Wolfpack wrestling off to powerful start in preseason tournament

By Matt Pascarella

In a preseason tournament, the Windham/Gray New-Gloucester/Westbrook Wolfpack varsity wrestling team showed they are ready for the regular season as the team wrestled schools from all over the state in the Westlake Invitational on Saturday, Nov. 30 at Morse High School in Bath. The Wolfpack finished fourth out of 19 schools with a score of 137.

Windham freshman James Swan works to move his opponent
to his back on Saturday, Nov. 30 at Morse High School in
Bath early in the preseason prep wrestling Westlake
Invitational. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“Our team first round – amazing,” said Gray New-Gloucester senior Jameson Hart. “That was super exciting. It means that we are practicing right. We are at a good spot we just got to work harder and we’re going to be a threat this year.”

The Wolfpack secured multiple wins and Windham senior Ayden Cofone (126-weight class) won his finals match. Other tournament placers were Westbrook sophomore Cole Tanner (165) finished second, Windham freshman James Swan (106) finished third, Westbrook sophomore Sajjad Jumaah (138) finished fourth, Windham junior Junius Pope (190) also finished fourth.

“It always feels good to win even in ... tight matches where you got to dig deep and push the pace,” said Cofone. “That's my fourth time winning that tournament and it felt more competitive each time which is good. I’ll use this tournament to set the season and really push hard to win the tougher tournaments down the road and to work harder and learn; I'm focused on growing as a wrestler and getting ready to flip the switch to college wrestling.”

After a very successful quarterfinal round, all 14 Wolfpack wrestlers advanced.

In the quarterfinals, Jumaah had an incredible match against Mount Ararat. Mount Ararat had a big lead most of the match, but Jumaah was not going down without a fight. Toward the end, mere points separated them and Jumaah’s perseverance earned him the 17-16 victory.

“I went into the match confident and it’s not I have to wrestle the second seed kid – it’s I get to wrestle the second seed kid,” said Jumaah. “I got a pretty hard blow to my nose... during the match. I had to take some injury time as well because ... I couldn’t wrestle right. When I got set on top, I was like the team needs this; that set a fire in me and I just went, I wrestled hard. I took a deep breath, I relaxed myself, I didn’t think about the score ... I had to keep going after it because there was no way I was going out like that.”

In the quarterfinals, Hart (157) took on Mount Ararat and pinned his opponent in under a minute.

Cofone pinned his Gardiner opponent with a minute remaining in the quarterfinals. He won his finals match 5-2 against Oceanside.

Cofone said he saw a lot of great heart and growth from last season. He said they need to wrestle their matches and not their opponents while working on cardio to set the pace of the match.

Windham senior CK Kennedy (175) fought a very close match against Bonny Eagle where he made up points after being down. Kennedy left it all on the mat, but narrowly lost 11-10.

“We have been able to get a lot accomplished in practice because the kids are paying attention and working hard to improve their skills,” said varsity Wolfpack coach John Nicholas. “We also talked about what it takes to win a big tournament and how to prepare yourself for each round. Besides the first round, (that went well) we had many kids that were able to battle back after a loss and push themselves into the consolation finals. We need to continue to work on our conditioning and clean up on some of our technique. I think the future is bright for the Wolfpack. We have a solid core of veterans mixed with some talented newcomers. It may take a little while, but we should be right in the mix by the end of the season.” <

WLL 11/12 All-Stars baseball narrowly falls to Cape Elizabeth

By Matt Pascarella

It was a defensive pitching battle for Windham Little League’s All-Star 11/12 baseball team at the Westbrook Little League Complex on Saturday, June 22 in the first game of the All-Star season against Cape Elizabeth, where Cape narrowly edged Windham, 1-0, after a home run put them on the scoreboard.

