A look back at the Spartans 2022 fall sports season

BY EMERSON TOLPIN, STAFF WRITER

With all fall varsity team seasons officially concluded, we reached out to each coach to put together recaps on the highs and lows of 2022.

Zach Lemelin, Sanford’s first-year athletic director describes the fall sports season as, “Positive, coming out of what we’ve had in the past with COVID.” He adds, “Being able to host some really cool events was great for showing how big athletics are in our community.”

In Lemelin’s first year in the position, he has created a Leadership Council that meets weekly with all fall sport captains, Varsity and JV alike. He shares that his interest was sparked in starting the council with hopes to get the leaders of the sports teams’ voices heard beyond their coaches.

When asked how the Leadership Council has changed his perspective, Lemelin stated, “It is great to hear from almost all of the teams on a weekly basis to get their feedback on the season.”

Here’s how each team wrapped up their fall season:

Cross Country

The team finished their season 2-12. Individually, junior Aidan Gagnon (for boys) and sophomore Sophie Therrien (for girls) earned All-Conference Honorable Mention.

“The season was a building year for cross country,” said Head Coach Nate Smith. “It was fantastic to see drastic individual improvement throughout the season. I expect the team to be competitive within the region and state next year!”

Field Hockey

The girls finished their season 5-9-1. This season their new Spartan head coach, Martha Kane, had her first career win. 

Individually, freshman Natalie Payeur earned All-Conference Rookie, senior Madi Sheppard was named All-Conference Honorable Mention, junior Hannah Mueller was named All-Conference Second Team and sophomore Audrey Payeur was named All-Conference First Team. Audrey Payeur also broke the school record of goals scored in a game with six goals against Deering/Portland. 

When asked how the season went, Kane shared, “While we made great strides this season, the best is yet to come!”

Football

The boys finished their season 6-5. This season they made it to the Semifinals in the State Tournament.

Four Spartans were selected as All-Conference players: Cameron Penney as Second-Team Center, Luke “LJ” McFarland as First-Team Defensive Block, Tucker Walker as First-Team Offensive Tackle and Second Team Defensive Tackle, and Jordan Bissonnette as First-Team Offensive Utility Player and Second-Team Defensive Linebacker.

Head Coach Mike Fallon shared, “Like all teams that do not win the state championship, we feel there is room for growth and improvement, but our players competed hard.”

Golf

The team finished their season 2-8. Individually, junior Zachary Parison was named All-Conference Second Team.

“The golf season was a positive one,” said Head Coach Rossie Kearson. “It was filled with a lot of progress and hard work. The members of the team realized the work that needs to go in to be successful. Everyday challenges were met with a positive outlook with a mindset of each day getting better. I’m looking forward to next season.”

Boys Soccer

The boys finished their season 2-11-1. This season they were awarded the Class A South Sportsmanship Award. This award is given to the team voted most sportsmanlike by coaches in the region. 

Individually, senior Joel Morrison was named All-Conference Second Team, while freshman Levi Mann and senior Shawn Puffer earned All-Conference Honorable Mention. 

“Unfortunately, the season did not go as planned record-wise,” said Assistant Coach John Hamilton. “[Head] Coach Puffer set out the goal of the boys improving game over game, which he expressed that they did.”

Girls Soccer

The girls finished their season 7-5-2. This season they earned a home playoff game which hasn’t been done since 2017. 

Individually, junior Hailey Tarbox was named All-Conference Second Team, while freshman Sophie Olivo, sophomore Kya Duprey, junior Ailey Mann and senior Emerson Tolpin earned All-Conference Honorable Mention. 

Head coach Ellie Agreste stated, “Besides the great competitive nature of the team, they were a fantastic group of girls on and off the field, volunteered in the community, and showed up in the classroom.”

Volleyball

The girls finished their season 12-5. This season they had the best record they’ve had in history and made it to the Final Four of the State Tournament. 

Individually, senior Kora Eckelman was named All-Conference First Team, was selected to play in the senior showcase game, and set the school record for the number of kills in a game, season, and career. Fellow senior Billi Bruno was named All-Conference Honorable Mention and set the school record for the number of digs in a game, season, and career.

“We had a terrific season,” Head Coach Jerry Hill shared, “It was a record-breaking season.”

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Reporter’s note: Cheering in the fall is non-competitive and is geared toward increasing school spirit and pride, so we have been advised to wait until the winter competition season to provide recaps.