly larger solid rivet. Should you have a wooden boat it may require a period of soaking in water to allow the wood to swell and seal any leaks. As a kid we had a heavy wooden rowboat that would leak like a sieve when we first put it in the water. After three days of sitting on the bottom we would bail it out and it would be bone dry the rest of the summer.

Use a boating safety equipment checklist available from West Marine, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, or the Department of Marine Resources to ensure you have all the required gear for the size of your boat and where you will be boating. This includes all of the required lighting when operating after sunset and before sunrise. Check your signaling devices, either electronic or manually operated, and that you have serviceable Personal Floatation Devices sized for every passenger, including you.

If you have a flare gun, check to see that the expiration date on your flare cartridges is current. I keep date-expired cartridges that appear to be in good shape along with my current ones because if you have to use them you will find they do not last long when deployed and may not be seen in time. While goose hunting late in the season on Chesapeake Bay, another boater had to use his flares.

As I responded in his direction two other boats ahead of me did the same so I waved off. I am sure he was glad he had more than the required number of flares. Although my boat has an operational horn, I always carry a manual whistle on my person, just in case. Lastly, check your anchor and dock lines for dry rot and that your knots are still secure. I always carry a short length of extra line because, well, you always need more line, and you may wish to assist another boater.

For added security and confidence I have a set of Mickey Mouse ears or cuffs that I can put over the water intake on my motor and connect them to a garden hose. That way I can start my engine in the driveway without fear of overheating the motor. Even with all the above accomplished, I keep my first “shakedown cruise” close to home.

It is difficult to thoroughly check your trailer while your boat sits on it. Therefore, after I have launched my shakedown cruise, I check over my electric lights, guides, rollers and bunkers, winch strap, winch ratchet lock, safety chains, auto grease hubs, and tire pressures. Carry a spare tire on the trailer or in the tow vehicle as well as a jack and a lug wrench as they may not be the same size as the tow vehicle. Safe Boating! <

Maine Soccer Referee Association offers beginning soccer referee training in Windham and Portland

Anyone 14 years of age and older who has ever thought about becoming a certified youth soccer referee is invited to sign up for one of two upcoming Grassroots Soccer Referee training courses taking place in Windham April 21 and April 22 and in Portland April 28 and April 29.

Soccer referee training will be held Friday,
April 21 ands Saturday, April 22 in Windham.
COURTESY PHOTO 

“Whatever your age, there are plenty of good reasons to become a soccer referee.” says Pete LeVasseur, Maine’s State Director of Soccer Referee Instruction. “If you’re a teenager, it is a great way to make more money per hour while being outdoors and staying fit.

If you play soccer, you will be a better player when you better understand the Laws of the Game. If you’re an adult of any age it is a great way to support and give back to your community. And if you love soccer, there is simply no better “seat in the house.”

Levasseur himself is 73 and still an active referee.

Referring to the thousands of kids aged 7 to 18 playing youth soccer on teams from Bangor south to Kittery and the Lakes Region east to Eastport, Jason Pelletier, Maine’s State Referee Administrator, says, “It takes a lot of referees to make this program work, and we heartily welcome everyone who chooses to join us.”

Previous knowledge of the game isn’t necessary. The course begins with the basics and builds from there. The Grassroots training course is 10 hours long, split between Friday evening from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The course covers the basics of the Laws of the Game, referee signals for both Assistant Referees and Center Referees, movement on the field, and game management.

Courses will be taught by experienced USSF-certified Instructors who are all active referees themselves. Uniforms can be ordered during registration and will be available for pick-up at the course.

The Windham class will be conducted April 21 and April 22, will take place at The Little Meeting House, 723 Roosevelt Trail, Windham. The Portland class is set for April 28 and April 29 and will take place at East End Community School, 195 North St. in Portland and you must be pre-registered to attend.

For more information about the classes or any other aspect of youth soccer refereeing, send an email to pjhl1949@gmail.com, or go to the Maine Soccer Referees Association (MSRA) website at www.mainesoccerreferee.com. <

Wolfpack middle school wrestling team defeats two opponents

By Matt Pascarella

As the Windham/Gray New-Gloucester/Gorham Wolfpack wrestling team approaches the end of the season, they hit the mat against Kennebunk and Oxford Hills in a dual meet at Windham on Friday, March 24 and showed they’ve come a long way in a short amount of time.

Windham seventh grader Jake Burke prevents his opponent 
from getting up as he gets the pin in the third round on
Friday, March 24 in a middle school meet against
Kennebunk and Oxford Hills at Windham Middle School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

The Wolfpack beat Kennebunk, 42-27, and downed Oxford Hills, 33-18.

“We took advantage of the opportunity and wrestled two strong teams and capitalized,” said Windham Middle School Wolfpack coach Nick Buckley. “The kids have been working hard all year. We’ve had a good couple weeks of practice and preparation; the kids are dialed in and want to get better. It makes all the difference in the world.”

Buckley said the team was looking for that moment during matches when they could get the upper hand on their opponent, a more concentrated, skilled way to get the take down, which shows improvement from the start of the season.