Windham Little League 11/12 All-Star seventh grader Joey
Somma makes a throw to first base after fielding a ball
in a game against Cape Elizabeth at the Westbrook Little
League Complex on Saturday, June 22.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“It was a pitcher’s duel,” said Windham All-Star 11/12 coach Adam Kalakowsky. “We needed to get our bats going and we couldn’t; their pitcher did a great job. Our pitchers did a wonderful job, we’re going to try to rebound ... and play hard. Players were in position, they were doing the things we asked; a few mental errors, but with a tight game we kept it close, we made the plays in the field. Just that one homerun, that’s all it was. If we can just keep going, I think we’ll be successful. We have to score some runs, that was clearly our weakness today.”

Windham sixth grader Eli Souther began on the mound where he struck out five batters. Windham fifth grader Bronson Bassett took over in the third inning and struck out six batters.

Windham kept Cape Elizabeth scoreless in the first inning. Cape Elizabeth’s defense was just as tough as Windham’s.

In the second inning, a homerun put Cape Elizabeth in the lead. Windham’s strong defense wouldn’t allow them any further runs, even when it got tough.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, a walk and a single by Cape Elizabeth put two runners in scoring positions. Bassett was on the mound and struck out the next three batters to shut Cape Elizabeth down and leave their runners on base.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of pressure, but I just cleared my mind,” said Bassett. “I let go of everything and it was just me and the catcher, and I was just pitching my way. Even though we got the “L,” it’s not a blowout, it’s 1-0. The one thing we’ve got to do better is getting the ball on the bat. We got a whole [other] game. Great job at fielding ... but I do think we need to work on hitting – overall I think we did good.”

Windham gave a solid effort in the sixth inning but couldn’t get around the diamond.

“We did really good on pitching,” said Windham seventh grader Joey Somma. “I feel like we could get better at our attitudes while pitching, like that homerun was just 1-0, nobody needs to hang their head or do anything to not be positive – we have another chance. Our plays in the infield, our pitching and how we battled at the plate went well.” <

Windham 11/12 softball All-Stars close out ‘amazing season’

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Little League’s 11-12-year-old All-Star softball team had a close game with Yarmouth in their inaugural game of the double elimination All-Star tournament but fell, 5-4, at the Westbrook Little League Complex on Friday, June 14.

Windham fifth grader Ava Kostopoulos high fives with first
base coach Deanna McLean after getting on base during the 
11/12 All-Star softball game against Cumberland North
Yarmouth at the Westbrook Little League Complex on
Tuesday, June 25. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Windham played Cumberland North Yarmouth on Tuesday, June 25 at the Westbrook Little League complex. After a strong effort by Windham, Cumberland North Yarmouth advanced with a 12-2 win.

Windham seventh grader Courtney Cotter scored in the first inning.

In the fourth inning, Cotter, Windham seventh graders Peyton McLean and Lydia York laid down good bunts. The girls did a good job backing up plays. Windham seventh grader Madi Valliere had an incredible bare-handed catch behind the plate.

In the fifth inning, Valliere scored with bases loaded when fifth grader Ava Kostopoulos walked.

Windham pitcher and fifth grader Bella Westcott had six strikeouts.

“Even if you mess up ... you have to forgot about what you made a mistake on and keep moving forward,” said Cotter. “I think we did excellent bonding, and we were just an amazing team overall. We were able to help each other when we were sad, we wouldn’t let anybody ... sit on the bench, we were all up there screaming our butts off and had an amazing season.”

According to Windham head coach Gina Kostopoulos, the girls showed a lot of heart. Despite the scoreboard they battled; they kept their energy level high the whole game. The girls showed up for each other; even after losses, they went around, and said something great their teammates did. They had great plays, regardless of the outcome – the score is not an accurate reflection of them as players.

The coach said there’s much more to come from these talented individuals. <

Windham Little League 9-10 All-Star softball pulls together for big win over Westbrook

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Little League’s 9-10 All-Star softball team had a solid run during their double elimination tournament season, which sadly came to an end after losses to Bonny Eagle and South Portland. However, in between those games was a stellar 17-4 win over the Westbrook Minors All-Stars on Wednesday, July 5 at the American Legion Softball Field in Falmouth.

