WHS seniors accept college athletic letters of intent

By Matt Pascarella

Seven Windham seniors Katelyn Cotter, Zoe Dries, Ava Gerrity, Carter Engelman, Tayla Pelletier, Marina Schwarz and Lukas Hammond signed their letters of intent at Windham High School on Thursday, May 28.

Windham seniors Marina Schwarz, left, Tayla
Pelletier, center, and Lukas Hammond each
signed college letters of intent at Windham
High School in May. Schwarz will attend
Thomas College in Waterville; Pelletier
will attend the University of New Hampshire;
and Hammond will attend the University of
Southern Maine in Gorham.
PHOTOS BY CHERI CROSSMAN and
MATT PASCARELLA   

The first group were profiled in The Windham Eagle’s July 4 edition; this is the second group of student-athletes to be profiled who signed college athletic letters of intent.

Tayla Pelletier – University of New Hampshire

“Profound impact, kind, humble, grit, devotion,” said Windham girls’ track and field coach Jeff Riddle about Pelletier. “As her junior teammate Sydney Broadbent said Tayla is the most dedicated athlete, teammate and leader that I’ve ever had the pleasure of being on a team with, despite the fact that she is highly successful in every event she tries, she maintains being humble, kind and is always encouraging me and all of her teammates. It’s not that Tayla demonstrates outstanding results in all that she does, it’s that she tries to master them, and she never stops. She consistently embodies the highest standards of sportsmanship, and character.”

Pelletier will major in exercise science and would like to become a sports physical therapist. She will also be on UNH’s track and field team.

“It was kind of relieving (to sign her letter of intent),” said Pelletier. “It sets what’s next in place. Windham sports has taught me determination while raising others up and working on yourself.”

Pelletier was in the top 10 percent of her 2025 graduating class and earned Honor Roll status all throughout high school.

Marina Schwarz – Thomas College, Waterville

“Her work ethic, resilience and unwavering commitment to improvement are manifesting in impressive results,” said Riddle. “These qualities make her a massive asset to our track and field program and broader community as well. She has safely gotten very strong and cultivated herself into an incredible shotput and discus thrower, a dedicated teammate and a true captain.”

Schwarz will major in marketing and minor in digital art. She’s undecided on what she’d like to do after college but has always wanted to be a real estate agent or possibly own her own business. Schwarz will be on the track and field team for throwing at Thomas College.

“I thought it was really good (to sign my letter of intent),” said Schwarz. “It was good to be along with some of my teammates ... it meant something to sign in front of my teachers, parents and all their friends; ever since my sophomore year I’ve tried my hardest with my grades. I received high honor roll in every single quarter and finished this year with all my grades being 97 and above.”

Lukas Hammond, University of Southern Maine, Gorham

“The adjective that jumps out the most for me when it comes to Lukas is overcoming adversity,” said Windham boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “From a heartbreaker season sophomore year that started out with an injury, I’ve never seen an athlete work so hard to come back. From that moment ... Lukas has always overcome. He never asked a teammate to do anything he wasn’t willing to do himself and gave 100 percent. His leadership, second-to-none; always set the example and set the bar very high. He’s a team-first guy.”

Hammond will major in mechanical engineering and go into the engineering field. He will play soccer and lacrosse at USM.

“Teamwork is the best thing I’ve learned (from Windham,)” said Hammond. “Relying on the teammates and bringing them up is this whole collective thing I’m going to be able to take with me for the rest of my life.”

He finished in the top 10 percent of his class and his advice to underclassmen is to do what you love; freshman year Hammond was playing baseball, and he picked up lacrosse and loved it and soccer has always been a passion of his. <

WHS senior Tillery commits to USM track

By Matt Pascarella

Windham senior Marcus Tillery is headed to the University of Southern Maine in Gorham to major in criminology and be part of the men’s track and field team. He signed a letter of intent in front of a large group of friends, family, teachers and supporters on Thursday, May 16 at Windham High School. His coaches spoke very highly of him, emphasizing his leadership qualities, positivity as well as his skill on the field and the track.

