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Maine’s spring high school sports players of the year
The best athletes for 2016 are recognized in baseball, softball, track and field, tennis and lacrosse.
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Baseball: Trevor DeLaite, Bangor
Trevor DeLaite, who is heading to UMaine after three state tiles, loves the challenge of pitching.The statistics may tell only part of the story but they're a telling part. Trevor DeLaite of Bangor lost two games in his high school career, and had a 0.30 ERA this season.Trevor DeLaite of Bangor likes the feeling of being in control. And there’s no better position in baseball to be in control than as a pitcher.
DeLaite was pretty good at it. He led the Rams to three consecutive Class A state championships, capping his career with a three-hit, 10-strikeout shutout in a 5-0 title-game win over Falmouth.
DeLaite was selected as the Maine Sunday Telegram Player of the Year in baseball. He also won the Gatorade Maine and John Winkin “Mr. Baseball” player of the year awards.
“Trevor would probably be the first one to say he was just a part of the whole picture,” said Bangor Coach Jeff Fahey. “We had a pretty good supporting cast. But he was certainly the engine that made us go, and not just on the mound but at the plate, too.”
DeLaite, who will pitch for the University of Maine next year, finished with a 9-1 record and a 0.30 ERA, striking out 100 batters in 68 innings and walking just 14. He lost only two games in his high school career. Batting second in the order, he also hit .352 this spring, leading the Rams with 25 hits and 19 runs, driving in 16 runs. He had one home run.
“He’s a tremendous pitcher; his mound presence is second to none,” said Falmouth Coach Kevin Winship. “He was the best pitcher we faced all year. With the velocity he has and the ability to throw that curve for strikes, he kept us off-balance. He was the difference in that game.”
DeLaite, a left-hander playing this summer for the Seacoast Mavericks, a Futures League team in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, also was an outstanding hockey player. A center, he was a finalist for the Travis Roy Award.
But there was never a doubt which sport he loved.
“I’ve always loved baseball; it’s always attracted me more,” said DeLaite. “I love the competitiveness of hockey and the speed of it, but I like the thinking of baseball, and on the mound you can control the game.”
DeLaite throws two kinds of fastballs – a four-seamer and a two-seamer – as well as a curve, slider and change-up. He’s working on a cutter now.
“With pitching, you have to compete with another person on each and every pitch, you have to out-duel them,” he said. “I love to compete. I like to have that ball in my hand and know I have to get the batter out each time.”
That drive, said Fahey, helped define DeLaite.
“Not only was he talented, but he loved baseball and worked very hard,” said Fahey. “He really worked at his craft.”
Telegram All-State team
Connor Aube, Falmouth senior, outfielder: A repeat all-state selection, Aube was one of the best all-around players in the state. He batted .500 with six doubles, a triple and eight home runs, driving in 26 runs and scoring 33. He also threw out two baserunners. Aube will next play at the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Jackson Coutts, Orono junior, catcher: The two-time PVC Class C player of the year, Coutts settled in at catcher after playing multiple positions. As the leadoff hitter, he batted .578 with two home runs, 14 RBI and 24 runs. He also stole 11 bases and was intentionally walked 18 times.
Jack Davenport, Freeport senior, pitcher/shortstop: Davenport was a major factor in leading the Falcons to their first regional championship, in Class B South. He batted .543 with 14 runs and seven RBI, stealing 11 bases. On the mound he went 9-2 with a 0.66 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 682/3 innings.Cam Guarino, Falmouth junior, pitcher: A left-hander, Guarino played a major role in leading the Yachtsmen to the Class A state championship game. He went 10-0 with a 0.52 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 67 innings. He walked only 12 batters, and opponents hit .132 against him.
Nick Guerrette, Hermon senior, pitcher/infielder: The PVC Class B pitcher and player of the year, Guerrette went 7-1 with a 0.57 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 49 innings, walking only seven. He batted .419 with 17 RBI and 17 runs. He will attend Husson.
Trevor DeLaite, Bangor senior, pitcher: Our Player of the Year as well as the Gatorade winner and John Winkin Award winner, DeLaite led Bangor to its third straight Class A title. He went 9-1 with a 0.30 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 68 innings, and hit .352 with team highs in hits (25) and runs (19). He will play at UMaine.
Ben Lambert, Thornton Academy senior, pitcher/outfielder: A two-time all-state selection, Lambert batted .333 with one home run, 12 runs and 14 RBI. He also went 5-1 with a 1.01 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 482/3 innings. He will play at Division II Assumption College.
Cody Lawyerson, Valley senior, pitcher/shortstop: Lawyerson lost only two games in five seasons. He went 4-1 with three saves this year, with a 0.51 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 41 innings. He also batted .500 with one home run, 20 RBI and 30 runs. He will play at the University of Maine.
Nick Mazurek, Oceanside senior, pitcher/infield: Mazurek helped the Mariners to the regional quarterfinals with his bat and arm. He batted .400 with four home runs and 19 RBI, and was walked 26 times. He went 4-1 with one save, a 0.94 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 371/3 innings. He will play at Division II Southern New Hampshire.
Ryan Sinclair, Hall-Dale senior, pitcher/shortstop: Batted .569 with 10 doubles, three triples and 31 RBI as the Bulldogs’ cleanup hitter. Struck out only three times. He went 6-4 with a 1.88 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 48 innings. He will play at Holy Cross.
