Windham varsity volleyball starts strong, but falls to Cheverus in preliminary playoff match

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity volleyball finished their regular season 9-5 and on Thursday, Oct. 24 at Windham, seventh-place Windham took on 10th place Cheverus in an incredibly hard-fought preliminary playoff match. Windham won the first two sets, but Cheverus battled back to take the next three sets in a match where both teams left everything on the court and Cheverus eliminated Windham, 3-2.

Windham junior Kendra Eubanks attacks the ball during
a prep volleyball preliminary playoff match against
Cheverus High at Windham High School on Oct. 24.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“We were definitely really nervous, but it was more as an excitement way,” said Windham junior Josephine Sibley. “We had never played them before in probably like two seasons, so it was a big moment for us. They had less of a record, but they played really hard teams, so we knew it was going to be a harder match. Our energy was definitely high (in the first two sets), and I think that’s why we had more success ... when we have energy we work well as a team together and it usually leads to wins. (In the last two sets) it was definitely more like inner conflict between (Windham) teammates. This is like the cleanest we ever played; it was like the least amount of points we’ve ever given up and we definitely fought for every point; I think it was a good game. This is the closest I’ve been with a team, especially from Windham. I’m really happy I get to call these girls my friends.”

Windham wasted no time showing they wanted the win. They communicated well and took a small lead early on. Windham junior Kendra Eubanks had a solid block in the first set. The game was tied at six. Windham junior Sydney Harmon sent the ball over the net and Cheverus could not return it. The game was tied at 13. Sibley had several strong serves which gave Windham a lead.

Cheverus was gaining, but Windham had already reached set point. Windham took the first set 25-21.

In the second set, Windham momentum remained strong; they had stellar attacks. They dove on the ball leaving it all on the court. At one point, Windham led by 10 points. While Cheverus was making progress, Windham was too far ahead, and their defense remained powerful. Windham took set two, 25-10.

In the third set, Windham led early, and this was another super close set. The game was tied at 15. Cheverus gained traction, but Windham did not stop fighting. The Stags won this one, 25-19.

Set four was tied early on, and both teams were aggressive. Windham junior Oakley McLeod tipped the ball just over the net to give Windham a five-point advantage. Then the game was tied at 22. Tension was high but Cheverus got a set point and won, 25-23.

Windham had a small lead early on in set five. Cheverus countered with a lead and was able to hold onto it to win the set, 15-11.

“A lot of teammates had watched film to make sure we were prepped,” said Windham senior captain McKenzie Keeney. “We came out, we were so ready, we really wanted it together. We just lost maybe a little bit of momentum, but we picked ourselves back up a little bit and at the end of the day, it was close, we did what we could. The first couple of sets we had such positive energy together and we all wanted it for each other.”

Keeney said her team stood out this season; she loves them so much; they are all amazing people.

“When you come out that strong and that fast you have a lot of energy flowing to start off and at some point, that energy starts to back down a bit,” said Windham varsity volleyball coach Chris Cloutier. “You got to always keep your foot on the gas. Some little adjustments Cheverus made too; they started to move some hitters around on us ... we just didn’t adjust fast enough and once they started scoring a few points we started pressing and when you get behind, you start worrying about making mistakes and it kind of leads you to making mistakes. I’d say some rolls started going their way that didn’t go for them in the first two sets. That changed the momentum – momentum in volleyball is a big deal. In those first two our serving went really well, we were moving our feet to the ball, we were running offenses, we were getting a chance to use all three contacts.” <

Windham’s Unified bocce team wraps up season on high note

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s Unified bocce team played their final game of the season at home against Scarborough on Thursday, June 1. It was senior night, so seniors Lauren Broadbent, Kayla Fillinger, Dani Iaconeta and Austin Rice were all presented with a small gift as a thank you for their dedication to Windham Athletics throughout their high school careers.

Windham High junior TJ McAllister keeps his eyes on the
target as he gets ready to throw in the final Unified bocce
match of the season against Scarborough on Thursday,
June 1 at Windham High School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Windham Unified bocce coach Connor McNeill said the biggest goal of Unified sports is to provide an opportunity for students with and without disabilities to participate in a varsity sport together.

Unified bocce just completed its first season at Windham and this match against Scarborough was structured to have three 20-minute games with two courts playing per game.

One team throws a small white ball called the pallino, and the goal is to throw larger balls, called bocce, to get as close to the pallino as possible. Only the team closest to the pallino scores points. While a score is kept, the Unified games are more about having fun and celebrating the season. There was high energy and lots of positive encouragement and cheering from both teams.

In the first group of games, Scarborough won 9-5 and 5-3. In the second games Windham won 7-4 and Scarborough won 6-2. In the third games, Scarborough won 7-4 and Windham won 4-3.