Windham senior Marcus Tillery, left, joins his father Michael
after signing a letter of intent to attend the University of
Southern Maine in Gorham where he will major in
criminology and participate in track and field.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“It feels kind of unreal,” said Tillery. “Seeing all these people from the past three years in one room, they all in some way, somehow impacted my life – I love it; seeing everybody together like that brings joy to my heart.”

As a freshman, Tillery attended Lake Brantley High School in Florida. He competed in track and field as a way to train for football in the off-season. He quickly fell in love with track and field. He transferred to Windham High School as a sophomore where he faced adversity early on and felt like he didn’t fit in. It was Windham’s athletic program that opened big arms for him, to which he is forever grateful.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure; I’ve worked with Marcus for three years,” said boys’ track and field coach Paula Pock. “He picks up his entire team; he picks up his entire league; we can go to any meet and Marcus knows just about everyone, they all have to check in on him, it’s like one big family. His work ethic and commitment are great examples of what coaches want in their athletes. Once he leaves, there are going to be some big shoes to fill at Windham, but his positive role-modeling will last for many, many seasons.”

Tillery chose the University of Southern Maine because in talking to the players and the coaches there, they all seemed like a family; very supportive of each other. He said the coaches were phenomenal and are all USM alumni, so they know what it feels like to be in his shoes.

“His work ethic, like pushing us all ... the way to states, no matter who you are, what you do, he's always going to push you,” said Windham senior track and field teammate Aiden Hanson. “He's going to bring out the best in all his teammates, no matter what, just a great person all around. He’s going to uplift people even as a freshman.”

Tillery said it felt great to sign his letter of intent. He said he loves getting the opportunity to compete at the next level and knows not everyone gets that chance. He’s excited and can’t wait to start.

“I met Marcus as a sophomore,” said varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “Big personality, right away the way he talks to people at their level looks you in the eye, is as real as the day is long. He’s very kind, does anything for anybody and is a phenomenal teammate. This year he had a great year in football – he had many yards and touchdowns, he was more impactful as a person, because of who he is and what he is and what he stands for. What he’s done in the classroom from day one to now is very impressive ... he put the time in to get the grades and now he’s moving on. I’m proud of him and feel very, very fortunate to have coached him.”

Tillery’s advice to underclassmen is to know your priorities.

“Don’t take the classroom lightly,” said Tillery. “You’re a student and then you’re an athlete. Care about your academics, go to class every day, respect your teachers, respect everyone ... be a great student in the classroom and a great person in the community. Be a good example – lead by example.”

Tillery said he would like to thank Coach Pock, Coach Flaherty, Coach Blood and give a special thank you to Coach Perkins, and Coach Estey. <

Windham residents show skills in Maine Senior Games

By Matt Pascarella

Whether you’re competing in one event or several in the Maine Senior Games sponsored by Martin’s Point Health Care and AARP, it’s a great opportunity for individuals beginning at age 45 to meet and compete against others their age. 

There were over 90 athletes at the track and field event from all over New England and included Windham residents Gene Kirkpatrick and Mariellen Sheridan. It was held at Saint Joseph’s College on Sunday, August 13.

Windham resident Gene Kirkpatrick clears the high jump bar
at 4-02.75 feet to set a new meet record in his age range at
the Maine Senior Games track and field event at Saint
Joseph's College on Sunday, Aug. 13.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

The Maine Senior Games began in the mid-1980s. According to their website, “The mission of the Maine Senior Games is to provide athletic events and wellness opportunities to improve the health and fitness of people 45 and over.”

Coordinator of the event and Saco resident Karen Reardon has been involved with athletics all her life; she was a coach at South Portland and Biddeford. She retired in 2021 and joining the Maine Senior Games was a chance to continue doing what she loved. She’s been involved with the games for 15 years and this is her first year as coordinator.

“Being involved in sports is what really attracted me to the Maine Senior Games and the mission of the games, is to get people moving,” said Reardon. “[To be] active and be as healthy as possible.”

While these particular events were track and field, the Maine Senior Games offers a variety of events from basketball to bowling to cornhole to pickleball.