Windham Little League 9-10 Softball All-Star and fifth grader
Ella Higgins keeps her eyes on the ball while batting during
a tournament game against Westbrook on Wednesday, July 5
at the American Legion Softball Field in Falmouth.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Windham pitcher and fifth grader Brooke Legere pitched and struck out 5 batters in 4 innings, only allowing 1 hit.

Legere said she started out a little nervous but as the innings progressed, she began to feel more comfortable. She had more control of the ball during the game, and her release point was better. The team worked hard, stayed together, and didn’t get down on one another.

In the first inning, Legere was hit by a pitch. There was little to no hesitation as she stole base after base and scored on a wild pitch. Fifth grader Lily Nickel walked, sixth grader Julia Leach singled and Nickel stole home. Fifth grader Ella Higgins singled and Leach scored. Fifth grader Ava Kostopoulos walked, and Higgins scored on a passed ball. Fifth grader Avary Caiazzo singled which brought in Kostopoulos. Caiazzo later scored on a wild pitch. Windham led 6-2 after one inning.

Windham added four more runs to the scoreboard in the second inning and their defense kept Westbrook scoreless in the second. Kostopoulos stopped a run headed home after a throw from Higgins. In the bottom of the third inning, Nickel caught a pop fly.

The top of the fourth inning was another big inning for Windham. After sixth graders Brielle Duffy and Leah Ronfeldt were both hit by pitches, sixth grader Aubrey Bell walked. Both Duffy and Ronfeldt scored on wild pitches. Legere singled and Belle scored. Leach walked and Legere scored on a wild pitch. Nickel walked and later scored. Higgins walked and Leach scored. Higgins scored on a passed ball before the end of the inning.

Windham’s lead was massive, and Westbrook could not catch up.

Kostopoulos said Windham tried their hardest and got the bat on the ball. She thought defense and the fact that they made a lot of good plays contributed to the win.

As Higgins reflected back on this season, she said that she was excited to play on the Windham All-Star team and they put in a lot of work.

As Caiazzo looked back on the season, said she was also excited to be on the team. She thought the season went great, it was fun, they all tried their best and she’s proud of the whole team.

“At the start of the season most of the girls had not played together,” said Windham Little League 9-10 All-Star softball coach Ronnie Higgins. “It was great to see them learn new concepts and develop as players. By the end of the season, they were clicking as a team and making some great friendships as well.”

They wanted to compete and enjoyed the game. When the season ended, Windham wanted to keep practicing and do more. For Higgins, that’s a win. <

Windham Little League’s 11-12 Softball All-Stars season ends

By Matt Pascarella

In a double elimination tournament, the Windham Little League 11-12 softball All-Stars had a very successful run at the Westbrook Little League Complex. After a 15-0 win over Portland and a 4-1 loss to Westbrook, Windham eliminated Gorham 5-4 on Thursday, June 22 and Cumberland North Yarmouth 10-6 on Monday, June 26. Windham fought hard, but on Tuesday, June 27, Scarborough came away with a 6-3 win, ending the season for Windham.

Windham Little League Softball All-Star sixth grader
Lydia York hits the ball to the outfield during a 
tournament game against Scarborough at the Westbrook
Little League Complex on June 27.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Windham Little League softball All-Star coach Gina Kostopoulos said not one of the girls is the same athlete they came in as; they’ve all grown a lot in a short period of time, and that player retention is really high. Windham players became so close, they relied on and trusted each other and that’s what it’s all about.

Gorham

Windham steadily added runs in most innings, but Gorham was not far behind and often tied the game. Windham took a one-run lead in the sixth inning and held off Gorham.

Coach Kostopoulos said there was a lot of talk in practice about digging deep. They had to want it every single inning. It was their heart; they dug deep and earned the Gorham win.