Sam Troiano, South Portland junior, outfielder: The SMAA player of the year, Troiano batted .439 with 12 RBI and led the SMAA with 20 runs while going 13 of 13 on stolen-base attempts. He went 3-1 with a 2.30 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 271/3 innings.
Ryan Twitchell, Greely junior, pitcher/third base: Twitchell went 6-0 with 68 strikeouts and a 0.62 ERA in 45 innings, and batted .284 with 15 runs and eight RBI. Twitchell, who committed only two errors, is being recruited by several Division I schools.
Coach of the Year
Jeff Fahey, Bangor: Fahey has found a way to make the right moves and put together the right pitching rotation to lead the Rams to three consecutive Class A state championships, and it was no easy feat. It started early this year, with the formation of a three-man pitching rotation that helped the Rams keep their best pitchers rested for the playoffs. And it was a winning formula, again.
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Softball: Stephanie Rundlett, York
Stephanie Rundlett, who will head to Fordham, had 303 strikeouts in 119 innings for the Wildcats.Stephanie Rundlett knows how to control tight situations, including six consecutive strikes that bailed York out of a bases-loaded jam against Greely in the regional final.Mona Blais, the York High softball coach, already knows she isn’t going to replace pitcher Stephanie Rundlett next year.
“A pitcher like that comes along once in a lifetime,” she said. “You’re lucky to have a few who have done what she’s done. Special players like that, you don’t replace them, you just hope the next group comes in and buys into what you’re teaching and build from there.”
Rundlett graduated from York this spring and will pitch at Fordham University.
After helping York reach the Class B state championship game for the first time in 25 years, Rundlett was selected as the Maine Sunday Telegram Player of the Year in softball.
She was the state’s most dominating pitcher, striking out an astounding 303 batters in 119 innings – including 64 in 29 innings in four playoff games – while compiling a 16-1 record as York won the Class B South title before losing to Old Town 6-3 in the state championship game. As disappointing as the loss was, Rundlett said the season was definitely a success.
“We were close as a team,” she said. “We did everything together and not just on the field, everything that happened outside, too. Hanging with everybody was a great time.”
Rundlett, a two-time Telegram All-State selection, finished her career with 684 strikeouts. She also led the Wildcats this year with a .632 batting average, hitting four home runs, driving in 24 and scoring 12.
“She was one of the most unselfish players I’ve ever met,” said Blais. “She really thinks about her teammates before herself. And she’s very humble in what she does.”
Rundlett’s leadership – and her fastball – were on display during the Class A South championship game.
With York leading Greely by a run, Greely loaded the bases with one out. After calling the team to the pitching circle for a huddle, Rundlett threw six consecutive rising fastballs. Each was a strike and the threat was over.
“It was amazing where she found it in herself to dig down and do things like that,” said Blais. “In a high-pressure situation, to keep your composure like that, you don’t see that in many players.”
Rundlett, who plays softball for a travel team in Virginia Beach, Virgina, said last year’s playoff loss in the quarterfinals spurred her preparation for her senior season.
“I thought about it all winter,” she said. “I felt the pressure to be better than last year. And I told my dad (John) that I wanted to work as much as I could to get everything as good as we could.”
Telegram All-State team
Bri Brochu, Gardiner senior, outfielder: The KVAC Class B player of the year, Brochu was limited defensively by a shoulder injury but batted .627 with 40 stolen bases as the Tigers’ leadoff batter. She hit two home runs and scored 33 runs. Brochu will play at Husson University.
Brook Davis, Biddeford sophomore, catcher: Perhaps the most dangerous power hitter in the state, Davis finished with 11 home runs with 40 RBI and 35 runs. She batted .633 with 10 doubles and two triples, and had a 1.417 slugging percentage.
Emily Gilmore, Bangor senior, second base: A repeat all-state selection, Gilmore moved in from the outfield this year. She batted .440 with 16 RBI and 33 runs as the leadoff hitter. She also hit seven home runs and stole 19 bases. Gilmore will play at UMaine.
Chloe Griffin, Scarborough sophomore, outfielder: One of the most dangerous hitters in the SMAA, Griffin batted .547 with 35 hits, 30 runs, a school-record 35 RBI and four home runs. As a pitcher, she went 5-0 with a 0.26 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 26 innings. She did not commit an error.
Tess Haller, Cape Elizabeth senior, shortstop: A two-time all-state selection, Haller hit .500 to help the Capers to the Class B South quarterfinals. She had seven doubles, 10 RBI and 22 runs. Haller, who also played catcher, was charged with only one error.
Jen Jones, Sanford senior, pitcher: The SMAA pitcher of the year, Jones is a repeat all-state selection. She went 10-3 with a 1.92 ERA and 142 strikeouts in 88 innings, and batted .373 with 10 RBI and 15 runs. She will play at Husson University.
Aly LeBlanc, Madison senior, catcher: A repeat all-state selection, LeBlanc helped the Bulldogs win the Class C state title. She hit .508 with five home runs and 30 RBI, along with 11 doubles, and committed only one error. LeBlanc will play at Division II Augusta University in Georgia.
Maggie Murphy, Scarborough senior, third base: A two-time all-state selection, Murphy hit .712, and set school records for hits (42) and runs (39) while driving in 20 runs. She committed only two errors. She will play at Division II St. Anselm.
