Winter High School Sports Report

ADDISONINDEPENDENT

SECTION C 2015–2016 Winter High School

sports REPORT

• team rosters • schedules • pictures • stories

December 10, 2015

PAGE 2C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 10, 2015

MIDDLEBURY

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

MUHS Boys’ Basketball

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — Ten years ago, Kyle Lussier ran Coach Chris Altemose’s Middlebury Union boys’ basketball team as a senior point guard.

This year, Lussier is running the Tigers as their coach, replacing his former mentor after Altemose stepped down this offseason after his 15-year run leading the program.

Lussier attended Southern New Hampshire University after graduating from MUHS. When he returned to Middlebury Lussier was coaching elementary school flag football when Altemose called to see if he would be interested in coaching the Tiger boys’ freshman hoop team.

Lussier said he “jumped right on” the opportunity to join the Tiger hoop program. He ended up assisting former Tiger JV coach Gene DeLorenzo for two years, and then took over the JV team until his promotion to head coach.

“I wanted to give back any way I can. I always appreciated the extra support I always got when I was growing up,” Lussier said. “It’s something I really like doing and wanted to make sure I was a part of, too.”

Lussier inherits a team that graduated a number of two-year starters and saw its leading scorer, Oakley Gordon, lose his senior campaign to a late-season football injury.

Lussier, of course, felt worse for Gordon, but also acknowledged the impact on the team.

“We have quite a few seniors on the team this year, but he would have been the only one with a lot of game experience,” he said.

Lussier believes that a group of players who saw the most time as sub-

stitutes a year ago — senior guards Nick Holmes and Jack Hounchell, senior center Jon Fitzcharles and junior forward Trey Kaufmann — can answer the challenge of carrying a full load this winter.

“I have all the confidence these guys will do it, just basically taking that next step up,” he said. “We’re out here practicing, trying to push them as hard as we can to get them ready for that type of speed, that type of expectation.”

Those four are likely to start, Holmes at the point, Hounchell at shooting guard, Fitzcharles in the middle and Kaufmann at power forward.

Senior Ryan Miller could join

them at other forward, with versatile junior Pierson Beatty another candidate. Lussier said sophomore J.D. Goettelmann could be off the bench early as the top backup at the point.

Seniors Nick Coe and Ali Abdul Sater will back up the forwards, and seniors Tom Manley and Liam Smith provide depth in the backcourt. Two juniors will probably come off the bench as forwards, Jakub Kraus on the wing, and Spencer Carpenter in the post.

Height should be a plus, Lussier said.

“We’re potentially going to have a starting lineup where the smallest guy is going to be six-one. That’s good size for us here in Middlebury,”

he said. “It’s going to be fun to potentially give the other teams matchup problems with our size.”

Lussier will ask the Tigers to play man-to-man defense and make opponents earn their hoops, and on the attack try to spread the floor with outside shooting to allow his post players room to operate.

“I think offensively we can do a lot of good things,” he said.

Lussier will look for the Tigers to get better as the season progresses.

“That’s everyone’s goal, to keep improving on where you started,” he said. “We can do that by pushing ourselves, and not being happy once we do one thing right, and continuing to improve on progress.”

Middlebury Union High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball 1/12 @ Mt. Mansfield Date Opponent/Event Time 1/15 Mt. Abraham 12/2 @ Burr & Burton 7:30 p.m.

1/21 @ Missisquoi 12/4 @ Colchester 7:30 p.m.

1/23 Milton 12/9 Mt. Anthony 6:30 p.m.

1/26 Vergennes 12/15 South Burlington 7 p.m.

2/3 @ Mt. Abraham 12/17 Burr & Burton 7 p.m.

2/6 Missisquoi 12/29 @ BFA-St. Albans 7:30 p.m.

2/9 @ Milton 1/7 Rutland 7 p.m.

2/12 @ Vergennes 1/9 Colchester 12:30 p.m.

Middlebury Union High School Boys’ Basketball Team Coach: Kyle Lussier Ryan Miller Name Grade Liam Smith Ali Abdul Sater 12 Pierson Beatty Nick Coe 12 Spencer Carpenter Jon Fitzcharles 12 Trey Kaufmann Nick Holmes 12 Jakub Kraus Jack Hounchell 12 J.D. Goettelmann Tom Manley 12

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Addison Independent, Thursday, December 10, 2015 — PAGE 3C

MIDDLEBURY

MUHS

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

Boys’ Hockey

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — A year ago, the Middlebury Union boys’ hockey team compiled the best record within Division II before a quarterfinal upset at the hands of the team with the second-best record within the division.