Cumberland North Yarmouth

Despite fog, rain and slick conditions in the Cumberland North Yarmouth game, Windham added runs most innings and had a nice lead over Cumberland North Yarmouth.

Windham sixth grader Lydia York said it felt great to get the Cumberland North Yarmouth win. The

weather made the ball much slipperier, and harder to grip and throw. She said base running, sliding and outfielders all did well.

Going into the third inning, the game was tied 2-2. Windham sixth graders Audrey Libby and Courtney Cotter singled. Libby scored on a passed ball. Seventh grader Yani Kostopoulos singled and drove in Cotter. Kostopoulos scored on a passed ball. Sixth grader Madisen Valliere walked and scored on an error.

Windham defense made it hard for Cumberland North Yarmouth to catch up. Pitcher Libby struck out seven batters.

Libby said Windham had high energy in the dugout. Although there was a little bit of struggle during this game, Windham kept their heads up and it felt good to win.

Scarborough

Windham started the Scarborough game with a high level of intensity. Cotter walked and Yani Kostopoulos singled. Cotter scored off an error. Windham seventh grader Evelyn Robinson reached first base through an error. Sixth grader Layla Pinto walked; then Yani Kostopoulos and Robinson scored on

passed balls.

Scarborough answered, but Windham did not allow them to tie the game after the first inning.

Yani Kostopoulos said they could have done a couple things differently, like laying down bunts and not missing signs but they had some good plays. It was hard to keep their heads up after Scarborough took the lead. It was a fun season for her to talk up these girls and be able to play with them.

Windham defense prevented the game from becoming a runaway. Robinson stopped a runner headed home in the bottom of the third inning. Scarborough was unable to score in the fifth inning.

“I hit the ball really well,” said Robinson and I got to catch a lot this year. Over the season we had fun, we got to play a lot.”

Robinson said the team really wanted to win the Scarborough game. She said Windham put the effort in swinging the bat and did not go down looking.

“It was a good run,” said Coach Kostopoulos. “Top six is not bad, we have a very young ... determined team and they came out of the gate wanting to win and it just didn’t end up in our favor.”

Coach Kostopoulos said Windham had played great defensively, yet they didn’t get the bats going as much as she would have liked, but overall, she is very proud of the team. <

 

Windham Little League softball teams tumble in District 6 tournament

Windham All-Star softball seventh-grader Ava Cole winds
up to throw a pitch during the Majors Division District 6
tournament championship round against Bonny Eagle at 
the Westbrook Little League Complex on Wednesday, July 6.
PHOTO BY BRIAN COLE

By Matt Pascarella 

The 2022 Windham Little League Majors Division and the 8-9-10-year-old District 6 All-Star teams each had incredible tournament runs this summer, but the season is now officially over following their hard-fought elimination.

The Majors Division team fell to Bonny Eagle 6-1 and became runners-up for District 6 on Wednesday, July 6 at the Westbrook Little League Complex.

The 8-9-10-year-old All-Stars played Cumberland in New Gloucester on Wednesday, July 6 and while Windham came close, Cumberland eked out a 19-15 win. Windham out-hit their opponent 11-5 and everyone on the team contributed.

Majors

In the first inning, Windham seventh-grader Kiley Card singled. A sacrifice bunt from seventh-grader Sarah Smyth scored Card.

The game remained tied at one until the third inning when Bonny Eagle scored two runs, then another three in the fourth inning.

In the fifth inning, Windham fifth-grader Layla Pinto doubled on a fly ball to left field.

In the sixth inning, sixth-grader Eliana Kostopoulos singled. Seventh-grader Ava Cole doubled.

“They were committed from day one and their goal was to make it to the end. They never stopped giving me their best effort,” said Windham Majors Division All-Star softball coach Stephen Napolitano.

Pinto said this season has been an amazing opportunity for her to be on the All-Star team with people who bring positivity and nothing but kindness.

She said they got this far because they continued to work hard and lifted each other up when they were down.