For bocce specifically, Windham’s team goals were intended to learn the game, compete against other high schools and have fun. It was evident to McNeill watching the growth from the first practice to the last game that as a team they met and exceeded all these goals.

“I think we worked together as a team very well,” said senior Lauren Broadbent. “We were taking turns and I think everyone scored some points.”

Broadbent said she had fun during the Scarborough game and throughout the season. Windham has won some and lost some and she said that she liked playing multiple games so everyone has a chance to win.

Windham sophomore Colby Schmid said this team’s chemistry was outstanding. They communicated together, and Schmid said the season has been great. Bocce is a calming sport for Schmid and helps him relax while reducing stress.

“The season was great,” said Windham unified bocce coach Connor McNeill. “It’s been very successful. The opportunity for different groups of students to get together and the comradery between schools is great.”

McNeill said the Windham community is very supportive of Unified sports and they are thankful that they got a grant from the Special Olympics to make the season a reality.

Congrats to Windham team members Broadbent, Sophia Gugliuzza, Jacob Smith, Iaconeta, Jack Shirley, Zach O’Brion, Mary Jean, TJ McAllister, Schmid, Fillinger and Rice on a great season. <

Despite loss to Kennebunk, Windham boys’ tennis continues to improve

By Matt Pascarella

As the season is about to end, the Windham boys’ tennis team recently broke a five-game losing streak with back-to-back wins against Marshwood and then Biddeford. As they prepared for a home match against Kennebunk on Tuesday, May 16, their attitude was positive and Windham players were looking to make individual improvements and went hard against the Rams. Windham put in a solid effort but fell, 5-0.

Windham High senior Pedro Nascimento sends the ball over
the net with force during a match against Kennebunk on
Tuesday, May 16 at Windham.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Windham boys’ tennis coach Garry Stone said he’s thrilled with the team getting better. Before the match with Kennebunk, he told the team to go out, have fun and compete. Stone said that he liked that the doubles and individuals all battled against a tough team. He was encouraged that the team was right in the thick of it. Windham has continued to improve, and the season isn’t finished yet.

Regardless of the score, Stone said a positive takeaway from this match was no one hung their head, and everyone gave their all. Windham racked up points in third singles and second doubles matches. Stone said although the score tells one story, from his vantage point he knows the team did their best. They are a positive group that loves the game.

In the singles sets, Windham sophomore Diego Lopez lost 0-6 and 0-6.

“I knew that they were really, really good players,” said Lopez. “I tried to do my best and try to take some games, but I had fun. I got a chance to [play] against someone that is better than me ... playing with people that are better than you, you get better.”

Lopez said playing against his Kennebunk opponent highlighted areas where he needs to improve. Lopez will work on these areas to strengthen his game.

In the singles sets, Windham senior Pedro Nascimento lost 0-6 and 0-6. Windham senior Nolan Dries lost 0-6 and 1-6.

In the doubles sets, Windham sophomore Zachary Noonan and freshman Nolan McPhail lost 0-6 and 0-6. Windham sophomore Asher Knott and freshman Carter Mathieu lost 1-6 and 2-6.

Noonan wanted to work on teamwork going into his doubles sets. Their main focus was to concentrate on serves and Noonan said they had some good ones. They’ve improved a lot in serving from the start of the season. As a team, they’ve improved with teamwork and communication.

“It was all about personal improvement,” said Knott. “We got some points on them in the second set so we did the best that we could.”

Knott said he was more aware on the court and that any balls that went overhead, Knott was able to have spikes be more accurate in placement. He said some of his and Mathieu’s serves were good and they were able to hold Kennebunk to a game that wasn’t a blowout. <

Wolfpack wrestling coach Nicholas earns 200th career win

By Matt Pascarella

Windham/Westbrook/Gray New-Gloucester Wolfpack wrestling coach John Nicholas has been coaching wrestling for 25 years and earned his 200th varsity career win last month when the Wolfpack defeated York, 45-24.

The Windham/Westbrook/Gray New Gloucester Wolfpack
Wrestling team gathers with John Jon Nicholas after he 
earned his 200th career victory following a meet at York
High School on Dec. 13.
PHOTO BY DANIELLE BUCKLEY

Nicholas began coaching at Windham in 2018 and the 200 wins span more than 17 years of Nicholas serving as a head coach.

Now a physical education teacher at Wentworth School in Scarborough, Nicholas wrestled at Westbrook High School under Hall of Fame coach Dennis Walch.

After high school, he followed in Walch’s footsteps and was able to coach alongside him for a couple years. Nicholas then got a job coaching at Portland High School.

“I was taught to work hard, pay attention to detail, and try your best,” said Nicholas. “I have been blessed to have great parents, coaches, and teachers, assistant coaches and tough wrestlers who are willing to learn at all three schools.”

