Girls’ Soccer
The girls’ soccer team ended their season with a 4-2-2 record. Senior Lauren Fotter was the girls leading scorer for the second year in a row according to coach Jeanne Zarrilli. She said of the fall 2020 season, that her team rediscovered the fun in being together—even in a shortened season and without play-off stress. Zarrilli said the girls found a nice balance of competition and fun.
Boys’ Soccer
Coach Nick Viola said since mid-season, his team added a 6-0 win versus Cheverus, and a 2-1 win versus defending state champion, Falmouth, to end their 2020 season. The boys finished undefeated with a final record of 8-0-2. Viola said,“I am tremendously proud of the way our guys competed this year with so many different obstacles and challenges presented to them during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is my first high school team and I could not have asked for a better, more committed, and memorable group of young men.”
Cross Country
Coaches Jason Tanguay, Christina Stone, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Karcanes, and Brigid Smith-Franey each wanted to share their personal thoughts and memories from this very different and challenging fall 2020 XC season.
Coach Jason Tanguay said, “Student-athletes are looking for a place to belong, for a team to welcome them, for a reason to push through the difficult academic aspects of high school, for a reprieve from obstacles in their everyday home lives.” He went on to say, “We need to continue to provide direction and structure to this group of young men and women at this critical time. If we just let sports fully dissolve from our grasp, many of the students will look for other ways to stay connected, and these may not be the healthiest choices.”
Tanguay said he is grateful for the opportunities the Cross Country team had this past season. “Although the story didn’t end how we would have written it, I feel both the coaches and athletes will be able to look back and say we are stronger both physically and mentally for enduring it.”
Coach Christina Stone said one image will remain with her as a symbol of this year’s cross-country season. “One of the senior captains of our girls’ team crossed the finish line during our first meet. She had had a frustrating junior season given some health issues that prevented her from running her best. She trained hard all summer, without full assurance that her season would happen. She trained because she loves to run. She felt strong in the short preseason window before our first meet. The gun went off, and she was running with the front pack, never quite dropping back as she had in the past. As she approached the finish line, the digital clock ticked her time, and she knew it was good—her best. She smiled, beamed, and even teared up a little bit at the finish. She then turned around, put on her mask, and cheered on everyone as they came across. This was her first race of the season and could have been her last, but the gratitude on her face and her enthusiasm for others with whom she shared the experience made that moment special.”
Coach (Lieutenant Colonel) Jim Karcanes said while it has been challenging at times ensuring the team meets all the CDC, state, and local guidelines regarding safeguarding their athletes and community members from COVID-19, this cross country season has been one of the most positive experiences he has ever had as a coach. He enjoyed watching the athletes flourish and become both mentally and physically fit amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the pandemic.
“As most of us struggle with so many aspects of life that have been turned upside down and out of our immediate control,” Karcanes said, “I’m grateful that our athletes were provided the opportunity to engage in an activity they love which afforded them some sense of positive control in lives.” In his conversations with them as a coach as well as observing their actions and attitudes, he stated, “I clearly see that running and being a part of a team environment has been a powerful outlet which allowed them to effectively reduce the stress and anxiety they feel during this difficult time.”
Coach Karcanes went on to say, “Having a cross country season in the midst of a pandemic has also taught our athletes about responsible risk taking, accountability, and personal discipline – qualities that will undoubtedly serve them well as they continue to mature and become leaders in their communities. I feel extremely fortunate to have been a part of the process of making the season a very positive and reflective experience.”
Coach Brigid Smith-Franey said for many cross country runners, running is more than a sport, it is an integral part of their personality. “When working with these runners, I see this in so many ways. The way they approach a hard workout with anticipation and trepidation, but then push themselves to new limits. Or how they joke and chat and relax during an easy run. Or in their routines as they prepare to race. She continued, “These student-athletes have shown persistence in the face of challenges and joy in the face of adversity. I’m so proud of them and the support they’ve shown each other. The opportunities to come together, to run, to enjoy the outdoors and to compete have not been taken for granted.”
Field Hockey
Coach Becky Manson-Rioux said the 2020 field hockey season was one of the most challenging and rewarding times for her and her team, finishing with a respectable 6-3 record. “We had many rules and regulations to follow and many hurdles to overcome, but every player in the entire program did a great job with adhering to these rules. The dedication, discipline and effort was outstanding,” she said. “The coaching staff couldn’t be more proud to work with such amazing young ladies. We were extremely grateful for every moment we shared together.” Coach Manson-Rioux also wanted to extend thanks to Superintendent Heather Perry, Principal Brian Jandreau and AD Tim Spear for supporting their team through this unique time.
Football
Coach Andy Hager said the football team ended their “season” having 3-4 practices a week and playing 5 games of 7v7/Passing League style. He shared that Beck Carrier was named SMAA All-Academic Team and will be looking to play in college. “Everyone stayed healthy all season and it was nice to be able to do some things together,” Hager said.
Volleyball
Coach Emma Tirrell said the girls’ volleyball team were able to practice through November 6 and celebrated the seniors with an “in-house” scrimmage during their last week practicing under the lights in the softball outfield. Coach Tirrell is still hopeful for some sort of season in the spring.