Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

December 10, 2011

A.R. Gould player cited in soccer

Alex Pedroza receives an award from the referees' group as the top sportsman in the state.

From staff reports

Alex Pedroza, a senior at the A.R. Gould School, located within the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland, was recognized Friday by the Western Maine Board of Approved Soccer Officials with the group's award for outstanding sportsmanship.

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Alex Pedroza of A.R. Gould reacts Friday after receiving the state award for sportsmanship from Ron Kramer, representing the sponsoring officials group.

John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

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Pedroza was chosen over all players in Maine schoolboy soccer. A 5-foot-7, 150-pound senior from Bowdoin, he plays soccer and basketball, and runs track. A co-captain of the soccer team, he was a sweeper and scored two goals.

"Alex was the heart and soul of this team. He may be at Long Creek but that's only part of the story," said Coach Bill Linnell. "Alex has uncommon heart and character that the referees have rightfully recognized,"

Long Creek Superintendent Rodney Bouffard also praised Pedroza.

"In the tournament I saw Alex taken out with a slide tackle," said Bouffard. "He bounced up and extended a hand to help the opposing player up.

"I'd rather see our kids earn this award than the Gold Ball."

Pedroza is the son of Dan and Shelly Milne of Bowdoin.

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