The pandemic is coming up on its one year anniversary, which not only marks the switch to synchronous learning but also the cancelation of sports. Back in 2020, Gorham High School (GHS) athletes were gearing up for the spring season. They had worked incredibly hard, only to be told no. Similar things are happening with winter sports right now. Many student athletes have been practicing either in person or virtually, without knowing if they will get a chance to compete. Whether players get to hit the rinks, courts, tracks, or not, they should be recognized for all their perseverance and hard work.

The class of ’21 seniors have endured so much this past year. They, along with their coaches, were invited to answer a couple of questions surrounding their involvement in sports. Although this isn’t the way many athletes planned on capping off their sports careers, this hopefully will provide some closure and recognition. To those who will play this spring and in college, good luck! And to those who are closing this chapter in their lives, congratulations!

Here are their answers:
*some seniors were not able to respond

GIRLS ICE HOCKEY:

Madigan Thibodeau – Forward right wing. One of Maddy’s favorite memories was playing with her team last year and coming together for their goalie after hearing some tragic news. Maddy hopes to make the most out of this weird season and to have fun with her teammates. She plans on going to nursing school once she graduates.

BOYS ICE HOCKEY:

Nathan Eichner – Defenseman. Nathan has been playing for over 14 years, since he was 3. One of his favorite memories was making it to Colisee for playoffs at the end of his junior year, although he also loved all the bus rides with his teammates. Nathan will be attending Ohio University School of Business in Athens, Ohio. As much as he loves the sport, he doesn’t plan on playing organized hockey in college. However, Nathan does hope to find a men’s league later down the road.

Dawson Allen – Wing. Dawson has been playing for over 12 years. His favorite memory was playing at Lake Placid in the 1980 Olympic Arena. He hopes to finish out his last season with no interruptions. Dawson plans on going to college after he graduates.

Nolan Gava – Wing. Nolan has been playing for 14 years. His favorite memory was playing at Lake Placid, and scoring in triple-overtime in the championships. He just hopes to have a fun season. Nolan plans on going to college and majoring in finance, while also playing hockey.

Aidan Enck – Center. Aidan has been playing since he was 5. One of his favorite memories was beating the Poland/GNG/Leavitt team during the playoffs his sophomore year. He says the crowd was huge and the energy was high. Aidan hopes to get as many games in as possible this season. He plans on going to college once he graduates, but will not continue playing hockey.

GIRLS INDOOR TRACK:

MacKenna Homa – Distance runner and pole vaulter. MacKenna has been running cross country for 6 years and track for 5. She typically runs the 2 mile in indoor track, along with pole vaulting, and the 5K during cross country. Her favorite memories include team dinners, snow tubing, and games with her team. MacKenna plans to continue running after she graduates, but not competitively. She hopes to focus on longer distances.

Molly Murray – Sprinter. Molly has been running track for 3 years. She normally runs the 55 meter dash, the 200 meter dash, and the 4×200 relay. Her favorite memory was going to Dartmouth last year with her team. After she graduates, Molly will be attending Keene State College to major in Elementary Education. She will be playing field hockey and soccer.

Bailey Wentworth – Distance runner. Bailey has been running cross country for 2 years, but this is her first year doing track. Her favorite memories have been all the easy runs she and her teammates go on. She has loved getting to know them better. After high school, Bailey plans on going to college to study psychology. She doesn’t plan on running competitively, but will continue running in her free time.

BOYS INDOOR TRACK:

Josh Lehmann – Distance runner. Josh has been running cross country and indoor track for 3 years. He has competed in almost every event, from the 2 mile to the 400 meter relay. He runs the 5K for cross country. Josh’s favorite memories are the Festival of Champions meets every year, along with the bus rides back. He has committed to Endicott College in Beverly, MA and will study civil engineering. Josh also plans to run cross country competitively there.

Ryan Murray – Sprinter. Ryan has been running track since 7th grade. He typically runs the 55, 100, and 200 meter dashes. He also runs relays. Ryan’s favorite memory was running at states during the outdoor season of his sophomore year. He hasn’t decided what college to go to, but will be majoring in accounting. Ryan does not plan to play any sports.

GIRLS BASKETBALL:

Tatyanna Biamby – Shooting guard. Tatyanna has been playing for 13 years, since she was 5. Her favorite memories come from the bus rides with her teammates after playing the game she loves. She hopes to just keep getting better as the season goes on. Tatyanna will be attending Husson University while majoring in nursing. She does not plan on continuing her basketball career.

Adele Nadeau – Guard. Adele has been playing basketball since kindergarten and has played on varsity since freshman year. Her favorite memories are the tournaments that she’s played up in Fort Kent. She says the bus rides were always fun. Adele hopes that she and her team will make the most out of their season, even though it’s not a normal year. After lots of back and forth, she ultimately decided not to play basketball in college. Adele will be attending Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC next year.

Olivia Michaud – Point guard. Olivia has been playing basketball since she was about 5 years old. She started in the Rec League and continued throughout school. Her favorite memory was the regional semi-final against South Portland during her freshman year. Her team was playing at the Civic Center for the first time, and there were lots of people watching. No one expected them to win, but they did. They went on to States that year. Olivia is thankful to be playing at all this season, and just wants to have fun and play hard. She doesn’t know where she is going to college yet, and chose not to play basketball wherever that is.

Lauren Fotter – Guard and point guard. Lauren has been playing basketball since she could get her hands on a ball. Her favorite memories are just how close her team has been. She has loved the support and sense of community. Lauren hopes her team will play their absolute hardest this season, and possibly go undefeated. She has committed to Castleton University in Vermont and will be playing soccer there.