It was a year to cherish for sports fans in the first half of 2009. A number of area high school squads had strong postseason showings, while Caribou track and field athlete Hannah Saunders walked away with a state title, and new state record, in the racewalk competition. The following is a look back on the first six months of 2009. A second installment, covering July to December, will appear in the Jan. 6 issue of the Aroostook Republican & News.
January
The Caribou boys and girls basketball team picked up wins over visiting Houlton in exciting fashion. The Viking boys edged Houlton 41-40 in a back-and-forth contest. Sam Robertson led the Vikings with 16 points. In the girls contest, the Vikings were victorious 45-38 thanks to a 16-point effort by Amanda Cyr.
Undefeated Fort Fairfield took on Central Aroostook in boys basketball before a capacity crowd at FFHS. The Tigers beat last year’s Class D regional champs 65-62 to stay unbeaten. Douglas Sharpe led the way with 13 points for Fort Fairfield.
Not to be outdone, the Tiger girls squad remained unbeaten with wins over Hodgdon (54-31) and Limestone-MSSM (39-16).
Caribou High School hosted the 2009 Aroostook League Cheering competition. Presque Isle collected first place, while Houlton was second. The spirit award was presented to the Central Aroostook squad. All-star awards were presented to Caribou’s Meagan Johndro and Presque Isle’s Brittany Brown. The Caribou cheering squad followed up with a solid showing at the Big East Cheering Championship in Hermon, placing fifth. At the regional cheering event held in Bangor, Caribou placed sixth out of 17 squads, which qualified the team for the state competition in February.
The Caribou wrestling squad finished sixth out of 19 teams at the Penobscot Valley Conference championships in Lincoln and were busy preparing for the Eastern Maine Class B competition. At the league meet, sophomore Lance Jandreau was crowned champion in the 135-pound weight class.
The Caribou boys and girls basketball team picked up wins over visiting Houlton in exciting fashion. The Viking boys edged Houlton 41-40 in a back-and-forth contest. Sam Robertson led the Vikings with 16 points. In the girls contest, the Vikings were victorious 45-38 thanks to a 16-point effort by Amanda Cyr.
Undefeated Fort Fairfield took on Central Aroostook in boys basketball before a capacity crowd at FFHS. The Tigers beat last year’s Class D regional champs 65-62 to stay unbeaten. Douglas Sharpe led the way with 13 points for Fort Fairfield.
Not to be outdone, the Tiger girls squad remained unbeaten with wins over Hodgdon (54-31) and Limestone-MSSM (39-16).
Caribou High School hosted the 2009 Aroostook League Cheering competition. Presque Isle collected first place, while Houlton was second. The spirit award was presented to the Central Aroostook squad. All-star awards were presented to Caribou’s Meagan Johndro and Presque Isle’s Brittany Brown. The Caribou cheering squad followed up with a solid showing at the Big East Cheering Championship in Hermon, placing fifth. At the regional cheering event held in Bangor, Caribou placed sixth out of 17 squads, which qualified the team for the state competition in February.
The Caribou wrestling squad finished sixth out of 19 teams at the Penobscot Valley Conference championships in Lincoln and were busy preparing for the Eastern Maine Class B competition. At the league meet, sophomore Lance Jandreau was crowned champion in the 135-pound weight class.
February
Caribou pulled off a thrilling upset when it defeated Presque Isle 47-41 thanks to a 20-point effort by Amanda Cyr. In the boys contest, Caribou edged the Wildcats 37-34 in overtime.
The Caribou cheering squad placed ninth at the state Class B championships at the Bangor Auditorium.
Several Caribou wrestlers competed at the state Class B championships at the Augusta Civic Center. Jason Case (103 pounds), Meagan Wood (112), Dustin Green (119), Jon Brewer (125) and Andrew Adams (285) participated at the meet, but did not place.
Big Rock Ski Area and the Presque Isle Nordic Heritage Center teamed up to host the state Class B ski championships. High school Alpine and Nordic skiers from Wells to Caribou competed in the event. In Alpine, Yarmouth won the boys championship, while Caribou placed ninth overall. In the girls Alpine competition, Yarmouth was also crowned champs as Caribou placed fifth. The Caribou Nordic boys squad placed third overall behind Maranacook, while the Viking girls placed seventh.
Yarmouth swept the boys and girls overall skiing titles following three days of skiing. Caribou’s Laura Collins finished third in the Skimeister division.