This winter, Coach Derek Bartlett looks for more of at least the same level of success.

“I like our energy. I like our competitive edge. There’s definitely some hockey awareness from some of the younger guys coming into the lineup,” Bartlett said. “They will complement what we return from last year.”

What the Tigers return is most of the team, especially along the blue line. What they lose are the two players who led the team in scoring, but Bartlett believes the Tigers’ depth will help counter their absence.

“We only graduated two seniors, but that was 90 percent of our scoring,” he said. “But I’m confident that with the lineup we’re looking at we

can run three lines on a regular basis, and hopefully we’ll keep those guys energized and charged.”

Bartlett and assistants Jim Derosia and Chase Goodrich will again deploy a two-forward, three-back system. In the preseason, Bartlett projected the top three pairs up front to be senior veterans Tyler Crowningshield and Jerry Niemo, freshmen Jake Peluso and Henry Hodde, and junior Eli Tucker and sophomore Jack Donohue.

Sophomores Tyler Giorgio and Wyatt Galipeau could form a fourth pair, and senior Ken Caul, sophomore Wills Huntington and freshman Max Hirdler, assuming he can recover from a preseason injury, can also skate up front.

Along the backline, Bartlett foresaw seniors Colton Leno and River Payne and junior Andrew Gleason as one trio, juniors Brett Viens and Erik Sherman and sophomore Krystian Gombosi as another, and senior Morgan Huestis, junior Josh Girard and sophomore Brian Kiernan as a

MUHS

third group. Sophomore defenseman Ziven McCarty will try to work into the rotation when he recovers from an injury.

In goal, Bartlett said he had confidence in both senior Sawyer Ryan and junior Doug DeLorenzo.

“They will be the foundation of our success,” he said.

Bartlett saw team chemistry as a plus in the early going.

“So far what I’ve seen with the new guys coming in they’re working hard. They’re grasping the system, and I think the returning players are excited to see some of the talent

coming into the program,” he said.

One question is how a team that is on the young side and that is not big and physical will hold up during a 20-game varsity season.

“We have good team speed. We have good hockey sense. It’s just a matter of how we can handle the physical part of the game with some of the younger guys,” Bartlett said.

He is confident the Tigers can meet that challenge.

“We’re looking as always to be one of the top four teams in the league, for sure,” Bartlett said.

Middlebury Union High School Boys’ Hockey Team Coach: Derek Bartlett Erik Sherman Name Grade Eli Tucker Ken Caul 12 Brett Viens Tyler Crowningshield 12 Jack Donahue Morgan Huestis 12 Wyatt Galipeau Colton Leno 12 Tyler Giorgio Jerry Niemo 12 Krystian Gombosi River Payne 12 Wills Huntington Sawyer Ryan 12 Brian Kiernan Doug DeLorenzo 11 Ziven McCarty Josh Girard 11 Max Hirdler Andrew Gleason 11 Henry Hodde Marty Niemo 11 Jake Peluso Middlebury Union High School Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey 1/9 @ U-32 Date Opponent/Event Time 1/16 @ St. Johnsbury 12/8 Rutland 7 p.m.

1/20 Stowe 12/12 Lyndon Institute 7 p.m.

1/23 North Country 12/15 Missisquoi 7 p.m.

1/27 @ Northfield 12/18 Hartford 7 p.m.

2/3 @ Brattleboro 12/21 @ Lake Placid 6 p.m.

2/5 @ Woodstock 12/23 @ Rutland 6:15 p.m.

2/9 Milton 12/29 Midd. Tourn. – NCSS 7 p.m.

2/13 Harwood 12/30 Midd. Tourn. – Lake Placid 7 p.m.

2/17 @ Mt. Mansfield 1/2 Burlington 7 p.m.

1/6 @ Burr & Burton 5 p.m.

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Girls’ Hockey

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — This past winter, the Middlebury Union girls’ hockey team came just one game short of winning back-to-back titles, falling in the Division I final a year after winning the D-II crown.

Even with a few players lost to graduation and the decision of a couple other athletes not to return to the program this winter, many of the team’s key skaters return to what could well be a contending outfit.

“Team speed is certainly our strength,” said Coach Matt Brush, who along with Tim Howlett and Derek Bartlett leads the Tigers. “We have an unselfish, fast-skating team, which always is a good thing.”