“I think we always try our best to keep our heads up ... and battle back and keep our energy high,” said Cole. “They are probably one of the best teams I’ve ever played with.”

8-9-10 All-Stars

After a walk in the first inning, Windham fourth-grader Elsa Pearson doubled, and third-grader Brooke Legere scored. Pearson later scored.

Windham third-grader Ella Higgins tripled and then scored on a passed ball; Cumberland led 4-3.

“I had fun with the team,” said Higgins. “I learned a lot; we were able to hit the ball and run the bases good.”

In the fourth inning, Cumberland was ahead 13-7 and Windham came back. Fifth-grader Niayah Cummings singled. After two walks, Cummings scored.

Fifth-grader Gianna Lane doubled, and three runners crossed the plate. Now it’s 13-11, Cumberland.

Cumberland scored six runs in the fifth inning.

Windham continued to battle in the sixth inning when third-grader Ava Kostopoulos singled; then a walk, Lane doubled, and Kostopoulos scored.

Windham fifth-grader Madisen Vallerie tripled. Lane and fifth grader Avery Hawkins scored.

Vallerie scored on a passed ball.

Windham 8-9-10 Windham softball All-Star coach Ronnie Higgins said this was a great experience.

He said that he had excellent support from coaches Jason Elder, Megan Pearson and Ron Regula. They challenged the girls in every practice and game with something new. This group really liked the competition.

Higgins said he is looking forward to working with them as they continue playing the game. <

Windham’s Dylan Crockett ‘King of the Ring’ for second time

Dylan Crockett is shown after winning the
'King of the Ring' championship fight in
Lynn, Massachusetts on April 23.
PHOTO BY ERIN YOUNG 

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s Dylan Crockett began boxing when he was 10 and now at age 14, he has accomplished so much in those four years. He’s won the Northern New England Junior Golden Gloves, New England Silver Gloves twice and New England Junior Olympics three times while boxing in multiple tournaments in and out of New England.

Crockett recently won his second “King of the Ring” championship on April 23 in Massachusetts after winning his first “King of the Ring” title in 2019.

This recent “King of the Ring” championship featured boxers from Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico and the United States. Over 300 people registered for this tournament.

“I was so proud of that kid,” said coach Glenn Cugno of Cugno Boxing in Lewiston. “I love watching him bring what we do in the gym, out in front of the crowd.”

Crockett’s interest in boxing stemmed from his grandfather, Peter Conley, who was a boxer while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Conley went to the Lady of the Lake Camp at Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester in the early 1950s. There was an outdoor ring where campers had bouts every night.

He continued boxing up to when he enlisted in the Marine Corps at 17. On the ships there were “smokers,” or opportunities for inter-service boxing.

After Vietnam in 1968, Conley was stationed in Wisconsin as a Marine recruiter. During that time, he was involved with the Eau Claire Boxing Club and fought throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota in the Golden Gloves tournaments. Conley won the title of Golden Gloves champion in 1968.

Conley said he is very impressed with Crockett’s hard work, dedication and perseverance and tells Crockett that he is the “Man in the Arena,” which is reflected in the poem by Theodore Roosevelt.

“I am beyond humbled, and I am proud that he is participating in an activity that I consider a great sport,” said Conley.

In 2018 Crockett was introduced to the Cugno Boxing Club where he was instantly enamored by the community and ‘hard work beats talent’ mentality promoted there.  

“Once I got to the gym, I realized that it is a very hard-working sport that I wanted to be a part of,” said Crockett.

Cugno described Crockett as someone with a real passion for the sport. If the two work on something at the gym, Crockett tries to perfect it at home before their next session and he’s  always thinking and asking Cugno who he should be watching online and how he can perfect his body shot.

The young boxer wants to get better every day and even during COVID, Cugno and Crockett did ZOOM workouts.

Crockett has always been one of the younger kids in the gym, but that has only motivated him. It’s the dedicated consistency over time that creates advancement. Crockett has stayed consistent and continues to put in the work, even on days he cannot make it to the gym.