Kirsten Pelletier, Messalonskee senior, pitcher: The Gatorade player of the year and a repeat all-state selection, Pelletier had a 14-0-1 record with a 0.25 ERA and 185 strikeouts in 105 innings. She also batted .367 with 16 runs and 14 RBI. She will play at Bates College.
Stephanie Rundlett, York senior, pitcher: Our Player of the Year, Rundlett went 16-1 with 303 strikeouts in 119 innings, leading the Wildcats to the Class B South title. She also batted .632 with four home runs, 21 RBI and 12 runs. She will pitch at Division I Fordham University next year.
Karli Thebarge, Hermon senior, pitcher: The winner of the Miss Maine Softball Award, Thebarge was a double threat. She went 12-0 with a 0.73 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 77 innings, and batted .623 with two home runs, 33 RBI and 31 runs. She will pitch at Castleton State.
Lilly Volk, Scarborough junior, pitcher/outfielder: Already verbally committed to the University of Maine, Volk did not allow an earned run in the regular season. She ended up 9-1 with 58 strikeouts in 37 innings while hitting .429 with four home runs, 19 RBI and 15 runs.
Coach of the Year
Ray Magnant, Biddeford: In just his second year as the Tigers’ head coach, Magnant led the team to its first Class A state championship since 2006. Magnant made the necessary moves midway through the season to strengthen the infield defense and kept his players aggressive at the plate, where they scored 21 runs in their final two playoff games.
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Boys’ lacrosse: Curtis Knapton, Westbrook
Curtis Knapton, always a scoring threat, evolved into a well-rounded player and led Westbrook to its best year ever.Curtis Knapton, center, moved from attack to midfield for his senior season and thrived at his new position – finishing with 47 goals and 25 assists while helping Westbrook set a school record for wins.Curtis Knapton has a knack for assessing his weaknesses as a lacrosse player and working to improve.
As a young player at Westbrook High, he switched from football to cross country in the fall to enhance his cardiovascular strength and foot speed.
After playing attack for three years, Knapton felt his defensive skills weren’t up to snuff. This year as a senior midfielder, he was praised by Westbrook Coach Pete Lyons and opposing coaches as a two-way player.
Knapton didn’t think he was good enough in traffic. But his ability to catch and shoot – with either hand – while being tightly covered became a strength.
“It’s just being competitive, I guess,” Knapton said. “It comes from playing sports all my life and my parents teaching me to be as successful as I can. It’s not measured by accomplishments but by doing everything you can to be your best.”
Knapton scored 47 goals and added 25 assists as the Blue Blazes (10-4) set a school record for victories and won a playoff game for the first time.
He became the first Westbrook lacrosse player to earn All-America honors, topping the state in the voting by coaches, and was named the SMAA’s best player. Knapton is our choice as Maine Sunday Telegram Player of the Year in boys’ lacrosse.
“While gifted with physical athletic attributes, it’s Curtis’s drive and competitiveness – demonstrated both on game days and every day in practice – that fuel his success,” Lyons said. “He’s a great on-the-ball and team defender. We ran our offense through him (and) he’s a terrific decision maker.”
Knapton, who graduated 10th in his class, will continue playing lacrosse next year at Bates College.
Though he had posted two 40-plus goal seasons at attack, Knapton embraced the position switch this spring.
“I was excited because I’d get to play defense and it would open up the field for other guys. It would just maximize our potential as a team,” Knapton said.
Another key factor in Knapton’s improvement was attending Wednesday night 3-on-3 box lacrosse sessions organized by John Fay, a former All-American at the University of New Hampshire and father of 2013 Telegram Player of the Year Charlie Fay.
“It doesn’t have a name, but every good player in the area is there. You’re playing against older guys, college All-Americans who are bigger and stronger than you, in a small area,” said Knapton, a sturdy 6-foot, 190-pounder. “Being able to play well there and then coming back to 6-on-6 against guys who are not as big and strong and physical gave me confidence, for sure.”
Telegram All-State team
Matthew Beatty, Yarmouth senior, attack: A former midfielder who shifted to attack and quickly became a dual-threat player, Beatty finished with 39 goals and 58 assists in an All-American season.
Ben Ekedahl, Cape Elizabeth junior, defense: A tenacious one-on-one defender who always drew the opposing team’s top offensive threat. Ekedahl also played the wing on faceoffs, and possessed the speed and stick skills to effectively clear the ball.
Jack Fiorini, South Portland senior, midfielder: A two-time All-American, Fiorini used his hard, precise left-handed shot to score 50 goals and also dished out 30 assists. Fiorini will be a preferred walk-on at Syracuse.
Christian Glover, Brunswick junior, long-stick midfielder: The All-America pick turned a typically defensive role into a key part of the offense for the Class A North champion, with 28 goals and 13 assists.
Brendan Hickey, Falmouth sophomore, defense: Hickey handled faceoffs or played the wing on faceoffs while routinely matching up with top scoring threats. Adept with the ball, Hickey scored four goals and had an assist.
Curtis Knapton, Westbrook senior, midfielder: A strong two-way player, Knapton produced 47 goals and 25 assists. He is Westbrook’s first U.S. Lacrosse All-American and was voted player of the year in the SMAA. He will play at Bates College.
Reece Lagerquist, Scarborough sophomore, defense: Tall, strong and athletic, Lagerquist collected 67 ground balls, was poised while clearing the ball, and added two goals and four assists.