All the team’s three forward pairs and both of its backline trios feature quickness and strong skating.

Junior Julia Carone and sophomore Andi Boe form the No. 1 pairing up front, with sophomores Helen Ander-

son and Tulley Hescock the No. 2 unit.

Three sophomores, Pauly Heminway, Georgina Mraz and Justine Smith, will rotate into the third offensive duo, Brush said, with Smith having the versatility to move to defense.

Brush projected the two blue-line trios to be senior Lauren Bartlett and sophomores Abby Gleason and Satchel McLaughlin in one group and senior Tajah Marsden and juniors Monroe Cromis and Molly Wetmore in the other. Sophomore Raven Payne and Smith will also see time in the back.

In goal, junior Rowan Hendy returns after earning the starting nod last winter before an illness knocked her out of the lineup, and Brush said sophomore Katie Billings was sharp during the preseason.

“They’ll both see time, and Rowan will most likely start our first game,” Brush said. “They’ve both looked good in practice.”

Another plus is good chemistry,

Brush said.

“It’s a great group of kids. They come in working hard every day, and they smile and enjoy each other,” he said. “There’s a real positive vibe in the locker room and on the ice. And it’s really refreshing to be part of it.”

If anything could improve, Brush said it might be the Tiger offense.

“Keeping pucks out of the net is something that we’re going to be good at,” Brush said. “It’s just going to be finding that scoring touch, finding that

consistent offensive presence game after game after game. It’s something we’re going to have to work on.”

And the team might lack the depth of the past two winters.

“If we have some injuries we’re going to be really thin,” Brush said. “I think our top players are as good as any top players in the state. And if we can capitalize on those players staying healthy and staying in the lineup, we’re going to be tough to beat on a daily basis.”

Middlebury Union High School Girls’ Hockey Team Coaches: Derek Bartlett, Matt Brush Helen Anderson & Tim Howlett Katie Billings Name Grade Andi Boe Lauren Bartlett 12 Abby Gleason Tajah Marsden 12 Pauly Heminway Julia Carone 11 Tulley Hescock Monroe Cromis 11 Satchel McLaughlin Rowan Hendy 11 Georgina Mraz Molly Wetmore 11 Raven Payne Middlebury Union High School Girls’ Varsity Ice Hockey 1/2 South Burlington Date Opponent/Event Time 1/5 Essex 12/5 @ Burr & Burton 5:45 p.m.

1/9 @ Spaulding 12/9 @ Plattsburgh 6:30 p.m.

1/11 Lake Placid 12/14 Plattsburgh 7 p.m.

1/16 @ South Burlington 12/16 @ BFA-St. Albans 5:30 p.m.

1/20 Rutland 12/19 @ Northfield 3 p.m.

1/26 Missisquoi 12/22 @ Saranac Lake 6:15 p.m.

2/3 @ Essex 12/29 Midd. Tourn. – Spaulding 5 p.m.

2/10 @ Rutland 12/30 Midd. Tournament– 2/13 BFA-St. Albans

Northfield 5 p.m.

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PAGE 4C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 10, 2015

MIDDLEBURY

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

MUHS Wrestling

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — Thanks in part to a half-dozen dedicated seniors, Coach Ethan Raymond is expecting another solid season for his Middlebury Union wrestling program.

“They’re the core the whole team is based around,” Raymond said.

“They were my initial group of freshmen, so I’m really close to them and they’re a really good group.

And they’re doing a really good job of leading the younger classes, the freshmen and sophomores and juniors, and developing them.”

For example, Raymond said, he switched the team’s practice time from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. to allow his athletes time to study or lift weights, and the seniors have led by example, bringing younger teammates along to study halls and the weight room.

“They’re doing a great job of leading and developing good “The last two habits,” he said. weeks I’ve had “The last two weeks I’ve had nine out of 12 nine out of 12 either lifting or either lifting or studying before studying before practice.” practice.”

— Coach Ethan Raymond said Raymond three of those seniors, Nick Beauchamp, Nate Gebo and James Whitley, are the best bets to contend for titles this winter.

“Those three are in the hunt for a state championship potentially this year,” he said.

Gebo returns at 113 pounds after finishing second at that weight a year ago, Beauchamp could wrestle at either 195 or 220 after taking third at 195 last winter, while Whitley reached the semifinal round at 138 before settling for fifth and will compete at that weight again.

