Luca Antolini

Anna Wildes

MALE:

LUCA ANTOLINI, Junior-Soccer

• Class C South regional all-star

• WMC Class C/D all-star

• Captain

Antolini’s versatility, leadership and burning desire to win helped the Flyers produce a magical, championship season this fall.

Antolini, a Yarmouth resident, came to Waynflete for middle school. He grew up playing soccer, his top sport, and followed the footsteps of his father, becoming a goalie in the sixth grade.

“I like being a goalie,” Antolini said. “I like watching the plays happen. It can be nervewracking, but making clutch saves is special.

“I started soccer to be with my friends and then we became good and I got used to winning.”

Antolini had the daunting task of replacing standout Milo Belleau in goal as a freshman, but he was managed to do so with aplomb. Antolini made the all-conference team as a sophomore and this fall, he did a little of everything, even contributing to the offense at times.

Antolini only allowed six goals in the regular season and had eight clean sheets. He helped Waynflete go 11-0-3 against a daunting schedule, which included several powers from Class B. In close games, Antolini often gave way to Aidan Carlisle in goal and came on to the field to help spark the offense. Never was that more evident than in a one-goal win over St. Dom’s, when Antolini set up teammate Askar Houssein for the decisive tally.

“I always bring my field jersey to games because I love playing the field,” Antolini said. 

Antolini was in goal for Waynflete’s playoff run, where he allowed just one goal as the Flyers rolled to their first Class C championship since 2011.

“I feel like we deserved it,” Antolini said. “We worked so hard to go undefeated.” 

Antolini is also a member of the reigning Class C champion boys’ lacrosse team, belongs to Waynflete’s Creature Club and RAPS, teaching freshmen about safe sex and consent. He hopes to play soccer in college.

First, he’ll have another season to dazzle on the pitch. Luca Antolini, Waynflete’s Fall Male Athlete of the Year, did it all for a championship team and is quite capable of producing a memorable encore.

Coach Brandon Salway’s comment: “Luca is an outstanding soccer player, regardless of what position he plays. His leadership, soccer IQ and competitive drive make him one of the best and most versatile players in the state. Our team got a physical and emotional lift when we were behind and we put Luca at central-midfield and we would come back. When he was in goal, he was clutch when we needed it.”

Prior winners:

2017 Henry Spritz (cross country)

2016 Ilyas Abdi (soccer)

2015 Milo Belleau (soccer)

2014 Harry Baker-Connick (soccer)

2013 Henry Cleaves (soccer)

2012 Peabo Knoth (soccer)

2011 Daniel Weiner (soccer)

2010 Tucker Geoffroy (soccer)

2009 Chris Gillespie (soccer)

2008 Josh Bloom (soccer)

2007 Tristan Corriveau (soccer)

2006 Tristan Corriveau (soccer)

2005 Dan Black (soccer)

2004 Matt Lacasse (soccer)

FEMALE:

ANNA WILDES, Junior-Cross country

• Captain

Wildes stepped into the number one role this fall for Waynflete’s girls’ cross country team and had a strong season as a runner and a leader as the Flyers were once again one of the top teams in Class C.

Wildes, who lives in South Portland, came to Waynflete for middle school. She played soccer prior to eighth grade when she discovered an affinity for running.

“It’s so cool that you’re your only challenge,” Wildes said. “I enjoy racing against myself. I also love the team atmosphere.”

Wildes was 28th in the Class C state meet as a freshman, then moved up to 20th as a sophomore. This fall, she replaced Abby Pipkin in the top spot and didn’t disappoint.

Wildes had consistently high finishes during the regular season, but her quest for postseason greatness was hindered by illness. She managed to persevere and placed ninth in Division II at the Western Conference championship meet, came in 10th at regionals and finished 18th at states, helping Waynflete come in fourth as a team.

“Getting fourth place as a team was incredible,” said Wildes. “I was sick, so I had to gut it out.”

Wildes also plays basketball and lacrosse for Waynflete, founded the school’s Hope Club to raise awareness of mental illness, and is a member of Creature Club, taking care of farm animals. She is looking forward to a strong senior season, then looks to go to college in a warmer climate.

Anna Wildes, Waynflete’s Fall Female Athlete of the Year, met every challenge this season and is in line for even bigger things down the road.

Coach Steve Withers’ comment: “Anna stepped into the role of number one runner this year with poise and confidence. She entered the season ready to build on her success of previous years. Throughout the fall, Anna led by example, always striving for excellence during workouts and challenging herself to be the leader of the pack. She’s determined and intelligent, as she understands mental toughness and work ethic is what separates top-tier runners from others. Her empathetic nature and mature leadership style left a lasting impression on me. She has significant untapped potential in this sport and I look forward to seeing her continued success next fall.”

Prior winners:

2017 Ava Farrar (soccer)

2016 Isabel Canning (soccer)

2015 Arianna Giguere (soccer)

2014 Julianna Harwood (soccer)

2013 Leigh Fernandez (soccer)

2012 Jo Moore (field hockey)

2011 Becky Smith (soccer)

2010 Lindsey Sinicki (field hockey)

2009 Amy Allen (cross country)

2008 Adele Espy (cross country)

2007 Adele Espy (cross country)

2006 Alex Woodhouse (soccer)

2005 Tess Crain (cross country)

2004 Anina Hewey (soccer)

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.

Antolini

Wildes