In basketball tourney action, Fort Fairfield’s boys basketball team entered the Class D playoffs in Bangor undefeated, but quickly learned that records mean nothing in the postseason. The Tigers were eliminated by Bangor Christian 53-51. The Tiger girls fared better, notching an opening round 53-49 victory over Katahdin. Fort Fairfield followed with a 53-47 victory over Southern Aroostook in the semifinals, advancing to the Eastern Class D championship for the first time in schoolgirl history at FFHS. In the title game, Fort Fairfield lost to Woodland 49-34.
The Caribou boys and girls basketball squads never made it to Bangor as both were eliminated in preliminary playoffs. The Viking girls lost 44-15 to Mt. View at Thorndike, while the Caribou boys fell 46-45 to Foxcroft Academy at home in a game decided by a buzzer-beater.
The Limestone-MSSM girls basketball squad also suffered an early playoff exit, falling to Southern Aroostook 47-20.
Washburn’s girls basketball squad was eliminated from the playoffs in the semifinals with a 56-21 loss to Woodland.
Caribou’s Recreation Department “A” boys basketball team captured the 37th annual fifth and sixth grade County Peewee Basketball tournament. Team members included Nick Frost, Tyler Dombroski, Dayne Savage, Donovan Savage, Dustin Bouchard, Mason Huck, Colby Holdsworth, Nate Wyman, Austin Griffeth, Taylor Thibodeau, Gabe Massey, Brayden Burby, and coaches Matt Bouchard and Kyle Corrigan.
Caribou pulled off a thrilling upset when it defeated Presque Isle 47-41 thanks to a 20-point effort by Amanda Cyr. In the boys contest, Caribou edged the Wildcats 37-34 in overtime.
The Caribou cheering squad placed ninth at the state Class B championships at the Bangor Auditorium.
Several Caribou wrestlers competed at the state Class B championships at the Augusta Civic Center. Jason Case (103 pounds), Meagan Wood (112), Dustin Green (119), Jon Brewer (125) and Andrew Adams (285) participated at the meet, but did not place.
Big Rock Ski Area and the Presque Isle Nordic Heritage Center teamed up to host the state Class B ski championships. High school Alpine and Nordic skiers from Wells to Caribou competed in the event. In Alpine, Yarmouth won the boys championship, while Caribou placed ninth overall. In the girls Alpine competition, Yarmouth was also crowned champs as Caribou placed fifth. The Caribou Nordic boys squad placed third overall behind Maranacook, while the Viking girls placed seventh.
Yarmouth swept the boys and girls overall skiing titles following three days of skiing. Caribou’s Laura Collins finished third in the Skimeister division.
In basketball tourney action, Fort Fairfield’s boys basketball team entered the Class D playoffs in Bangor undefeated, but quickly learned that records mean nothing in the postseason. The Tigers were eliminated by Bangor Christian 53-51. The Tiger girls fared better, notching an opening round 53-49 victory over Katahdin. Fort Fairfield followed with a 53-47 victory over Southern Aroostook in the semifinals, advancing to the Eastern Class D championship for the first time in schoolgirl history at FFHS. In the title game, Fort Fairfield lost to Woodland 49-34.
The Caribou boys and girls basketball squads never made it to Bangor as both were eliminated in preliminary playoffs. The Viking girls lost 44-15 to Mt. View at Thorndike, while the Caribou boys fell 46-45 to Foxcroft Academy at home in a game decided by a buzzer-beater.
The Limestone-MSSM girls basketball squad also suffered an early playoff exit, falling to Southern Aroostook 47-20.
Washburn’s girls basketball squad was eliminated from the playoffs in the semifinals with a 56-21 loss to Woodland.
Caribou’s Recreation Department “A” boys basketball team captured the 37th annual fifth and sixth grade County Peewee Basketball tournament. Team members included Nick Frost, Tyler Dombroski, Dayne Savage, Donovan Savage, Dustin Bouchard, Mason Huck, Colby Holdsworth, Nate Wyman, Austin Griffeth, Taylor Thibodeau, Gabe Massey, Brayden Burby, and coaches Matt Bouchard and Kyle Corrigan.
March
As part of Caribou’s 150th sesquicentennial celebration, skiers from around the County took part in the “Dash for Cash” event to crown Maine’s fastest skier in a variety of age categories.
The Nordic Heritage Center hosted the eighth annual Himie Towle Memorial cross-country ski frolic with nearly 75 skiers competing.
