Fall sports are underway (minus football and volleyball) and, because of COVID-19, athletes have mandated rules to follow in order to play. According to the GHS Athletics website, they should properly register online and have up to date physical information on file with the Athletic Office. The athlete must complete an Athletic COVID-19 Health Screening (through their school email) at least one hour prior to participation in any athletic team activity. This is considered permission to participate each day.

There will be no spectators at any games, another unfortunate COVID-19 restriction. Because of this, GHS Athletic Director Tim Spear said the administration is planning to live stream all events held on the GHS campus, which would include field hockey and soccer (at all levels). Cross country races, which are held at Narragansett, will not be live streamed due to a lack of internet access but will be recorded and shared with anyone who would like to view once edited. Spear said, “We will be streaming our events through the NFHS Network. There is a subscription fee for this service. You can purchase by the month or yearly subscriptions. This is where the MPA (Maine Principal’s Assocation) has had their state championship contest streamed in the past.”

The sports teams that are able to participate are excited to get to work and are gearing up for their seasons despite a late start. Spear said, “Overall, we have over 300 student-athletes participating in our fall programs. So far, the beginning to the season is going extremely well. Official games began last week.”

Field Hockey – Coach Becky Manson-Rioux

Coach Manson-Rioux shared the girls’ field hockey team ended last season in an exciting and close semifinal game with Massabesic 3-2.

Seniors for the 2020 season are Lydia Gaudreau (Capt.), Molly Murray (Capt.), Kate Downey (Capt.), Julia Edwards, Claire Munkacsi, Sophie Gagne, Izzy Kovacs, and Grace Bradshaw who is a part of the JV team.

The key returning players are Gaudreau, Murray, Downey, and sophomore Maeve Donnelly with freshman Hannah Bickford looking to make contributions.

Coach Manson-Rioux said challenging opponents will be Westbrook, Bonny Eagle, Windham, Scarborough, and Cheverus. “This season we look to have lots of speed and a strong passing game making it difficult for opponents to defend us. Our goal is to continue to grow the program and to develop all players to be the best they can be,” she said.

Boys’ Soccer – Coach Nick Viola

Last season ended with a loss in the conference finals to Falmouth. Viola feels every opponent will be challenging to his team this year but he hopes to have his athletes “play a good brand of soccer and have strong performances each game that result in wins”.

While captains are unknown at this time, key returning players and players to watch are Mike Darasz, Grant Nadeau, Garrett Smith, Matt Phinney, Andrew Farr, Curan Bassingthwaite, and Josiah Irish.

Girls’ Soccer – Coach Jeanne Zarrilli

The girls’ last season ended with a loss in the semi-finals (after double OT and PK’s) to Cheverus. With only six games this season, Coach Zarrilli feels every game they play will be competitive for her team, with Windham, Scarborough and Cheverus being the top challengers.

Captains for the 2020 season are seniors Katie Kutzer, Gracie Forgues, Lauren Fotter, Olivia Michaud, and Sydney Fox, along with Delaney Seed who is injured.

Coach Zarrilli said her expectations for this season are to develop her players, establish a new team “identity”, and have fun. As there are no playoffs to prepare for, the team will work on player and team development while still remaining competitive in every game.

Golf – Coach Scott Nevers

Coach Nevers said, “This year is probably one of the most experienced and deepest teams I’ve coached as we have the majority of our team back from last year. We will have a few matches this season as we prepare to make some noise at the State Championships at Natanis GC on October 9.”

Golfers to watch this season are Aidan Enck, Bryce Lumbert, Lucas Castles, Sam Farr, Quinn Dillon, and Jacob Graham. Nevers said all have experience playing in varsity matches as well as playing in MSGA Junior Tournaments this summer.

The Junior Varsity team will also be deep, and Nevers shared many of those golfers could jump in at varsity at any time. He said Patrick Cyr, Dylan Morrell, Nicole Walker and incoming freshman Taylor Farr have played well early on.

“Luckily for golf, the kids have been able to play since May and we look to finish the HS golf season strong,” Nevers said.

Cross Country – Coach Jason Tanguay: Girls’ Cross Country

The girls’ cross country team placed third at the Southern Maine Regional Championship and also took third place at the Class A State Championship last season.

Seniors include MacKenna Homa (Capt.), Tatiana Jonk, Tess Libby, Emily Paruk (Capt.), Allie Peterson, and Bailey Wentworth. Key returning runners are Rachel Cummings, Elisabeth Loranger, MacKenna Homa, Emily Paruk, Allie Peterson, Bailey Wentworth, and Anna Nelson. New to the team and looking to make contributions are Rita Cummings and Aislyn McLean.