Carter Landry, Gorham junior, goalie: Keyed the Rams’ push to the Class A South final, with a .670 save percentage. He showed the ability to make tough saves look routine and was a confident passer when clearing.
Sam Neugebauer, Scarborough junior, attack: Led the multi-faceted Red Storm offense with 62 goals and 13 assists, and picked up 42 ground balls.
Noah Oliver, Westbrook senior, faceoff specialist: Oliver won 78.6 percent of his faceoffs and added 111 ground balls. He also was a top defensive midfielder who had 10 goals and 11 assists.
RJ Sarka, Cape Elizabeth senior, midfielder: A tough two-way player and an All-America pick, Sarka was the calming presence for Cape and its go-to scoring threat, finishing with 35 goals and 15 assists. He also mustered 40 ground balls. He will play at Bates College.
Jack Scribner, Falmouth junior, attack: An All-America pick, Scribner finished with 42 goals and 38 assists, including six goals and six assists in three playoff wins to pace his team to the Class B title.
Coach of the Year
Mike Lebel, Falmouth: Directed a relatively young team that improved steadily and played its best when it counted most, knocking off three-time champ Cape Elizabeth in the regional final with suffocating defense and winning the Class B title with a dominant performance against Yarmouth.
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Girls’ lacrosse: Jenny Bush, Kennebunk
Jenny Bush wanted so much to help Kennebunk win a state title. She did that and more with a title and undefeated season.Jenny Bush will remember not only the excitement of helping Kennebunk win its first Class B girls' lacrosse state title, but all the work that went into it for herself and her teammates. Next season Bush will play at Assumption College in Worcester, Mass.Jenny Bush entered the spring recognized as the top girls’ lacrosse player in Maine after being named the state’s lone All-American a year ago.
But what the Kennebunk High senior wanted most of all was a state championship. In 2015, the Rams lost in overtime in the state title game.
With plenty of help from a deep list of talented teammates, she accomplished the goal. Kennebunk capped a 15-0 season with the Class B championship, the first girls’ lacrosse state title for the school.
Bush had 65 goals and 10 assists this spring, and was exceptionally proficient at winning the draw to gain possession. Now she can add another accolade to her resume: the Maine Sunday Telegram Player of the Year in girls’ lacrosse.
“This year we were all so invested and we all had the right mindset, and we all wanted that same goal as much as the next person,” she said.
In Kennebunk’s 9-7 championship win over Yarmouth – the school that upset the Rams in last year’s final – Bush was held to one goal. The Clippers committed a defender to limit her ability to receive a pass.
Kennebunk Coach Annie Barker said the performance showed Bush’s personal growth as well as the Rams’ faith in each other.
“Last year she thought she had to carry it,” Barker said. “With developing the team and everybody realizing that everyone would contribute, it made her job easier and the result of the state game showed it. Jenny’s job that day was to win 14 of 17 draws.”
“I like that I take the draws and can kind of be in possession with them, and I feel like this season I stepped up more on the draws,” said Bush.
Bush began playing lacrosse in the fifth grade, following older sisters Allie and Catie. Allie Bush played four seasons at Wheaton College, where she set career and single-season assist records, and Catie played one season at Endicott College. Jenny Bush will play at Assumption College, an NCAA Division II school in Worcester, Massachusetts.
“Watching Allie play kind of really got me into it and we kind of showed the same passion for lacrosse,” Bush said. “Seeing her go through the high school and seeing them come so close to a state championship, that really drove me to want to be successful and made me want to get over that hump of winning a state championship.”
Bush said the loss in the 2015 title game galvanized the Rams to commit to more intensive offseason training.
“It’s important for everyone to know how hard we worked,” Bush said. “We didn’t just walk on to the field on March 28 thinking we would win. We put in so, so much time.”
Telegram All-State team
Gretchen Barbera, Yarmouth junior, defense: Noted by coaches from both Class B and Class A, the hard-working Barbera has above-average speed and good field sense, making her tough to beat one-on-one and very strong in transition.
Sydney Bell, Falmouth junior, midfield: An intense competitor and a repeat all-state pick, Bell is a top draw specialist and a dominant goal scorer (71 goals), and this year became a skilled playmaker, finishing with 27 assists.
Jenny Bush, Kennebunk senior, attack: A three-time all-state pick, Bush was the state’s only All-American for the second straight season. She had 65 goals and 10 assists, and also won 131 draws for the unbeaten Class B champs. She will play lacrosse at Assumption College.
Hannah Costin, Marshwood junior, attack: Stepped into a larger role this season and flourished for the Class A South finalists, scoring 60 goals with 19 assists as a first-team SMAA pick.
Maquila Dimastrantonio, Massabesic senior, midfield: Tall and strong, Dimastrantonio was one of the top draw control specialists in the state and scored 67 goals with 11 assists. She will attend St. Anselm College, and intends to play lacrosse and run cross country.
Jenna Kashmer, Marshwood senior, defense: A first-team SMAA pick, Kashmer came up with 24 ground balls, 14 interceptions and 18 caused turnovers for one of the stoutest defenses in the league.
Kelsey Otley, Greely senior, midfield: An athletic two-way player, the former defender became a more assertive offensive presence, with 33 goals and six assists while playing some of her best games against top teams.
Isabelle Paulus, Morse senior, midfield: The KVAC Class B player of the year, Paulus came back from a torn ACL and was a two-way threat for the North regional finalists with 32 goals and six assists. Paulus will play at Bates College next year.