“He’s a really athletic, gifted kid,” said Cugno. “He picks up stuff really easy, he took to boxing really easy. His road to all of it started the day he walked in the gym.”

Cugno has dedicated much of his time helping Crockett succeed. Crockett said Cugno’s extra time and being prepared helps prevent poor performance.

He has driven Crockett to different gyms for extra sparing. Cugno supports all his fighters and Crockett considers himself lucky to be able to learn from him.

“Glenn has given me a lot of his attention and has always supported me through my career,” said Crockett. “He motivates me to be a better fighter and a better person because I see first-hand how his dedication brings me confidence. Glenn has taught me everything I know, and I couldn't do it without him.”

During this second “King of the Ring” victory, Crockett had already beaten his opponent before, but the opponent really pressured him and expected Crockett would fight in a similar style to their first fight.

Cugno said Crockett can adapt to pretty much anything, so it was great for him to watch Crockett change up his style on the fly to get the win.

According to Cugno, Crockett is a confident kid with a high ring IQ. Crockett works a lot in the gym with bigger kids, because he’s too skilled for kids his own age and size.

He’s even spared with pros and done well, and Cugno said he’s an elusive kid who prides himself on defense as well as having a good offense.

If he keeps working the way he works, Cugno says Crockett has a really bright future in boxing; he’d be No. 1 in the country in amateurs.

Crockett plans to keep working hard in the gym and at home. He also plans to fight in more tournaments and work toward any opportunities Cugno gives him.

“It really does feel good knowing that hard work does pay off with a lot of dedication.  I remember being the only kid at school having to eat healthy foods and now that commitment was worth it,” said Crockett. <

Tales from the Outdoors: It’s a family affair

By Bob Chapin

David Ferris won first place and his brother
Dean won second place during the
Sebago Lake Anglers Association's Annual
Open Water Togue Derby on Sebago
Lake last weekend. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Brothers Ferris made it a family affair last weekend when they won both first and second place in the Sebago Lake Anglers’ Association’s (SLAA) Annual Open Water Togue (Lake Trout) Derby on Sebago Lake.

The brothers caught their fish deep (12 colors of lead core line) between the areas of the lake known as the Camel Pasture and the Shoals and they caught them on Flatfish lures. The weather was tough, particularly on Sunday, where high winds kicked up rollers of 3 and 4 feet with white caps blowing down wind. It took a substantial boat under you to maintain a steady heading. But, if you could get out of the wind, it was sunny and downright pleasant.

The brothers earned high praise for their catches from other fishermen and ladies and cold hard cash from SLAA. David earned First Place and $500. Dean won Second Place and $400. Further, because the fish were caught on Saturday and upheld through Sunday the largest fish earned an additional $100 making their haul an even $1000, pretty good wages for doing what they loved to do anyway. Their fish weighed 12.56 and 8.84 pounds respectively. 

Those fish placing 3rd through 10th earned as follows:

Charlie Miner, 7.56 lb. $300; Mike Donavan, 6.05 lb. $200; Bob Spindler, 5.73 lb. $175; John Sailhamel. 5.50 lb. $150; Caleb Judd, 4.92 lb. $125; Glenn Geisel, 4.79 lb. $100; Dana Direnzo, 4.75 lb. $75; Jay Lenane, 4.63 lb. $50.

In addition to the prizes won above there were prizes for three lottery drawings where fishermen were awarded one ticket for each Togue they legally caught and turned in. Those tickets were drawn at random out of a rotating bin. Finally, an award was given for the smallest Togue caught on hook and line. Those winners were as follows:

$100 lottery winners went to Ed Zeigler, Tyler Santero, and Glenn Geisel. Smallest togue $100 prize went to Tyler Santero.

This has been a difficult year for anglers fishing Sebago Lake and the catch rates reflect that. The numbers of fish caught and their weights have been down across all species from previous derbies. Local fishermen attribute the drop to loss of habitat, some due to invasive plant removal efforts; reductions in bait fish such as smelt, shiners, and alewives; and, predation by Togue on the more desirable fish such as salmon. Togue will even cannibalize their own young when they get hungry.