Raymond said senior Wyatt Laberge could contend at 285, but the health of a balky knee might determine how well he fares. Raymond

Middlebury Union High School Wrestling Team

also likes the potential of junior Joe Langevin and freshman Josh Trautwein at heavyweight.

Senior Alex Sheldrick did not compete at the state meet last winter, but will look to make his mark at 160. Raymond has faith that senior Kyle Desabrais, who did not place at 132 this past winter, will do well at 145 or 152 this time around.

Sophomore Robert Pike is also available at 145.

In addition to Langevin, the team’s only other junior is A.J. Campbell, who is new to the sport but talented, according to the coach, and will compete at 126 along with another newcomer, freshman Justin Jackson.

Two sophomores round out the

roster. Dustin Davio at 132 was ready to place at this past state meet, Raymond said, but was not allowed to compete in his final match due to a medical condition. The coach is confident he will do well this winter.

Finally, Raymond likes Joe Whitley’s strength and aggressive attitude at 138 and will work with him to polish his technique.

Some wrestlers will focus on developing their skills for varsitylevel competition in the next year or two, especially those who are in the same weight classes as more experienced athletes.

“I’d rather have them be backups and wrestle JV for a year or two and build confidence, and then go out

there,” Raymond said.

But some weight classes will have healthy competition.

“This year we’re looking to have more wrestle-offs, a little more competitiveness in the room, because we have some kids with more equal ability in some weight classes,” Raymond said.

In all, Raymond said, he is looking forward to some possible improvement in the Tigers’ prospects.

“We should place as well as we have the last few years,” he said.

“I’ve had six kids place, and I think this year, the average (team place in the state championship) instead of fifth or sixth, it will be around third or fourth, and a couple state champions.”

Coach: Ethan Raymond Name Grade Nick Beauchamp Kyle Desabrais Nate Gebo Wyatt LaBerge Alex Sheldrick

12 12 12 12 12

James Whitley A.J. Campbell Joe Langevin Dustin Davio Robert Pike Joe Whitley Justin Jackson Josh Trautwein

12 11 11 10 10 10 9 9

Middlebury Union High School Varsity Wrestling 1/13 Essex @ St. Johnsbury 6 p.m.

Date Opponent/Event Time 1/20 MMU @ CVU 6 p.m.

12/5 Nathan Wood Mem. Tourn.

1/23 Granville, N.Y., Duals TBD

9:30 a.m.

1/28 Spaulding, Randolph, 12/10 CVU @ MMU 6 p.m.

Milton, Harwood 6 p.m.

12/14 Spaulding @ Randolph 6 p.m.

1/30 Corinth Invitational 9:30 a.m.

12/19 Granville Lions Invitational 9 a.m.

2/4 Vergennes @ Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

12/23 Hartford, Keene @ 2/10 Mt. Anthony, Mill River @ Otter

Bellows Falls TBD

Valley 5:30 p.m.

12/29 Hubie Wagner Invitational 2/13 NVAC Champs. @ St. J. TBD

12:15 p.m.

2/26 State Champs @ Mill River TBD 12/30 Hubie Wagner Invitational 9 a.m.

2/27 State Champs @ Mill River TBD 1/5 Mt. Abraham, Vergennes 7 p.m.

3/4 New England Champs TBD 1/8 Peru Invitational TBD 3/5 New England Champs TBD 1/9 Peru Invitational TBD

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Addison Independent, Thursday, December 10, 2015 — PAGE 5C

MIDDLEBURY

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

MUHS Girls’ Basketball

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — This past winter, a Middlebury Union girls’ basketball team with just two seniors among its top eight players won only three times, but Coach Jen Heath noted the Tigers played better down the stretch and two of those wins came in their final three games.

This year’s team has added maturity, Heath said, with two seniors and six juniors to go with sophomore Keagan Dunbar, the Independent CoPlayer of the Year last season, and many of the athletes played some offseason basketball.

Heath foresees last winter’s momentum carrying forward.

“I think we ended the season last year on a high note,” she said in preseason. “Hopefully we’ll take that into the season this year.”

One reason Heath is optimistic is team speed. She believes the Tigers can score in transition, make good use at times of a full-court press, and get after opponents with man-to-man defense.

“We have quickness. We can get up the court. We just have to figure out when to make the long pass and when not to,” she said. “All of our positions can run the floor, so I think that will be our big strength, once we figure out what’s going to work and what’s not, and depending on the team we’re playing. Some teams,

you just can’t run against them.”