Windham resident Gene Kirkpatrick was always very competitive in track in high school. When he heard about the Maine Senior Games, it sounded like something he thought he could do. Currently in his second year participating, the games have gotten him much healthier, and he’s been exercising and eating better.

“At this age, it’s the comradery, meeting new people and forming new friendships is the biggest benefit,” said Kirkpatrick.

For Kirkpatrick it’s not so much about competing against others, but more about competing against himself and trying to beat his personal records.

Kirkpatrick jumped a height of 4-02.75 feet in the high jump which exceeded his goal in that event and was a new meet record in the 70-74 age bracket for the Maine Senior Games. In the triple jump, he placed third with a 22-07.00 distance.

Windham resident Mariellen Sheridan has been participating in the games for five years. Sheridan said she competes for the opportunity to train and be with other people while having a good time and staying healthy. In her age group, she finished first in the 100-meter-dash with a time of 21.94 seconds. She also finished first in the javelin with a throw of 58-08, first in the discus with a throw of 1-08.75 and first in the 200 with a 49.91 time.

Sheridan has always been an athlete. And the games gives her a goal and something to look forward to. She works to beat those goals and competing builds her confidence up for next year.

Massachusetts resident Chuck Rossetti is in his second year of the games. He said it was a fun time, well organized, nice and relaxed. The volunteers are fantastic and it’s a joy to compete.

“The Maine Senior Games gives [its participants] motivation to stay active and social interactions,” said Reardon. “For some it’s trying to see if they can make it to Nationals, for others they just want to do it. Having that physical outlet, we all think of it as happening in high school and college and all the youth sports, but if you like to do that, that never really goes away, and this is a place to do it.”

You don’t have to be an expert to participate in any events offered by the Maine Senior Games. You can come to an event and watch or try an event and see how it goes. All skill levels are welcome. <

Windham indoor track and field team soars in late-season meet

By Matt Pascarella

As the end of the indoor track and field season is approaching with the Southern Maine Activities Association (SMAAs) championship and state meets on the horizon, Windham’s indoor track and field teams performed well at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham on Saturday, Jan. 14 against Marshwood, Portland and Westbrook.

The Windham girls finished second with a score of 103. The Windham boys also finished second with a score of 84.

Windham High sophomore Andrew Young gets some
distance in the long jump at the University of
Southern Maine in Gorham during a multi-school
meet on Saturday, Jan. 14.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Girls

Windham had several first-place finishes. Sophomore Tayla Pelletier finished first in the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 9.68 seconds, which qualified her for SMAAs. She placed first in the high jump and set a personal record height of 5-feet. Pelletier finished first in the triple jump with a distance of 33-03.75 feet.

Pelletier said she thought everyone did really well; a lot of people gave it their all. They all pushed each other and gave each other strength.

Junior Khalysa Hammith finished first in the 55-meter dash, senior division with a 7.60 time which tied Windham High School’s record, a goal she set for herself. She also finished first in the long jump with a distance of 15-03.00 and in the triple jump with a 31-0.175 distance. She earned senior MVP of the meet.

Freshman Myla Vercoe finished first in the 55-meter dash, junior division, with a time of 8.25. Vercoe earned junior MVP of the meet.

Sophomore Ava Gerrity finished first in the long jump with a 15-05.00 distance.

Sophomore Sarah John qualified for SMAAs in the shotput when she threw 26-1.50 feet and finished second.

She said the day was great; their team dynamic was amazing.

Freshman Sydney Broadbent finished second in the 400 and qualified for SMAAs with a time of 1:09.13 minutes.

Junior Elizabeth Bearce qualified for SMAAs in the 800 with a 2:40.65 time.

“Our players implemented our team-set-goal to target and work on their meet day confidence and composure skills,” said Windham girls’ indoor track and field coach Jeff Riddle. “Our team is unified,

confident, and won’t quit. It was an amazing regular season meet with quality results.”

Boys

The boys had 16 athletes out of 20 get personal bests for the day.