Caribou boys basketball coach Chris Casavant was honored as the 2008-09 Big East Conference Coach of the Year.
More than 130 boys and girls from around Aroostook County gathered in Caribou to vie for the chance to represent the County at the state finals of the Maine Recreation and Park Association Hotshot Basketball program. Donovan Savage, 10, of Caribou was crowned the overall hot shot.
Caribou Middle School hosted a girls and boys freestyle meet with squads from Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Limestone and Madawaska joining the hosts. Both Caribou squads finished first in the competition.
Fort Fairfield’s Josh Ricker, 11, sank all 25 of his free throws at the Knights of Columbus state free throw shooting competition in Old Town. Amanda Hotham, 14, of Fort Fairfield won her age group as well, sinking 22 of 25 foul shots.
Caribou’s month-long volleyball season ended with the Vikings boys finishing third and girls fourth in the Aroostook League championships. Both the Fort Fairfield boys and girls volleyball teams won the Division II Aroostook League titles.
As part of Caribou’s 150th sesquicentennial celebration, skiers from around the County took part in the “Dash for Cash” event to crown Maine’s fastest skier in a variety of age categories.
The Nordic Heritage Center hosted the eighth annual Himie Towle Memorial cross-country ski frolic with nearly 75 skiers competing.
Caribou boys basketball coach Chris Casavant was honored as the 2008-09 Big East Conference Coach of the Year.
More than 130 boys and girls from around Aroostook County gathered in Caribou to vie for the chance to represent the County at the state finals of the Maine Recreation and Park Association Hotshot Basketball program. Donovan Savage, 10, of Caribou was crowned the overall hot shot.
Caribou Middle School hosted a girls and boys freestyle meet with squads from Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, Limestone and Madawaska joining the hosts. Both Caribou squads finished first in the competition.
Fort Fairfield’s Josh Ricker, 11, sank all 25 of his free throws at the Knights of Columbus state free throw shooting competition in Old Town. Amanda Hotham, 14, of Fort Fairfield won her age group as well, sinking 22 of 25 foul shots.
Caribou’s month-long volleyball season ended with the Vikings boys finishing third and girls fourth in the Aroostook League championships. Both the Fort Fairfield boys and girls volleyball teams won the Division II Aroostook League titles.
April
Caribou Middle School won the Aroostook League wrestling championship held at Presque Isle High School. Thirteen Vikings were crowned individual grappling champs. Those wrestlers were Craig Vrieze, Tre Caudill, Robert Cuadill, Axios Gerakaris, Michael Selander, Brendan Wood, Kenny Griffeth, Cody Wilcox, Tyler Vrieze, Hunter Willette, Jared Keaton, Andrew Michaud and Dustin MacDougal.
The Limestone Community School and Maine School of Science and Mathematics announced it would be remaining in Class D for sporting events. The Eagles were on target to move up to Class C according to enrollment figures, but Athletic Director Larry Worcester argued his case to the Maine Principals’ Association.
The Snow Dogs, Aroostook County’s Special Olympics basketball team, competed in the state tournament at the University of Southern Maine.
James “Chico” Hernandez of Washburn won a pair of world titles at the North American Grappling Association’s World Championship.
The Caribou baseball and softball teams were gearing up for another season of diamond action. Coach Ryan Deprey led the softball squad, while Jim Thibodeau returned to guide the baseball team. In track, Todd Alley and Roy Alden, with Todd Albert assisting, led the Vikings.
Caribou’s boys and girls tennis teams were also gearing up for what was hoped to be another successful season. John Habeeb coached both squads.
Caribou resident Bob White was honored by the Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association during the annual spring conference. White was a long-time soccer official in the County.
Caribou Middle School won the Aroostook League wrestling championship held at Presque Isle High School. Thirteen Vikings were crowned individual grappling champs. Those wrestlers were Craig Vrieze, Tre Caudill, Robert Cuadill, Axios Gerakaris, Michael Selander, Brendan Wood, Kenny Griffeth, Cody Wilcox, Tyler Vrieze, Hunter Willette, Jared Keaton, Andrew Michaud and Dustin MacDougal.
The Limestone Community School and Maine School of Science and Mathematics announced it would be remaining in Class D for sporting events. The Eagles were on target to move up to Class C according to enrollment figures, but Athletic Director Larry Worcester argued his case to the Maine Principals’ Association.
The Snow Dogs, Aroostook County’s Special Olympics basketball team, competed in the state tournament at the University of Southern Maine.