SLAA has been putting on these derbies for five years, having skipped last year for COVID concerns. They use the money to finance Club activities such as this derby, a Veterans’ Fishing Event in May, a Veteran’s Ice Fishing Hut on Long Lake during ice fishing season and various other community events such as Boy and Girl Scout fishing demonstrations, alternative school fishing events, and support to Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. However, the bulk of the funds raised in this event goes towards purchasing State of Maine Youth Lifetime Fishing Licenses for Maine children. These licenses are good for the life of the child regardless of their age or adult state of residency. Parents can augment the funding provided by SLAA to procure companion lifetime licenses to hunt or trap.

SLAA has awarded more Youth Lifetime Licenses than any other organization in the state, including Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM).

This year’s sponsors included:

Brother Flecker’s Bar and Restaurant, Causeway Dairy Bar, Dag’s Bait Shop, Don Campbell Band, Finelines Collision and Glass Auto Body, Gorham Savings Bank, Great Northern Docks, Hancock Lumber, Jordan’s Store, Moody’s Collision Center, Moose Landing Marina, Naples Bait & Tackle, Norway Savings Bank, Point Sebago Resort, Port Harbor Marine, Q-Team Tree Service, R.J. Grondin Construction, R.N. Willey Excavation, and The Umbrella Factory Supermarket.

Children get their names in the lottery for a license by being nominated by a member of SLAA. Vendors whose names are on the back of the Derby T-shirts also earn the right to nominate a youth for the lottery. Drawings are held at the October meeting of the Club, at 6:30 PM the second Tuesday of the month at the United Church of Christ in Naples., public welcome.

For further information regarding the derby or SLAA contact Bob Chapin 571-217-1700 or 207 655-1028.

Windham/GNG performs well at Class A Tournament

Andrew Martin getting ready to pin down Sanford wrestler

By Matt Pascarella

The wrestling team had five qualifiers for the Class A State Tournament, held at Sanford High School on Saturday, February 15^th. Qualifiers from all over central and southern Maine competed in this meet. The qualifying participants from Windham/Gray New Gloucester are: Gabe Rosado, Scott Ingalls, Owen McDuffie, Andrew Martin and Garrett Allen.

Rosado wrestled Marshwood in the 126-weight class. He threw Marshwood off balance, as he worked hard to get his opponent’s back flat on the mat. After a solid effort by Rosado, Marshwood won.

Scott Ingalls went up against Massabesic in the 138-weight class. He fought and tried hard, but Massebesic got the win.

In the 160-weight class, Andrew Martin took on Sanford. Martin was quick to get his opponent right to the mat. Martin pressured, as he kept Sanford’s shoulders to the mat and pinned Sanford for the win.

Owen McDuffie wrestled in the 152-weight class against top seeded Noble. McDuffie fought hard from the very beginning. He pressured, as he got Noble’s shoulders almost to the mat, he kept Noble down. Although McDuffie did not pin his opponent, he won the match 13-8.

“It felt really good, because I lost to that guy earlier in the year,” said McDuffie. “I was thinking I had to shoot low; I couldn’t really work upper body with that guy. He’s also really good upper body, so I didn’t want to play to his strength, I wanted to play to my strength, which is...getting to his ankle and getting to his leg.”

Garrett Allen wrestled Massabesic in the 220-weight class and did well as he fought from being pinned. Allen maneuvered away from his opponent a couple times before Massabesic got the pin.

“Overall I thought everyone battled hard,” observed coach John Nicholas. “We won a couple that I wasn’t sure [about] and then lost a couple close ones. As a team we’re close. It’s all part of the learning experience. McDuffie and Martin still have a chance to get into the New England Qualifier, so we’ll hopefully keep the season going and if not, we’ll get back to work and keep plugging away.”