Freshman Nick Verrill finished first in the high jump with a height of 5-06.00.

Verrill said the whole team did really well. He said Windham did well in the 200s and 55s. He thought the team had a really good day.

Freshman Karl Longstreth finished second in the 55-meter with a 7.17 time and in the 200-meter with a 25.01 time.

Sophomore Andrew Young finished third in the 1-mile run open division with a time of 5:19.52 and first in the long jump with a 16-06.00 distance.

Also in the long jump, freshman Samuel Hutchinson finished fourth with a distance of 13-00.75.

Senior Derrick Stephens placed fourth in the 400 with a 1:00.83 time.

Senior Roman Thomas finished fourth in the 1-mile run open division with a time of 5:40.07.

“Every week the kids are seeing some big improvements,” said Windham boys’ indoor track and field coach Paula Pock. “We hope to carry that through for the next two weeks and get a few more kids qualified for SMAAs. We have a very young team, and they are a cohesive group so they’re fun to work with.” <

Windham High track team continues excellence

Windham senior Matthew Fix clears the high jump bar at
5 feet 10 inches during a track meet with Bonny Eagle,
Marshwood and Gorham at Bonny Eagle in Standish
on Thursday, May 12. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

By Matt Pascarella

It was a hot day, but Windham’s outdoor track and field boys’ and girls’ teams were ready to compete. The girls remain undefeated, 3-0, as they finished first with a score of 99 against Gorham, Marshwood and Bonny Eagle in a dual meet at Bonny Eagle High School in Standish on Thursday, May 12.

The boys’ team had several athletes finish in the top five at the meet. Windham senior Matthew Fox finished first in the high jump with a height of 5 feet, 10 inches. He has already qualified for states.

“It feels good,” said Fox. “The main goal now is I want to win out states. It’s fun to be up here, but I think the main job is winning that.”

The boys finished with a score of 56; Gorham finished first with 79.50, Marshwood 70 and Bonny Eagle 59.

Girls

Freshman Tayla Pelletier finished first in the high jump with a distance of 4-11.00. She finished first in the triple jump with a distance of 35-04.00; she finished second in the 300 hurdles, with a time of 51.15 seconds. She qualified for states in all these events.

Pelletier said it was a good day. She felt like the heat didn’t impede her performance and she got several personal records. She said it’s nice to have teammates cheering you on.

In the pole vault, senior Isabel Dionne finished first and qualified for states with a height of 7-06.00.

Sophomore Jasmynne Heath finished first in the 1600 racewalk with a time of 11:17.23 minutes and qualified for states.

Freshman Ava Gerrity finished second in the long jump with a distance of 15-08.75 and the triple jump with a distance of 32. She qualified for states in both events.

“The Lady Eagles track and field team is showcasing excellence. These ladies ... bring the fun to the ‘game’ daily; they set goals, they are building self-confidence and belief in themselves ... as an all-in and incredibly motivated team.”   

Boys

Windham junior Max Arbour finished second in the shot put with a distance 38-03.25.

Senior Josh Guite finished second in the javelin throw with a distance of 132-00.

Junior Owen Weatherby finished third in the 400 with a time of 56.75.

Senior Wyatt Flibbert came in second in the long jump with a distance of 18-10.00.

Windham boys coach Paula Pock said the athletes had a lot of personal bests in the sprints, jumping and throwing events. The weather was a motivator; the team was looking forward to this and the nice weather helped with performances. <

Windham’s Estella Inman what every coach wants in an athlete

Estella Inman, center, joins her parents, Kristen and Hal
Inman, during a ceremony at Windham High School in
which Inman signed a Letter of Intent to attend the 
University of Maine Orono and compete on that school's
track and field team. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

By Matt Pascarella

Estella Inman began competing in track and field her sophomore year at Windham High, but COVID-19 and then an injury delayed her advancement. She made up for it through intense training and her strong efforts have her presently ranked No. 1 overall in shotput and discus in the state and No. 2 overall in javelin and signed her letter of intent on Thursday, May 5 to attend the University of Maine Orono and participate in the women’s track and field program.