James “Chico” Hernandez of Washburn won a pair of world titles at the North American Grappling Association’s World Championship.
The Caribou baseball and softball teams were gearing up for another season of diamond action. Coach Ryan Deprey led the softball squad, while Jim Thibodeau returned to guide the baseball team. In track, Todd Alley and Roy Alden, with Todd Albert assisting, led the Vikings.
Caribou’s boys and girls tennis teams were also gearing up for what was hoped to be another successful season. John Habeeb coached both squads.
Caribou resident Bob White was honored by the Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association during the annual spring conference. White was a long-time soccer official in the County.
May
The Caribou boys and girls track teams took home first-place honors at the County’s first track meet of 2009.
Caribou’s Little League opened its 2009 season. Bob White, on the field that is his namesake, announced the 2009 recipients of the Peter Ouellette and Caribou Little League scholarships. Kristen Espling was the recipient of the Peter Ouellette scholarship. Espling played on the North Stars, Union 122 Middle School for four years and was a four-year player on the Viking softball team. Chad McCarthy was the recipient of the 2009 Caribou Little League scholarship. He played for Union122, as well as the junior varsity and varsity teams at Caribou.
The Caribou Viking boys and girls track teams were crowned Aroostook County champions, beating squads from Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent and Limestone-MSSM.
The Union 122 softball team completed a perfect season with a 9-0 record. Tom and Jill LaPlante coached the team.
The Caribou boys and girls track teams took home first-place honors at the County’s first track meet of 2009.
Caribou’s Little League opened its 2009 season. Bob White, on the field that is his namesake, announced the 2009 recipients of the Peter Ouellette and Caribou Little League scholarships. Kristen Espling was the recipient of the Peter Ouellette scholarship. Espling played on the North Stars, Union 122 Middle School for four years and was a four-year player on the Viking softball team. Chad McCarthy was the recipient of the 2009 Caribou Little League scholarship. He played for Union122, as well as the junior varsity and varsity teams at Caribou.
The Caribou Viking boys and girls track teams were crowned Aroostook County champions, beating squads from Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent and Limestone-MSSM.
The Union 122 softball team completed a perfect season with a 9-0 record. Tom and Jill LaPlante coached the team.
June
Caribou’s Hannah Saunders set a new Penobscot Valley Conference record at the PVC track and field championships in Bangor. Saunders’ time of seven minutes, 40.67 seconds in the 1,600-meter racewalk shattered the previous record of 7:59.39 held by Mahal Stewart of Narrraguagus.
At states, Saunders and Nate Swan led the Viking girls and boys track squads respectively to strong finishes. Saunders followed up her impressive PVC effort by walking away with an individual state title and new state record in the racewalk. Saunders’ time of 7:36.32 marked her personal best and was a school record as well. For the boys, the 4×400 relay team of Jesse Stephens, Matt Till, Steve Melbourn and Swan set a new school record with their time of 3:32.43. Swan also won a state title in the javelin (165-feet, 4-inches).
Little Leaguers had a busy start to the season with VFW and Shop N’ Save sporting unbeaten records.
In tennis, Caribou fell 3-2 to Waterville in the Eastern Class B championship match.
Limestone-MSSM’s softball squad defeated Fort Fairfield 17-5 in a Class D semifinal game. The Eagles fell to Woodland 4-1 in the Eastern Class D championship.
Caribou’s Hannah Saunders set a new Penobscot Valley Conference record at the PVC track and field championships in Bangor. Saunders’ time of seven minutes, 40.67 seconds in the 1,600-meter racewalk shattered the previous record of 7:59.39 held by Mahal Stewart of Narrraguagus.
At states, Saunders and Nate Swan led the Viking girls and boys track squads respectively to strong finishes. Saunders followed up her impressive PVC effort by walking away with an individual state title and new state record in the racewalk. Saunders’ time of 7:36.32 marked her personal best and was a school record as well. For the boys, the 4×400 relay team of Jesse Stephens, Matt Till, Steve Melbourn and Swan set a new school record with their time of 3:32.43. Swan also won a state title in the javelin (165-feet, 4-inches).
Little Leaguers had a busy start to the season with VFW and Shop N’ Save sporting unbeaten records.
In tennis, Caribou fell 3-2 to Waterville in the Eastern Class B championship match.
Limestone-MSSM’s softball squad defeated Fort Fairfield 17-5 in a Class D semifinal game. The Eagles fell to Woodland 4-1 in the Eastern Class D championship.