The speed starts in the backcourt, where juniors Payton Buxton and Lily Smith join Dunbar. Either Buxton or Smith will start along with Dunbar, or both could start if Heath elects to go with a three-guard look.

Heath said they can shoot, or use their quickness to put pressure on opposing defenses.

“They get to the hoop well. Keagan drives strong; Payton and Lily,

same thing,” she said.

Senior Hannah Buttolph will start in the middle, and juniors Riley Fenster on the wing and Ally Larocque in the post will both start games, Heath said. Senior Jesse Trudeau and junior Calista Carl will back up the post players, and junior Onica Nop will spell the wing players, Heath said.

Heath said she liked what she saw of the Tigers during the preseason.

“It feels like we’re picking up right where we left off,” Heath said.

“We certainly are ahead of the game, and definitely compared to other seasons.”

The team expects to improve over their win total of this past winter.

“That’s our expectation. That’s our goal. We’ve talked about it.

We’re all on the same page,” Heath said. “I think we’ve finally put everything together.”

MUHS Girls’ Basketball Team Coach: Jen Heath Name Grade Hannah Buttolph 12 Jesse Trudeau 12 Payton Buxton 11 Calista Carl 11 Riley Fenster 11 Onica Nop 11 Ally Larocque 11 Lily Smith 11 Keagan Dunbar 10

Middlebury Union High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball Date Opponent/Event Time 12/4 @ Mill River 7 p.m.

12/8 @ Missisquoi 7 p.m.

12/11 Winooski 7 p.m.

12/14 Otter Valley 7 p.m.

12/22 Mill River 7 p.m.

1/2 Colchester 12:30 p.m.

1/4 @ Winooski 6:30 p.m.

1/8 Milton 7 p.m.

1/11 Fair Haven 7 p.m.

1/16 @ Vergennes 11:30 a.m.

1/20 @ Mt. Mansfield 7 p.m.

1/22 North Country 7 p.m.

1/27 @ Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

1/30 Missisquoi 12:30 p.m.

2/2 @ Colchester 7 p.m.

2/5 @ Milton 7 p.m.

2/8 Vergennes 7 p.m.

2/11 Mt. Mansfield 7 p.m.

2/15 Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

2/18 @ North Country 6:30 p.m.

MUHS Gymnastics

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury Union gymnastics co-coaches Terri Phelps and Meg Harris in the preseason were looking forward to working with a young and versatile team they said was ready and willing to learn.

“It’s definitely a building year, but we’re excited,” said. “I “We haven’t really Harris think it will be a gone through and really fun year. figured out who The kids are already gelling is going to be and working on what. We’re really well as a obviously going team.” to encourage as The team’s many kids to do two junior vetas many events as erans, captain Leah Raymond possible.”

— Coach Meg Harris and Bella Williams, will return as reliable point-scorers on established specialties, she said.

“They will continue to lead us, for sure,” Harris said.

Harris said she expects scorers to emerge from among the team’s six sophomore girls (one sophomore boy, Nick Scott, can participate, but not score) and four freshmen, but to an extent they will be experimenting with the disciplines, especially early in the season.

“We haven’t really gone through

and figured out who is going to be on what,” Harris said. “We’re obviously going to encourage as many kids to do as many events as possible.”

Among the sophomores, she does expect Lucy Ursitti to do well on the floor, Ali Chione on the bars, Laura Whitley on the beam, and Anna Buteau and Olivia Beauchamp in the all-around, while Christina Wiles will seek the events that best suit her strengths.

Among the four freshmen — Ada

Anderson, Emily Laframboise, Lian McGarry and Arianna Slavin — Harris was comfortable predicting McGarry would work well on the vault and bars and Laframboise on the floor.

She was confident all the team members would contribute, including two non-scoring Mount Abraham athletes who practice with the team, Abby Perlee and Isabel Lucarelli.

“We have an all-around mix of where people are going to shine, I

think,” she said.

Harris said she and Phelps were also enjoying their time with their team.

“It’s a really nice group of kids, for sure,” she said. “We’ve got a place for everybody. It’s a nice group.”

Middlebury Union High School Varsity Gymnastics 1/12 @ CVU Date Opponent/Event Time 1/19 U-32, Harwood 12/12 @ So. Burlington Invitational Noon 1/29 @ Harwood 12/19 Essex 1 p.m.