Kennebunk

The Wolfpack began the meet with Gorham Wolfpack sixth grader Joel House who avoided a takedown in the first period and pinned his opponent in the second period.

Next to take on Kennebunk was Gray New-Gloucester eighth grader Lexi Hoot who earned a very fast pin within seconds of the match beginning. This was her second win of the season. This was an emotional win for her.

“I just started this year and tried my best; winning is a big thing to me,” said Hoot. My aunt passed away a few weeks ago and she always came to my meets, so it’s really strong.

Hoot said her team worked hard, pinned well and worked as a team.

Gorham Wolfpack sixth-grader Lucien Roy grabbed his opponent’s leg and took him to the mat to get the pin and the win.

After a hard-fought match, Windham Wolfpack seventh grader Gavin Cataldi was pinned.

Gorham Wolfpack sixth grader Braden Nicely took down his opponent very quickly.

Gray New-Gloucester Wolfpack seventh grader Liam Joyce took his opponent to the mat and held him there to get the win.

Windham Wolfpack eighth grader and captain Emmett Hutchinson worked hard and pinned his opponent in just one period.

Oxford Hills

Gorham Wolfpack sixth grader James Swan outlasted his opponent to win the match 6-1 after three periods.

Gorham Wolfpack sixth grader Deven Paradis fought hard and avoided being pinned in the first period but got pinned in the second period.

Windham Wolfpack sixth grader Nathan Somma took down his challenger in less than a minute.

Windham Wolfpack seventh grader Jake Burke had a good stance going into the match. He fought hard for two periods and got the takedown in the final seconds of the third period.

Burke said that match was tough because the guy he fought was same strength and same aggressiveness. It was hard for Burke to pull him down because his opponent had a strong base. This was one of the tougher matches he’s fought in his two years of wrestling. He felt accomplished after he got the win.

Windham Wolfpack eighth-grader Jake Watson pinned his opponent with their feet in the air and body at a 90-degree angle.

“We pulled through and put all our hearts out there,” said Burke.

Burke said things that went well were positivity – he said the team was very encouraging and supportive – that’s a good attribute for a wrestling team. <

Windham’s alpine ski team looks sharp gearing up for SMAAs and states

By Matt Pascarella

As Windham’s alpine ski team looks to the end of the season, with the Southern Maine Activities Association (SMAAs) competition and the state competition on the horizon, both Windham boys’ and girls’ teams brought their all in a meet against Falmouth, Gorham, Marshwood, Traip, York, Scarborough, Westbrook, Cheverus and Kennebunk on the giant slalom course on Monday, Jan. 30 at Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton.

Windham senior Cody Taylor finishes his second run on the
Giant Slalom course in a ski meet against Falmouth, Traip,
Gorham, Marshwood, York, Scarborough, Cheverus,and
Kennebunk at Pleasant Mountain on Monday, Jan. 30. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

A light snow, which proved to be a benefit to the team, fell for most of the race. The Windham boys’ team finished second with a score of 40. The Windham girls’ team finished third with a score of 80.

“The mood with the light snow and packed conditions changed the mood of everybody and they are looser and able to push it a little further,” said Windham alpine ski coach Mark Politano. “They did awesome; they were a lot more comfortable with the conditions today than on Friday [during the slalom race]. Watching them come down and seeing them have a blast, I think the season is going in the right direction.”

Girls

Sophomore Lilly McLean finished first for Windham and seventh overall with a two-run combined time of 1:10.13 minutes.

Senior Grace Paiement finished second for Windham and 14th overall with a combined time of 1:12.76.

Senior Annie Jackson finished third for Windham and 23rd overall with a combined time of 1:16.49.

Coming off an injury, sophomore Katelyn Cotter finished fourth for Windham with a combined time of 1:36.59. She said she took it slower to avoid further injury before states.

Her first run was nice and smooth, but the second run got a little more rutted up and harder.

Cotter said they are all very good at supporting each other. They’re cheering each other on and giving each other feedback. She loves the team and feels good about the SMAAs and states. She thinks Windham will do well.

Boys

Senior Nolan Dries finished first for Windham and eighth overall with a two-run combined total of 1:06.34.

Senior Sam Plummer finished second for Windham and ninth overall with a combined total of 1:07.60.

Senior Cody Taylor finished third for Windham and 12th overall with a combined time of 1:08.99.

“I think we all did really good, the course held up really nice,” said Taylor. “At first it was really nice and firm, there was a nice top coating on it. The headwall got pretty icy pretty quick, but that’s how it goes.”

Taylor said conditions were good, which is not always the case. The team kept it positive which was good for morale; it was a good day.

As he looks to SMMAs and states he thinks they are a solid well-rounded group who could take it all.

Sophomore Preston Stretch came in fourth for Windham and 13th overall with a 1:09.30 time.

Politano said the team is getting their footing down. While they haven’t had time to train giant slalom as much as slalom, for some of the kids, it’s their second or third time on a giant slalom course and they are killing it. <

Trail Blazers hockey falls to Knighthawks in overtime

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham/Westbrook/Bonny Eagle Trail Blazers came out strong with continued effort for three periods in their game against the Marshwood/Traip/Sanford/Noble Knighthawks on Saturday, Jan. 7 at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham but ultimately dropped a heartbreaking decision in overtime.