Inman is ranked third in her high school class academically and also competes in cross-country, indoor track and recently began powerlifting.

She’s wanted to sign her letter of intent for four years ever since she saw a friend of hers do it, and she said she wanted to be a part of collegiate athletics.

Windham cross-country and girls’ outdoor track and field coach Jeff Riddle said Stella is the definition of excellence. She is a positive teammate, and her dedication is exemplified by her progression. Inman has a relentless pursuit to progress and achieve the excellence she expects of herself.

Riddle said she brings her team along every day in that pursuit.

Inman recently broke Windham High School’s discus and javelin records set in 1992. Her new discus record is 119 feet, and her new javelin record is 118-07.00.

In indoor track last season, she became a shotput state champion when she threw a distance of 37-10.75.

Inman is close to breaking the school’s shotput record and plans to do so this season.

“Stella has always been that kind of teammate who works hard every single day in practice,” said teammate and Windham junior Elise Schultz. “She’s that kind of person who you want to walk in the room and see and seek her out. She’s definitely a model athlete.”

Inman has been running cross-country since she was a freshman and began competing in outdoor track her sophomore year. Unfortunately, it was canceled because of COVID-19. Inman was going to compete in indoor track her junior year but was not able to because of an injury.

Once recovered from this injury, Inman began powerlifting her senior year. In March, she placed first in her division during a powerlifting competition.

In the spring season of her junior year, she began competing in outdoor track and field. She went to states for javelin and shotput but did not compete well. Inman trained all summer and began getting more competitive in outdoor track and field. That competitiveness has led up to where she is now.

“In my over 20 years of coaching track and field I can’t remember having a young lady who had greater potential to be an outstanding thrower than Stella,” said Windham javelin coach George McCrillis. “I have not coached someone who has worked so hard to fulfill that potential. I have no doubt she has paved the way for more young ladies to feel comfortable doing the same.”

Inman said to get to this point has taken a lot of training and consistency. She’s had to push herself to work out when she might not feel like it.

“Having teammates there to support you is what makes everything worth it,” she said.

Inman would like to thank Coach Riddle who has been pushing her to be a better athlete since she began cross-country. <

Saint Joseph’s College ready to finish track facility

STANDISH – Saint Joseph’s College has announced plans to complete the outdoor track and field section of the SJC Athletics Complex.

Earthwork for the project is slated to begin this spring and construction will be completed well in advance of the 2022 spring outdoor season, during which the Monks will have the opportunity to host meets for the first time.

“Our coaching staff and team members are extremely excited to hear that the track and field facility will be completed by the end of next summer,” said Saint Joseph Track and Field Head Coach Tom Dann. “This will allow us to host meets for the first time in the college's history and to showcase our outstanding facility.  It will without a doubt raise the bar for our program and attract talented high school track and field athletes to our college.”

The initial phase of the SJC Athletics Complex, construction for which began in the fall of 2016 and concluded in the fall of 2017, included an artificial turf-surfaced and lighted field, an eight-lane track, a storage facility for equipment and a satellite athletic training room, and on-site parking.

To be able to host track and field competitions, the complex will be expanded to include throwing areas for the javelin, shot put and discus/hammer events as well as a pair of jumping lanes and pits. The facility will be outfitted with all the necessary implements, including additional hurdles, a throwing cage, and pits for the high jump and pole vault events.

“The completion of our track and field facility is an exciting step forward for Saint Joseph’s College and
our students,” says Director of Athletics Will Sanborn. “Finishing this phase of the project will allow our students to train and compete on a first-rate track and field facility. We are grateful for this continued commitment to our athletic program by President James Dlugos and the Saint Joseph’s College community.”

Saint Joseph's College is Maine's only Catholic liberal arts college, providing a supportive, personalized and career-focused education for more than 100 years.

From its 474-acre campus on the shores of Sebago Lake, the college offers more than 40 undergraduate programs to a population of about 1,000 students. Saint Joseph's College Online provides certificates, undergraduate and advanced degrees for working adults through an online learning program. For more information, visit www.sjcme.edu. <