2/6 @ St. Johnsbury 12/23 @ South Burlington 4 p.m.

2/10 Milton 12/29 Randolph 6 p.m.

2/20 States @ Essex 1/6 @ Milton 6 p.m.

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Middlebury Union High School Gymnastics Team Coaches: Meg Harris, Terri Phelps Name Grade Leah Raymond 11 Bella Williams 11 Olivia Beauchamp 10 Anna Buteau 10 Ali Chione 10 Nick Scott 10 Lucy Ursitti 10 Laura Whitley 10 Christina Wilies 10 Ada Anderson 9 Emily Laframboise 9 Lian McGarry 9 Arianna Slavin 9

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PAGE 6C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 10, 2015

MIDDLEBURY

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

MUHS Boys’ and Girls’ Nordic

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — In the preseason, new Middlebury Union Nordic Coach Hayden Shea said she was excited about how her team was going about its business, or at least as happy as a ski coach could be without snow.

“It seems like everybody’s really motivated, and we’ve been having really good workouts,” Shea said.

Shea, a Jackson, Wyo., native and Middlebury College senior who will graduate in February, is a familiar face to at least a few of her skiers.

A biology major who hopes to get into teaching and more coaching at the high school level in the future, she was recruited by MUHS varsity girls’ soccer coach Wendy Leeds to coach the Tiger girls’ soccer team this past fall.

Shea, who has also coached the Middlebury College Ultimate Frisbee team, as well as several sports this past summer while working at the Northfield Mount Hermon School, said that Tiger soccer job led to the Nordic post.

This fall, varsity soccer assistant Bruce Ingersoll, a Nordic parent, helped recruit Shea for the skiing position that Chas Lyons came out of retirement this past winter to take care of for one season.

“I had a really good time doing “We have some that, and I met people coming in Bruce Ingersoll that, who have never through and he’s the skied before, one who kind of and that’s really brought me in for the Nordic exciting.” job,” Shea said.

— Coach Ingersoll and Hayden Shea fellow Nordic team parents and skiers Eben Punderson and Barney Hodges also agreed to lend their expertise to help out Shea, who grew up skiing, but played ice hockey in high school.

“It’s really kind of a team effort in the Nordic world for the coaching job this year,” she said. “They have so much experience with this team.”

This past winter, the Tiger teams were competitive in Division II, with the boys taking third and the girls finishing fourth at the two-day state championship state meet.

The boys’ team returns all four of the skiers from a relay team that was third on one day and second on the other: senior Haven Tate, juniors Nick Wilkerson and Harlow Punderson, and sophomore Sam Hodges.

Individually, Wilkerson and Hodges cracked the top 10, and Tate was in the top 20. Senior David Dregallo also returns after being the Tigers No. 5 finisher on both days.

And, Shea said, reinforcements have arrived from the North Branch School, sophomores Tom Hussey and Cade Christner.

“They have a pretty solid background,” she said.

Coach: Chas Lyons Name Grade David Dregallo 12 Matthew Ferguson 12 Signi Livingstone-Peters 12 Wyatt Norris 12

Haven Tate Tobias Broucke Ross Crowne Henry Ganey Amelia Ingersoll Hattie Lindert

12 11 11 11 11 11

Middlebury Union High School Nordic Ski Team Kate Oster 11 Harlow Punderson 11 Douglas Sandler 11 Nicholas Wilkerson 11 Claire Wulfman 11 Cade Christner 10

Sam Hodges Jane Holmes Thomas Hussey Caroline Kimble Katherine Koehler Sophia Marks

10 10 10 10 10 10

Ella Nagy-Benson Isabel Rosenberg Julian Schmitt Audrey Huston

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Middlebury Union High School Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Nordic Skiing

On the girls’ side, Shea noted, the team graduated seniors Julia Rosenberg and Emily Kiernan.

“That will obviously be felt, but we have pretty good depth,” she said.

Junior Amelia Ingersoll and sophomores Katherine Koehler and Isabel Rosenberg competed on the relay teams at the state meets this past winter, and Ingersoll cracked the top 20 individually. Senior Signi Livingstone-Peters and junior Kate Oster also posted some good lateseason results.

Shea and the other coaches are also looking forward to continuing

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to develop the skills of all the athletes and introducing others to the sport.

“We have some people coming in who have never skied before, and that’s really exciting,” she said.

