Field Hockey: Coached by Becky Manson-Rioux, the Lady Rams carried experience on the bus August 30, when they opened at Marshwood. Coming off 2016 with an 11-3-2 record, Manson-Rioux commented: “Gorham varsity field hockey looks to reload this season with 13 returning players from last year, including 9 seniors. With speed and depth the Rams look to consistently play at a high level.” Athletes to watch: Grace DeWitt, Grace McGouldrick, Vanessa Berrill, Jessica Dusseault, Faith Dillon, Sarah Stevens, Haley Lowell.
Football: Coach Andy Hager was counting on experience when the Rams kicked off 2017 at Mt. Ararat on September 1. The Rams kept it close but lost the season opener, 14-13. Coming off a tough 2016 (0-8), there a lot of reasons for optimism regarding a turnaround this season. Hager listed key matchups as Mt. Ararat, Nobel, and Medomak. He offered that, “The Rams return a number of three-year starters who look to help Gorham reestablish its football roots in southern Maine.” Key returning players: Jack Niles (QB/ DB), Ben Eichner (WR/DB), Hunter Poitras (RB/LB), Adam McKenney (RB/ DB), Devin McCaffrey (DE/TE), Cam Caron (TE/DE). Key newcomers: Ethan Stump (C/LB), Nate Burchill (OL/DL), Zach Davis Brown (RB/DE), Peyton True (TE/DE).
Girls’ Soccer: The Lady Rams, coached by veteran Jeanne Zarrilli, graduated a number of players from the extraordinary 2016 run and dramatic finale (16-1-1 overall). However, as the Portland Press Herald wrote, “They took (preseason favorite) Scarborough to penalty kicks in a tournament game over the summer, proving that it’s never safe to underestimate Gorham.” Zarrilli said, “Our returning players combined with tremendous talent from all four classes should make us highly competitive this fall.” The veteran starters who left it all on the field in the nail-biter OT loss to Camden Hills in the state final are more than ready and refreshed. The returning starters are: Courtney Cushing, Lexi Fotter, Hallie Shiers, Emma Forgues, Maddie Hincher, Avery Germond, Caitlin Callahan and Michelle Rowe (who has moved into the net for her senior year).
Boys’ Soccer: Coach Tim King enters his 18th year with excellent returning on-field leadership and talent. Look to early tests against Westbrook, Deering, South Portland, Portland and Scarborough (now in the SMAA). Remember, the 2016 Rams went 13-0-1 in the 2016 regular season, finishing out at 16-1-1. The epic final against Bangor on penalty kicks following two overtimes is in the books. A new chapter begins with a strong transition. King said, “Several players gained valuable experience and the Rams hope to maintain a high level of play and make a deep run in the tournament. A deep sophomore class will push the upper-classmen and create needed competition during practice sessions. Senior leadership will be a key to carrying the Rams to another successful season.” Key returning players: Kyle King (Sr. Forward, 2-time SMAA All-Star), Sam Burghardt (Sr. moving to forward from wing), Andrew Rent (Soph. moves to midfield after starting at back as a freshman, 1st Team SMAA All-Star), Garrett Higgins (Sr. Back: “Skilled player who can shut down opposing forwards and then key counter attacks,” said King), Nick Sturtevant (Sr. Midfielder: “who will be a playmaker and defensive presence in midfield” reported the coach), and Aaron Farr (Sr. Defender: “who will lead and organize the defense for a second straight year,” according to King).
Volleyball: Coach Emma Tirrell exclaimed, “This team is so strong and energetic! They have so much potential and team pride. The season has a very positive outlook with lots of success individually and as a team.” Although a few key players from 2016 graduated (10-6 overall, 7-5 league), there’s a solid squad taking the court. Key returning players: Meg Perry, Katie O’Donnell, Isabelle Kolb. Key newcomers: Evelyn Kitchen, Haley Burns, Colette Romatis. Key matchups: Scarborough, Biddeford and Deering.
Golf: Scott Nevers takes the coaching helm for the defending Class A State Champions (7-3 overall, winning States in a tiebreak using the fifth player’s score). Key returnees include Lucas Roop and Ryan Kaczmarek, both qualifiers for the Maine State Individual Championship Tournament in 2016. Nevers reported that, “They (Roop and Kaczmarek) will look to lead the team this season with some new players on varsity.” With the team continuing their reputation for hard work, Nevers added, “We lost a handful of seniors, but have 15 returning players, and 17 new golfers this season. We have high expectations — as our goal for the season is to compete in every match, and to qualify for States at Natanis (Golf Course in Vassalboro).” The Gorham Times welcomes Scott Nevers to his new role.
Girls’ Cross-Country: Coach Jason Tanguay reported that, “Many of our girls got in some good mileage this summer so they are excited to see if they can be a top contender in the league this season. As long as we can keep our top runners healthy, it could be a successful season for the girls’ team.” The Rams continue to carry talent, experience and hard work to the course (11-5 in 2016). Key returning runners: Anna Slager, senior; Iris Kitchen, sophomore; Kate Tugman, sophomore; Meadow Fortier, senior; Sarah Johnson, senior. Key newcomers: Sierra Lumbert, senior; Carson Battaglia, sophomore.
Boys’ Cross Country: Coach Jason Tanguay said, “Some of the boys logged good mileage this summer, so we are hopeful to be more competitive in the league this year.” (2016 overall record 7-9). He added, “A good goal for this team will be to qualify for states as one of the top half of the teams who compete at regionals.”