Windham varsity Trail Blazers sophomore Sam Foley keeps
his focus on the puck as he stays ahead of his opponent and
heads toward the goal in a hockey game on Saturday, Jan.
7 at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham against the
Marshwood/Traip/Sanford/Noble Knighthawks.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

The Trail Blazers had a 1-0 lead after the first period which quickly became a 2-0 lead early in the second period. They were unable to hold off the Knighthawks who tied the game 2-2 after the second period.

A scoreless third period sent the game into overtime where the Knighthawks scored the tiebreaker to win 3-2.

“It’s the same stuff we’ve been dealing with all season, passing, clearing the front of the net, basic stuff we need to work on,” said Trail Blazers goalie Westbrook senior Isaac White, who had an impressive 31 saves on 34 shots at goal. “We ... have good moments, but we got to keep doing that, we can’t just have one good moment and then give up. I know we can beat that team we just got to get our head in the game.”

In the first period the Trail Blazers were aggressive and moved the puck well. They began with an immediate shot at goal. Trail Blazers offense was unable to get a number of consistent shots on the Knighthawks’ goal. However, Trail Blazers defense kept the Knighthawks scoreless the entire period.

Some 2.8 seconds remained in the first period when Windham sophomore Sam Foley found the back of the net.

Foley said they need to play better defensively. According to him, a positive of the game was getting the puck down deep and working it towards the net as well as finding people in the slot.

Three minutes into the second period, Trail Blazers Bonny Eagle freshman Mason Caron fired the puck between the posts and the Trail Blazers led 2-0. The Knighthawks tied the game 2-2 after two periods.

In the third period, the Trail Blazers were aggressive, defense held the Knighthawks in place and forced overtime.

Caron said they had too many people in front of the Trail Blazers net, with no one pushing them out and the Knighthawks got a lucky tip to end the game.

“The effort’s there it’s just we’ve been working on shooting more,” said Trail Blazers varsity coach Bobby Fothergill. “I thought our first period defensive zone coverage was really good. We got away from it and started running around and that’s when lanes opened up and [Knighthawks] were able to bury pucks. We have to get better on the long chain side of things.”

Fothergill said they are not going to win hard games if they shoot under 15 shots a game. They learned a lot from this game, and they get better every time they touch the ice, but it will take time. <

Windham Scoreboard

EARLY SEASON RECAP

Compiled by Matt Pascarella

Boys’ basketball

Windham traveled to South Portland on Tuesday, Dec. 13 where they lost to the Red Riots 66-46. Sophomore Creighty Dickson scored 15 points; junior Erik Bowen scored 12 for Windham.

Girls’ basketball

Windham played South Portland on Tuesday, Dec. 13 and won their first home game of the season, 45-32.

Ice Hockey

Windham/Westbrook/Bonny Eagle/Sacopee Valley Trailblazers hit the ice on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at Bridgton Ice Arena against Fryeburg/Lake Region/Oxford Hills. The Trail Blazers won, 4-3, in overtime; Windham sophomore Philip Traina scored in the first period; Windham sophomore Sam Foley scored in the third period. Bonny Eagle freshman Darren Haskell scored in the third period. Traina scored again in overtime.

Swimming

Windham hosted Falmouth and Westbrook in its season opener on Friday, Dec. 9 at St. Joseph’s College in Standish. Three swimmers qualified for states including senior Hannah Heanssler, sophomore Sarah Inman and junior Grace Theriault. Heanssler finished second in the 100-meter freestyle event with a time of 1:01.12 minutes and first in the 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 1:23.25. Inman finished second in the 100-meter Butterfly with a 1:11.64 time and second in the 100-meter Backstroke with a time of 1:12.55. Theriault finished first in the 500-meter Freestyle with a 6:08.92 time and third in the 200-meter Freestyle with a time of 2:16.48.

Indoor Track

Windham participated in its first indoor track meet of the season against Biddeford, Cheverus and Noble on Monday, Dec. 12 at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.

Girls

Windham sophomore Ava Gerrity finished first in the 55-meter dash junior division with a time of 7.87 seconds, first in the long jump with a distance of 16-00.75 feet and first in the triple jump with a distance of 32-09.00. Windham sophomore Tayla Pelletier finished first in the high jump with a height of 4-08.00. Junior Khalysa Hammith finished first in the 55-meter senior division with a time of 8.01.

Boys

Windham freshman Karl Longstretch finished first in the 55-meter with a time of 7.09 and first in the 200 with a time of 25.31. Freshman Nick Verrill finished first in the high jump with a height of 5-02.00. Senior Derrick Stephens finished second in the 400 with a 59.05 time and second in the hurdles with a time of 9.37. Senior Caleb Young finished fourth in the 800 with a time of 2:26.38.

Wrestling

The Windham/Westbrook/Gray New-Gloucester Wolfpack wrestling team faced York at York on Tuesday, Dec. 13 and got their second win of the season, 45-24. Sophomore Ayden Cofone, junior Gavin Tanner and senior Scott Ingalls all recorded big wins. <