In all, Shea is optimistic about the winter, and said things will be even better when everybody can strap on their skis.

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Addison Independent, Thursday, December 10, 2015 — PAGE 7C

MOUNT ABRAHAM UNION HIGH SCHOOL

Mt. Abe

By ANDY KIRKALDY BRISTOL — Thanks to a little recruiting help from program assistant Nick Mayer, Coach Pete Lossman’s Mount Abraham Union wrestling team is enjoying its strongest numbers in several years.

After Mayer sent out a letter to all Mount Abe boys and the middle school football team, Lossman ended up with 11 athletes on the team’s preseason roster.

“Nick did some preseason scouting, and it seemed like that brought a bunch of them in,” Lossman said.

“And the ones of them that are here seem pretty dedicated.”

Two members of the team have reached the podium at a state meet.

Junior Dylan Little, the only Eagle to win a match at the 2015 championships, finished sixth as a freshman at 145 pounds and will wrestle at 160 this winter, and Middlebury transfer Ben Murray was sixth at 120 in March and will compete at 126 this winter.

Wrestling Two Eagle freshmen, Roman Mayer and Kevin Pearsall, who will wrestle at 120 and 170, respectively, each finished second at the 2015 junior high championships.

Lossman said he was happy to have those two and Murray for several more winters.

“Down the road, we’re in good shape with those three guys,” he said.

The rest of the lineup shapes up as junior Donovan Lamore at 106, freshman Dawson Lamore at 113, freshman Gary Conant at 126, junior Christian Little at 132, junior Josh Hardy at 145, freshman Hailey Trayah at 195, and freshman Ryan Durfee at 220.

Some will end up competing at the JV level, but Lossman expects others to emerge in the course of the season and possibly even contend for a state podium.

“I think it’s too early to say which ones,” he said.

Mount Abraham Union High School Wrestling Team Coaches: Peter Lossman Gary Conant Name Grade Ryan Durfee Josh Hardy 11 Dawson Lamore Donovan Lamore 11 Roman Mayer Christian Little 11 Kevin Pearsall Dylan Little 11 Hailey Trayah Ben Murray 10

In the meantime, Lossman is confident in his team’s approach.

“They’re enjoying themselves

9 9 9 9 9 9

and working hard,” he said. “You can’t ask for anything more.”

Mt. Abe

Girls’ Basketball

By ANDY KIRKALDY BRISTOL — The graduation of a half-dozen seniors, including a couple who played roles in the Eagles’ backto-back titles in 2013 and 2014, means a new look for Coach Connie LaRose’s Mount Abraham girls’ basketball team this winter — the Eagle roster includes just three seniors and one junior.

“We’re still extremely young, and it’s going to be a growing year in a lot of ways,” LaRose said. “I just hope it’s

Mount Abraham Union High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball 12/26 @ Fair Haven Tournament TBA 1/30 Date Opponent/Event Time 1/2 North Country 2:30 p.m.

2/2 12/4 @CVU vs. Burr & Burton 5:30 p.m.

1/8 @ Mt. Mansfield 7 p.m.

2/5 12/5 @ CVU Tournament TBA 1/13 @ Milton 7 p.m.

2/8 12/9 Missisquoi 7 p.m.

1/19 @ Colchester 7 p.m.

2/11 12/14 Mill River 7 p.m.

1/22 Vergennes 7 p.m.

2/15 12/19 @ Otter Valley 7:30 p.m.

1/27 Middlebury 7 p.m.

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Mount Abraham Union High School Varsity Wrestling 1/19 @ Randolph w/Essex, Date Opponent/Event Time

Harwood 6 p.m.

12/5 @ St. Johnsbury Tourn. 10 a.m.

1/23 @ Vergennes Tournament 9 a.m.

12/8 @ Essex w/Randolph 6 p.m.

1/27 @ St. Johnsbury w/CVU 6 p.m.

12/14 @ CVU w/St. Johnsbury TBA 2/4 Host: Vergennes, 12/19 @ Granville Tourn. (tentative) TBA

Middlebury 7 p.m.

12/29 @ Middlebury Tournament TBA 2/6 Mt. Mansfield Tournament 10 a.m.

12/30 @ Middlebury Tournament TBA 2/9 Host: Spaulding,Mt. Mansfield 7 p.m.

1/2 @ OV Tournament 9:30 a.m.