On the day of the York match, Nicholas said that he was more focused on preparing the team to face York, as they are a tough team, but the 200th win was in the back of his head.

Windham senior Scott Ingalls is a Wolfpack team captain and has wrestled under Nicholas for four years. In the huddle before the match, Ingalls said Nicholas told the team that while they are wrestling for themselves on the mat, this was a big one. He said it felt good to get the win.

“His care and devotion to the program sets him apart from other coaches,” said Ingalls. “He’s taught me a lot, this is my second year being a captain, he’s helped me develop my own leadership skills and put forth to the program what I can offer through him teaching me.”

On the day of the 200th win, Nicholas said he felt relieved after the Wolfpack beat York. He describes himself as a humble person and it was good to have the team excited after he reached that milestone.

Being able to coach beside Dennis Walch taught Nicholas a lot about being a successful wrestler and coach, with lessons like time management, preparedness and working hard to accomplish your goals. Walch helped Nicholas become a better person and Nicholas now passes on those habits to his wrestlers.

“I always wanted to coach at my alma mater, and I was able to do that for a long time and now continue to,” said Nicholas. “I wanted to create a positive environment where kids enjoy wrestling and want to work hard to achieve their goals.”

He likes where his career has taken him. His teams have brought success into their system by showing up every day, working hard, learning, improving, wrestling tough and having fun.

Wolfpack assistant varsity coach Nick Buckley has coached next to Nicholas for three years. Buckley said Nicholas is a great mentor, has a lot of knowledge – knows what works and what doesn’t work, is consistent with his message, always wants to win and is always looking for that edge.

“When he came [to Windham] he changed the culture,” said Buckley. “It was almost a recreational team ... but when he came [to Windham] now we’re here to wrestle and get better. Getting better is an expectation and winning is a byproduct of that. He made a tougher practice schedule and held people accountable. When you do that teams get better.”

“It is nice to be acknowledged for 200 wins,” said Nicholas. “I hope what it says about me is that I have continued to produce teams that are tough, have good sportsmanship, and keep improving.

He said that he plans to continue coaching the Wolfpack and producing tough competitive teams that keep striving for a state title. <

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. <

Windham/Westbrook/Gray New Gloucester wrestling shows improvement in final meet of 2021

Windham junior Scott Ingalls holds his opponent to the mat
during the Windham/Westbrook/Gray New Gloucester prep
wrestling home meet against Kennebunk and Deering on
Wednesday, Dec. 29. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham/Westbrook/Gray New Gloucester wrestling team showed marked improvement last week in their first home meet of the season against Kennebunk and Deering. It was the first time local wrestlers hit the mat at a home gym since 2019.

Windham/Westbrook/GNG was persistent and fought until the end. They lost to Kennebunk 55-18 but came back to beat Deering 60-6.

Windham/Westbrook/GNG is improving every meet. They knew their match against Kennebunk was going to be a challenge and the match against Deering would have contenders in it too.

Kennebunk

Starting in the 113-weight class, Windham freshman Ayden Cofone got the pin against his opponent.

In the 160-weight class, GNG senior Owen McDuffie got control of a writhing opponent, took them to the mat with two forceful slams and pinned them after two periods.

McDuffie said he did okay and was hoping to pin a little quicker. He thought the team struggled in their meet against Kennebunk but had more energy against Deering which made a difference.

GNG junior Jason Hart had a powerful takedown against Kennebunk for the win in the 220-weight class.

Deering

In the 132-weight class, Westbrook sophomore Owen Pillsbury flipped over to avoid being pinned. A short time later, he pinned his challenger.

Windham sophomore Chris Harvey got the win and the pin in the 145-weight class.

Westbrook senior Zach Davis did the same in the 152-weight class. Davis went for his opponent’s legs, brought them to the mat and got the pin.

Windham junior Scott Ingalls held Deering to the mat in the 170-weight class, but they were able to get away. Ingalls then took them right to the mat with a stellar takedown and pinned them for the win.

“Every meet we got to think it’s going to be a dog fight,” said Ingalls.

He said that everybody fought hard, even in the tougher matches; they left nothing on the mat. Everybody wrestled their heart out.

In the 182-weight class, Windham senior Austin Goslant pinned his opponent.

Windham/Westbrook/GNG wrestling coach John Nicholas told the guys after a tough loss against Kennebunk to come out a little hungrier against Deering and they did just that. They got a lot of pins and a lot of takedowns, so he was happy they had a win to finish the day.

Nicholas was impressed with the intensity level of the team against Deering. In the match against Kennebunk, Nicholas said the team had a lot of fight; they battled right to the end and that’s all you can ask for. <