Baseball

Coach: Brody Artes (third year)

Last year’s record: 11-9, Class A State Runners-Up to Bangor

Key players: Tanner Laberge (sr., P/2B); Zach Alpern (sr., C); Josh Dugas (sr., OF); Timmy Greenlaw (so., 1B); Tanner Bernier (fr., P/3B); Mike Gilman (fr., P/SS)

Key games: Marshwood, South Portland, Biddeford, Gorham

Outlook: The Eagles shocked Maine high school baseball in 2014, barely earning the 11th seed, the final postseason slot, in A West, then digging deep to upset top-contender after top-contender and ultimately reach the State Final. They fell to Bangor there, but learned an important lesson. “After winning the A West title last year,” says Artes, “we’re moving forward with aspirations that anything can happen at any time, as long as hard work, dedication, persistence and dealing with adversity are consistent themes throughout the course of the spring.” That attitude will serve the team well, as they face the initial challenge of youth. Laberge, who threw a no-hitter (almost) in the A West Final vs. Marshwood last spring, will lead an otherwise green pitching staff including Gilman and Bernier. Greenlaw will appear regularly on first. Still, with Alpern behind the plate and Dugas in the outfield, Windham has some rock-solid boys across the diamond, and the combination of experience and youth can be an asset. “The 2015 Eagles have a great mix of veteran senior leaders and young talent and hope to make another playoff run again this year,” says Artes.

Boys Lacrosse

Coach: Pete Small

Last year’s record: 4-8

Key players: Griffin Jacobson (A), Zack Callahan (A), Zach Hough (A), Jake Segal (D), Matt Roy (D), Drew Bernier (M), Jake Wall (M)

Key games: “Our next game is always the most important,” says Small.

Outlook: “We return all but three varsity players from last year,” says Small. “This group of student-athletes has worked together for a couple years on the varsity level and are motivated to elevate their teammates to the next level.”

Girls Lacrosse

Coach: Matt Perkins

Last year’s record: 10-5, lost in playoff quarterfinals

Key players: Macy Mannette, Louisa Sbardella, Jenna Soucy, Erin Malloy

Key games: Cheverus, Massabesic, Scarborough

Outlook: “We’re excited for the season,” says Perkins. “We feel we have a strong group with a great work ethic and a lot of depth.”

Boys Outdoor Track

Coach: Paula Pock

Last year’s record: 5-9 in the regular season

Key athletes: Ernie Ruby (hurdles); Eric Webb (200m & long jump); Thomas Sappier (throws); Kyle Mandel (throws); Ben Breton (distance); Jeremy Bennett (distance); Aaron Graves (distance); Reese Preston (distance)

Key meets: Westbrook, Scarborough, Gorham

Outlook: “We look to improve our season record from last year and have more athletes scoring at the state level,” says Pock. She adds that Ruby, who earned points for the Eagles in the hurdles at States in 2014, is looking faster and stronger than ever, and that Webb, who scored in the 200 at States 2014, should also be among the state’s best long-jumpers. Sappier and Mandel both posted excellent indoor throwing performances this past winter, and Breton, Bennett, Graves and Preston should all consistently contribute points in the distance events.

Softball

Coach: Travis Demmons

Last year’s record: 5-11

Key players: Maddie Elliot (Captain), Anita Mooradian (Captain), Miranda Richards, Sadie Nelson, Olivia Mora, Danielle Tardiff

Key games: Massabesic, Scarborough, TA

Outlook: “We have a young team,” says Demmons, “but it’s a talented young team that could surprise some folks. We should be in every game and we’ll battle until the 21st out is recorded, every game. The future appears pretty bright for Windham softball!” The team’s opener, versus Massabesic, will set a tone for their season, and Scarborough and TA – last year’s two top squads – will be worth big Heal points to any taker who can topple them.

Boys Tennis

Coach: Gavin Glider

Last year’s record: Reached postseason quarterfinals

Key players: Jordan Crowley, Dom Cancelarich

Key matches: Scarborough, TA

Outlook: “We’re lucky to have some depth on the roster and are looking forward to a competitive season,” says Glider.

Girls Tennis

Coach: Wayne Martin

Last year’s record: 11-3

Key players: Julia Richardson, Sarah Rich, Maelah Nadeau

Key matches: Scarborough, Portland

Outlook: The Eagles posted a strong 2014, so they’re looking to push still further this season. “[The girls] want to prove they’re ready to take the next step in contending for a conference championship,” says Martin. “Our goal is to advance past the semifinals, something we didn’t accomplish the past few seasons.” The squad has both youth and experience, a valuable mix. “If we come together, we’ll succeed,” says Martin.

Girls outdoor track coach Scott Rush-Donohue couldn’t be reached.

Copy the Story Link