FALL 2011 MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:

JACK DAWE, Senior-Soccer

* WMC All-Star, Class B, first-team

Freeport’s boys’ soccer team returned to playoff caliber this fall and was a thorn in the side of the top contenders, ultimately reaching the regional quarterfinals.

The Falcons had their share of good players, but Jack Dawe stood tall throughout, scoring some big goals while helping his team get the most of its potential.

In light of his ability to make things happen on the pitch and for leading the program to its best season in several seasons, Jack Dawe is The Forecaster’s choice for Freeport’s Fall 2011 Male Athlete of the Year.

Dawe is from Freeport and stared playing soccer at the age of six. While his top sport has always been snowboarding, he’s made his mark on the pitch, playing four years with the varsity team.

He got to the semifinals as a freshman, but the past two seasons didn’t result in a playoff berth. The Falcons got to the postseason this time around as Dawe produced 10 goals and 10 assists.

Highlights included two goals and three assists in a season opening win over Lake Region, two goals in a come from behind victory over defending Western C champion NYA, two in a second win over Lake Region, the winner in an upset victory at traditional power Cape Elizabeth and a pair versus Wells.

Freeport not only made the playoffs, but beat Gray-New Gloucester in the preliminary round and gave top-ranked York a scare before dropping a close decision in the quarterfinals.

Dawe isn’t just a top-notch snowboarder, he’s also into surfing. He hopes to attend college in Colorado.

His contributions to the boys’ soccer program will certainly be remembered. Jack Dawe, Freeport’s Fall 2011 Male Athlete of the Year, had a tremendous senior season.

Coach Joe Heathco’s comment: “Jack matured a great deal this year and was a very positive team leader. He came to practice every day and worked extremely hard to be better and to make his teammates better. I was extremely happy with his work ethic and competitiveness. He was always someone who would show up and do well, but this season, he became a much more complete player and he helped make his team better as well.”

2010 winner: James Purdy (Football)

2009 winner: Miguel Beckles (Football)

2008 winner: Cody Bartlett (Soccer)

2007 winner: Jon Klages (Football)

2006 winner: Luke Charest (Soccer)

2005 winner: Elliott Townsend (Soccer)

2004 winner: Jeff Smith (Soccer)

2003 winner: Josh Zolla (Cross Country)

2002 winner: Chris Vigliotta (Soccer)

2001 winner: Scott Newell (Golf)

FALL 2011 FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:

KAYLA THURLOW, Senior-Field hockey

* All-State

* WMC Division II all-star, first-team

The Freeport field hockey team was always tenacious this fall and competed well against a very tough schedule, culminating the season with a playoff berth.

The Falcons were led by Kayla Thurlow, who did a little of everything from her center-midfield position, producing on both offense and defense.

Her willingness to do what was best for her team and ability to stand out on the field convinced The Forecaster to name Kayla Thurlow as Freeport’s Fall 2011 Female Athlete of the Year.

Thurlow is from Freeport and started playing field hockey at the age of seven. She’s long been a aficionado and played four years of varsity for a program with a history of success.

This fall, the Falcons posted a winning mark as Thurlow, a center-mid, led the way, scoring four goals and adding six assists.

She had a goal and two assists in a season opening win over Traip, scored in a win over Waynflete, had a goal and an assist versus Old Orchard Beach and tallied a goal in the season finale against Yarmouth.

Freeport got to the playoffs, but was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Traip, 4-1

“It was my best season and experience this fall,” said Thurlow. “Making the freshmen feel welcome was my top priority.”

Thurlow finished her high school career with eight goals and 12 assists.

Thurlow will play basketball for the first time this winter and plays lacrosse in the spring. She’s competed with the Kathadin premier team and has competed all over the country. She’s involved with several clubs and is considering her college options. She hopes to play field hockey and plans to major in criminal justice and minor in English education.

Her all-around ability to produce on the field and get the most from her teammates will be her legacy. Kayla Thurlow, Freeport’s Fall 2011 Female Athlete of the Year, certainly made her mark.

Coach Sara Dimick’s comment: “Kayla has been a huge asset to our team both on defense and offense. Kayla is a very talented player and worked very hard to become a better player each year. She helped to lead our team this season in a powerful and positive way. She is a team player and would do anything for her team. She never settles for anything less than her best and in games she was the player who never stopped giving 100 percent. Win or lose, she played every game to the very end and this influenced others to do the same. She also reached out to the younger players on our team as a mentor and supported them throughout the season. She will be greatly missed next year.”

2010 winner: Lauren Easler (Cross country)

2009 winner: Hannah Schuchert (Field hockey)

2008 winner: Molly Susla (Cross country)

2007 winner: Hannah Schuchert (Field hockey)

2006 winner: Molly Susla (Cross country)

2005 winner: Kelsey Nichols (Cross country)

2004 winner: Lucy Garrec (Cross country)

2003 winner: Dani O’Rourke-Suchoff (Cross country)

2002 winner: Michelle Peters (Field Hockey)

2001 winner: Amy Morejon (Soccer)

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