Olivia Sandford, Kennebunk senior, midfield: A repeat all-state pick, Sandford was a two-way player who had 18 goals and 25 assists. Sandford plans to play at Bates College.
Kyra Schwartzman, Kennebunk senior, attack: A repeat all-state pick, Schwartzman was also an academic All-American while scoring 43 goals and 19 assists. Schwartzman will play lacrosse at Merrimack.
Ally Turner, Messalonskee sophomore, midfield: A dynamic scorer and playmaker with speed and a fierce will, Turner led the Eagles to their first Class A championship, and finished with 64 goals and 32 assists.
Isabelle Kudas, Kennebunk senior, goalie: Kudas directed a revamped defense and allowed only 3.5 goals per game, making 79 saves and stopping 59.8 percent of shots.
Coach of the Year
Annie Barker, Kennebunk: Kept a veteran, motivated team focused and relaxed, and successfully rebuilt the Rams’ defense as Kennebunk went 15-0 and won the school’s first girls’ lacrosse championship. -
Boys’ track: Sam Rusak, Scarborough
Sam Rusak became the first male in 37 years to win four individual events at the Class A state meet, and he's still improving.At the Class A state meet this spring, Sam Rusak of Scarborough won four events – including state-best performances in the pole vault and 110-meter hurdles. He also won the 200 and the high jump.Sam Rusak’s dedication has become legendary on the Scarborough High track and field team.
After failing to clear a height in the pole vault at the 2015 Class A indoor state meet, Rusak was determined this year to excel – and to stay relaxed. As a result, the junior has started to dominate his competition.
At the Class A outdoor state meet this spring, Rusak won four events: the pole vault (a state-leading height of 15 feet, 6 inches), the 110-meter hurdles (a state-leading time of 15.01 seconds), the 200 (22.82) and the high jump (6-0). His performance lifted the Red Storm to just their second Class A title in 15 years.
Rusak’s marks in the pole vault, hurdles and 200 at the state meet were all personal bests.
“He makes everyone else better, just by watching how hard he works,” said Scarborough Coach Derek Veilleux.
Scarborough topped Falmouth for the state title by a comfortable margin, 84.5-55. Rusak’s improvement this spring made all the difference. Last year at the outdoor state meet, Rusak placed second in the pole vault and 13th – out of the scoring – in the high jump.
With Rusak’s rare feat of winning four individual events at the state meet, he is the Maine Sunday Telegram’s Athlete of the Year for boys’ track and field.
George Mendros, who has been coaching at Thornton Academy for 35 years, said Rusak is the first male to win four individual events at the Class A outdoor meet since 1979. It’s happened only four times in Class B during that period, Mendros said.
Rusak said his improvement is simply part of his long-term plan to develop into a multi-event athlete and eventually compete in the decathlon at the NCAA Division I level. He finished fourth in the decathlon at the New Balance national high school championships.
Each year, he focuses on specific skills, from his technique and strength to his speed.
“This year I was working on my speed,” Rusak said.
It showed at the Class A meet, where he improved his best time in the 200 from 23.16 to 22.82 seconds. In the hurdles, he cut his best time from 15.39 to 15.01.
Even when Rusak was losing steam toward the end of the state meet, he said he simply refocused on staying loose while competing in the high jump. He cleared 6-0 with room to spare on his first attempt. That was good enough for the title, because only two other jumpers cleared 6-0, and each had at least one miss.
“I just looked at Coach (Veilleux) before my approach and the way he looked at me he said, ‘You got this.’ I could tell by the look in his eyes,” Rusak said.
Telegram All-State team
Matt Brady, Biddeford junior: Finished second in the shot put (55-103/4) and third in the discus (154-8) at the Class A state meet. Took third in the shot put (55-41/4) and discus (156-6) at New Englands.
Dan Guiliani, South Portland senior: Maine’s all-time best shot putter with a throw of 71-11/2, he won that event at the Class A state meet (67-31/4) and finished second in the discus (164-8).
Jake Koffman, Orono junior: Defended his Class C discus title with a state-record throw of 189-9. Also captured the New England title (174-10).
Luke Laverdiere, Yarmouth sophomore: Won the 1,600 (4:21.94) and 800 (2:01.34) at the Class B state meet. Ranked No. 1 in the state in the 1,600 (4:21.47) and 3,200 (9:18.16).
Austin Lufkin, Brewer junior: Won the discus (168-4) and took fourth in the shot put (51-63/4) at the Class A state meet. Was the New England shot put champion (58-51/4) and took fourth in the discus (155-8).
Drew Nealey, Belfast senior: Won the pole vault at the Class B meet with a Class B record (14-7). Also won the 300 hurdles (41.81), and placed second in the 110 hurdles (15.57) and the javelin (159-10). Took second at the New Englands in the pole vault (13-9) and was third at the nationals in the decathlon.
Evan Porter, Traip Academy junior: Set a Class C record in the 300 hurdles (39.57) and also won the 110 hurdles (15.21) and the 100 dash (11.13). Took second at New Englands in the 300 hurdles (39.20).
Michaiah Robinson, Washington Academy junior: Won the 400 (50.13) and 200 (22.65) at the Class C state meet. Also was sixth at the New Englands in the 400 (50.03).
Sam Rusak, Scarborough junior: Won four events at the Class A state meet – the 200 (22.82), high jump (6-0), 110 hurdles (state-leading time of 15.01) and pole vault (state-leading mark of 15-6). Placed fourth at the nationals in the decathlon.
Keenan Welzel, Brunswick senior: Won the 400 (50.19) in Class A and took fifth at the New Englands (49.86) to earn All-New England honors.
Coach of the Year
Derek Veilleux, Scarborough: Led the Red Storm to a convincing 29-point victory at the Class A state meet to win just their second outdoor state title in 15 years and first since 2013.
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Girls’ track: Adelaide Cooke, Falmouth
Adelaide Cooke showed versatility and perseverance while leading her team to its first Class A girls' state championship.Not only was Adelaide Cooke among the state's top-ranked athletes in all three throwing events, she was also talented enough to place fourth in the 100-meter hurdles at the Class A state championships.Adelaide Cooke’s rare performance at the state meet in June led Falmouth to its first Class A girls’ championship in outdoor track and field.
But her throws coach, June Tait, didn’t start referring to Cooke as “clutch” until her performance the following week at the New England Championships. Cooke went from eighth place to second in the discus on her final throw (117 feet, 4 inches) – while competing in a downpour.
“There was a puddle in the discus circle. All the throwers were slipping and falling and fouling out,” Tait said. “Adelaide had to wear her running shoes, which is unheard of at that elite level. But she’s a champion. She went from eighth to second in dismal conditions.”
Cooke, a junior, recorded personal bests in winning the shot put (39-111/2) and discus (131-0) at the state meet. She also finished second in the javelin (110-10) and fourth in the 100-meter hurdles (16.03 seconds). Because of those performances, she’s the Maine Sunday Telegram Athlete of the Year in girls’ outdoor track and field.
Cooke pulled off a come-from-behind victory in the shot put at the state meet. She was in second place heading into her final throw.
In the discus, Cooke improved from 124-11/2 to 131-0. She said mastering a firmer grip on the disc with the help of chalk proved the key. But Tait said the well-timed improvement was because of Cooke’s constant drive.
“She is such an amazing athlete,” Tait said. “And she works hard at all three throws. I’ve been working with her since middle school. She is a fierce competitor, but now she’s learned to channel that competitiveness.”
Cooke, who also plays soccer and basketball at Falmouth, wants to compete in the pentathlon (indoors) and heptathlon (outdoors) at the NCAA Division I level. She continues to play other sports, she said because they help with her overall athletic skills and strength.
In track and field, Cooke’s training regime is rigorous. She works on sprints and hurdles in the morning before school, and jumps and throws after school. Then she does strength work on the weekends.
“Dad and I wrote a list of goals at the start of the season,” Cooke said. “Some were a reach, but even some of (those) I achieved, like the team winning states. But I said, ‘We can do this.’ It’s one of the coolest things.”
Telegram All-State team
Adelaide Cooke, Falmouth junior: Won the shot put (39-111/2) and discus (131-0), and was second in the javelin (110-10) and fourth in the 100-meter hurdles (16.03) at the Class A meet. Took second in the discus (117-4) at the New England championships.
Samantha Curran, Thornton Academy junior: Was second in the shot put (39-71/2) and fourth in the discus (106-7) at the Class A meet. Also earned All-New England honors, taking sixth in the shot put (37-1).
Emma Egan, Yarmouth senior: Won the high jump (5-4) and long jump (15-9) at the Class B state meet. Also earned All-New England honors, finishing fourth in the high jump (5-3).
Adela Kalilwa, Lewiston senior: Set a Class A record of 18-33/4 in the long jump and also won the triple jump (36-53/4). Was fifth in the triple jump (37-11/2) at the New Englands.
Tahlia Mullen, Lincoln Academy sophomore: Won the 200 (26.11) and 400 (58.94) at the Class B state meet, winning the 400 by a half-second.
Britanee Nouchanthavong, Edward Little junior: Won the javelin by 19 feet at the Class A state meet with a throw of 129-0. Finished fourth at the New England championships (125-8).
Allison Pickering, Orono senior: Won the pole vault at the Class C state meet (10-0) and finished fifth at the New England championships (10-3) to earn All-New England status.
Lauren Stoops, Orono senior: Won the 100 dash (12.72) and 300 hurdles (45.71) at the Class C state meet, and ran on the winning 1,600 relay that broke the Class C record (4:05.00).
Tia Tardy, Orono junior: Won the 800 with a Class C record time (2:13.03) and was on the 1,600 relay team that set a Class C record (4:05.00). Ranked No. 1 in the state in the 800 (2:12.19), 1,600 (5:02.45) and 3,200 (11:04.87).
Emily Turner, Cheverus junior: Won the 100 (12.70), 200 (25.92) and 400 (56.57) at the Class A state meet, taking the 400 in a state-record time. Earned All-New England honors by finishing fifth in the 400 (56.57).
Coach of the Year
Danny Paul, Falmouth: Led the Yachtsmen to their first outdoor state title in 25 years and their first in Class A, just three years after they moved up to compete against the bigger schools. -
Boys’ tennis: Nick Mathieu, Mt. Ararat
After two runner-up finishes in the state singles tournament, Nick Mathieu of Mt. Ararat finally claimed the title.Nick Mathieu of Mt. Ararat received a strong challenege from Thornton Academy's Dariy Vykhodtsev in the state singles final but was up to the task, winning in three sets. Mathieu was also undefeated in team play.After finishing as runner-up of the Maine Principals’ Association state singles tournament as a freshman and a sophomore, Nick Mathieu began this spring with a different outlook.
“I’m running out of chances,” he said. “There was definitely a lot more on the line.”
A stronger, fitter Mathieu broke through, overcoming a semifinal scare to set up a three-set victory for the state title. The Mt. Ararat High junior capped his run by defeating Thornton Academy freshman Dariy Vykhodtsev 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in the final.
Mathieu is our choice as Maine Sunday Telegram Player of the Year in boys’ tennis.
“I played my best tennis in the last set of the finals,” Mathieu said. “That’s because I’m in better shape this year.”
Mathieu lost to Brendan McCarthy of Falmouth in the 2014 final and Isaac Salas of Waynflete a year ago, Mathieu’s first as the top seed. Finding himself shaky and tight in the 2015 final was a wakeup call, he said.
“I felt like I was going to win the tournament because I was the (No. 1) seed,” he said. “But it doesn’t work that way. You have to earn it. This year, I put in the work.”
Since coming up short against Salas, Mathieu hit the weight room and the road. He put in 10-mile runs a few times a week and worked as much on his fitness as he did on his strokes.
“Every match, I went out like I was playing in the finals,” he said. “Last year, I was focusing more on who was on the other side of the court. This year, I knew if I play my game and I’m confident, I think I can win no matter who I’m playing. It really comes down to my game.”
Which is why he didn’t panic after falling behind 3-0 in his semifinal against Cape Elizabeth senior Michael Mills, the fourth seed. Mathieu fought back to win the set on the way to a 7-6 (5), 6-1 victory.
Aside from Mathieu and sophomore Peter Mao, the Eagles had almost no experience. Both went unbeaten in team play, and the rest of the team won at least one point in five of 12 regular-season matches to earn the fifth seed in Class A North.
Longtime Mt. Ararat Coach Don Foley said Mathieu deserves credit for helping nurture those new to the sport.
“He does a tremendous amount of work with the kids,” Foley said. “They look up to him, follow his instructions. He’s like another coach. Peter does, too. I can’t say enough about them.”
A high honors student, Mathieu has plenty of college options. He plans on majoring in business with a minor in biology. Medical school is under consideration.
“I have all my doors open,” he said.
Telegram All-State team
Thomas Brent, Gorham senior: The No. 12 seed in the state singles tournament, he knocked off No. 5 Thomas Jarmusz of Morse 6-2, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals before falling to Michael Mills of Cape Elizabeth. He went 13-0 in team play this spring to cap a 50-5 career. Brent plans to continue his career at Endicott College.
Nick Forester, Falmouth freshman: The second seed in the state singles tournament, he was forced to withdraw in the first set of his semifinal match after stepping on a stray ball and injuring his knee. He was 16-0 to that point in team and tournament play. Comfortable hitting forehand groundstrokes with either hand.
Matthew Jarmusz, Morse junior: Quarterfinalist in the state singles tournament as the 11th seed, knocking off No. 6 Cole Ouellette of Lewiston 7-6 (3), 6-1 before falling to No. 3 Dariy Vykhodtsev of Thornton Academy. Unbeaten in team play at No. 2 singles, dropping only nine games and no sets while winning 14 matches.
Alex Klemperer, Falmouth sophomore: The eighth seed in the singles tournament who reached the quarterfinals before falling to top seed and eventual champion Nick Mathieu, 6-2, 6-1. Unbeaten in team play until falling to Dariy Vykhodstsev in the Class A South final.
Peter Mao, Mt. Ararat sophomore: Quarterfinalist as the 10th seed in the state singles tournament who knocked off No. 7 Ryan Chasse of Fort Kent 7-5, 6-1 before falling to No. 2 seed Nick Forester. Unbeaten in 13 team matches at No. 2 singles for the Eagles (5-7), who were edged 3-2 in the Class A North quarterfinals by No. 4 Mt. Blue.
Nick Mathieu, Mt. Ararat junior: State singles champion after twice finishing as runner-up. Beat No. 3
Dariy Vykhodtsev 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in the final, dropping a set for the first time all spring. Went 12-0 in the regular season, losing only nine games total. Unbeaten in three years in team play.Michael Mills, Cape Elizabeth senior: Semifinalist in the state singles tournament as the fourth seed, losing 7-6 (5), 6-1 to No. 1 seed Nick Mathieu. Went 7-2 in the regular season, losing only to Nick Forester before leading the Capers (13-3) to the Class B final with a 4-0 record in the playoffs. Will continue his career at Gettysburg College.
Dariy Vykhodtsev, Thornton Academy freshman: Runner-up in the singles tournament, where he extended Nick Mathieu to three sets. Also led the Golden Trojans to the first Class A state championship in school history. Went 12-0 in team competition, never dropping a set and losing only 18 games total.
Coach of the Year
Pete Webster, York: Coming off a combined record of 1-23 the previous two seasons, the Wildcats turned things around with a squad that included five sophomores and only one senior in the starting lineup. York went 6-6 to earn the No. 5 seed in Class B South, and upset No. 4 Gardiner and No. 1 Lincoln Academy before falling 3-2 to three-time defending state champ Cape Elizabeth. “We have risen from the ashes,” said Webster. “We definitely have something to build on with this young team. A bunch of them were soccer players, so they were good athletes with good hand-eye coordination and good foot skills.” -
Girls’ tennis: Julia Brogan, Falmouth
Julia Brogan not only helped her team win a ninth straight state championship, but also claimed the state singles crown.Julia Brogan capped her stellar high school career with a pair of state championships, breaking through to win the singles title before leading Falmouth to another Class A title.After three years as the understudy, Falmouth High senior Julia Brogan emerged into the spotlight this spring.
Brogan picked up where former teammate Olivia Leavitt left off, keeping the Maine Principals’ Association state singles title in Falmouth for a fourth straight year.
A two-time semifinalist entering this spring, Brogan drew the third seed and ran the table, culminating in straight-sets victories over No. 2 Bethany Hammond of St. Dominic in the semifinals and No. 4 Rosemary Campanella of Wells in the finals.
“I was really determined this year to finally win states,” Brogan said. “I feel I came really close my freshman and sophomore and junior years, so I was determined to go out on a high note.”
Brogan, who also led Falmouth to a ninth consecutive team state title, is our choice as Maine Sunday Telegram Player of the Year in girls’ tennis.
Falmouth Coach Bill Goodspeed said Brogan’s willingness to work hard, improve her fitness and embrace different styles of play – depending on her opponent – allowed her to take a giant leap forward this spring.
“That made her more dangerous and less predictable on the court,” he said. “It’s impressive to see someone who was that good willing to try new things to get even better.”
After three unbeaten seasons in team competition, Brogan lost a regular-season match, 6-1, 6-3 to Yarmouth freshman Lana Mavor. A potential rematch in the finals of the singles tournament failed to materialize when a back injury forced Mavor, the No. 1 seed, to withdraw during her semifinal.
“I was actually looking forward to playing Lana a second time,” Brogan said. “I think I was able to get a pretty good read on her game.”
Instead, Brogan dispatched Hammond, 6-2, 7-6 (3) before sewing up the title with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Campanella.
“I went from Bethany, who’s crafty, lefty and athletic, to Rosemary, who’s a power hitter who goes for everything,” Brogan said. “So I had to have two completely different strategies on the same day. Fortunately, that’s something I’ve been working on.”
Brogan plans to continue her tennis career at Trinity College and major in economics. She was a three-year member of the National Honor Society, and recently learned she is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction.
“She is perhaps the most determined, hardest-working player I’ve ever seen,” Goodspeed said. “She’s also very dedicated to her academics. I will always remember her as being a very disciplined kid. I think it will serve her well in life.”
Telegram All-State team
Julia Brogan, Falmouth senior: Won her first state singles championship as the third seed, defeating No. 4 Rosemary Campanella 6-1, 6-0 in the final. Also led Falmouth to a third straight Class A state title and ninth overall. Went 13-1 in team play, losing only to Lana Mavor in mid-May. Plans to continue her career at Trinity College.
Rosemary Campanella, Wells sophomore: Runner-up in the state singles tournament as the fourth seed, falling 6-1, 6-0 to Julia Brogan in the final. Went 10-1 for the Kennebunk/Wells cooperative team, losing only to Brogan. Did not drop a game in the singles tournament until the championship match.
Liv Clifford, Cape Elizabeth junior: Quarterfinalist in the state singles tournament as the eighth seed who lost to top seed Lana Mavor, 6-1, 6-1. Went 8-5 in the regular season – losing only to the top five seeds of the singles tourney – and unbeaten in the playoffs to lead the Capers (13-3) to their first Class B state title in nine years.
Bethany Hammond, St. Dominic junior: Second seed in the state singles tournament who reached the semifinals for the third straight year before losing to eventual champ Julia Brogan, 6-2, 7-6 (3). Unbeaten in team play to lead St. Dom’s to the Class C title, the school’s first in 21 years. Singles finalist in 2015.
Lana Mavor, Yarmouth freshman: Top seed in state singles tournament who withdrew from her semifinal match after aggravating a lower back injury. Never lost a set in the regular season and was the only player in the state to defeat singles champ Julia Brogan, 6-1, 6-3 in a mid-May match in which Mavor first hurt her back.
Megan Nathanson, Scarborough senior: Sixth seed in the state singles tournament who reached the quarterfinals before falling 6-2, 6-1 to eventual champion Julia Brogan. Led Scarborough to best-ever 14-1 record and a regional final appearance. Did not lose a set other than to Brogan. Will continue her career at Nichols College.
Caroline Ray, Falmouth senior: Quarterfinalist for the second straight year in the state singles tournament, as the seventh seed. Lost a hard-fought match (6-4, 7-5) to No. 2 Bethany Hammond in the quarters. Went 14-0 in team play to help Falmouth extend its winning streak to 141 matches and nine state titles. Will continue her career at Stonehill College.
Lena Rich, North Yarmouth Academy senior: Quarterfinalist for the second straight year as the fifth seed in the state singles tournament, losing to runner-up Rosemary Campanella. Went 8-4 in team play to help NYA reach the Class C South semifinals before falling to eventual champ St. Dominic. Will continue her career at Oberlin College.
Coach of the Year
Sarah Boeckel, Cape Elizabeth: Coming off a surprising loss to Yarmouth in the regional quarterfinals a year ago, the Capers rolled through the Class B tournament this year with three straight 5-0 victories before knocking off Camden Hills 4-1 for the state title, the program’s first in nine years. Six of the top seven players returned, including four seniors. “They make me look good,” said Boeckel. “We knew we had experience on our side and (knew) what needed to be done.”
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