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Mt. Abe Girls’ Basketball Team Coach: Connie LaRose Name Grade Dani Forand 12 Jesse McKean 12 Stacie Sabourin 12 Xzavia Berry 11 Emma Carter 10 Emma LaRose 10 Emma Radler 10 Abby Mansfield 10 Olivia Young 10 Jalen Cook 9

going to be a lot of growing.”

A tough slate of preseason scrimmages tested the Eagles, and their season started with a tournament at Champlain Valley that featured three Division I foes.

Those challenges should help improve a team that LaRose believes has talent, she said.

“They’re working hard,” she said, adding, “I’ve got a few kids with a pretty good basketball IQ, and we’ll get better.”

Sophomore Emma Carter, the team’s leading scorer a year ago, returns at one forward spot, and senior Dani Forand, who showed well while playing significant minutes off the bench this past winter, moves into the lineup at the other forward spot. Either junior Xzavia Berry or sophomore Olivia Young will start in the middle, LaRose said, with the other seeing plenty of time. Sophomore Emma Radler will also slot into the frontcourt

positions.

Senior Jesse McKean and sophomore Emma LaRose are the probable starters at guard, and LaRose said senior Stacie Sabourin and sophomore Abby Mansfield will both bring speed and good defense when called on in the backcourt. Finally, freshman Jalen Cook is “going to find minutes” at both shooting guard and small forward, LaRose said.

Keys to the team’s success, LaRose said, will be creating scoring balance, rebounding, learning to take good care of the ball, and, especially for the team’s six underclassmen, developing confidence and experience.

“Every day if we see progress, that’s good,” she said.

By the end of the season, LaRose expects to see those things occur.

“I’m not writing this year off, that’s for sure,” she said. “We’re going to be better in February than we are right now.”

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PAGE 8C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 10, 2015

MOUNT ABRAHAM UNION HIGH SCHOOL

Mt. Abe Boys’ Basketball

By ANDY KIRKALDY BRISTOL — A familiar face to the Mount Abraham Union boys’ basketball program takes over the varsity reins this winter: Martin Clark, the school’s JV boys’ coach for the past three seasons.

Since he started coaching his daughter’s elementary school teams in the late 1990s, the native of western New York state and owner of the local Martin’s Hardware stores also coached Eagle middle school girls’ teams for a few years and for a halfdozen years mentored AAU girls’ hoop teams.

“I love to coach,” said Clark, a multi-sport high school athlete who named basket“Having not a lot ball as his favorite. “Being of success last year in business with was disappointing the three stores, for both Mike and I need somemyself. But I think, thing to take my mind off work. having coached I love the kids. I the kids that I’m love everything coaching this year about it.” previously at the Clark takes JV level, I see a lot over a team of positives that we that had a winless campaign a can build on.” year ago under — Coach former coach Martin Clark Mike Estey, who stepped down because of the long hoop season and the increasing demands of his job.

Clark said he did not want to shy away from the challenge of stepping up to the varsity position.

“Having not a lot of success last year was disappointing for both Mike and myself. But I think, having coached the kids that I’m coaching this year previously at the JV level, I see a lot of positives that we can build on,” Clark said. “So I’m ex-

cited for it. I’m excited to have them be able to grow as players, and hopefully we get the best out of them we can. That’s all we can ask for.”

Most of his probable starters will be juniors, including Jack Willis at the point and Coleman Russell on the wing in the backcourt, and in the frontcourt Chris Wood on the wing and Finn Clements in the middle.

Sophomore Jackson Counter had the preseason inside track at the other forward spot.

Three of the team’s 14 players are seniors. Kyle Barrows will provide depth under the basket, and Tucker Paradee and Charlie Meyer signed up this season, Paradee after two years away from the sport and Meyer after not playing basketball

at Mount Abe. But both are already multi-sport athletes who understand defense and ball movement, Clark said, and he foresees them working their way into the rotation as wing players.

The remaining six players are juniors. Andrew Cousino could be the first guard off the bench at either spot, and Peyton Keith and Keion Correll also will be ready to step into backcourt roles. Caleb Bonvouloir, Ryan Thompson and Craig Bristol will all spell the post players.

Clark said he will be keeping an open mind as the season progresses about playing time.

“Any of the guys can find themselves in there. It’s who develops the fastest and learns the new style

offense we’re putting in and who wants to work the hardest on defense,” Clark said.

Defense will be critical, he believes.

“We’ve got to hold teams to 40 points, 50 points or less to even be competitive,” Clark said. “If we can do that we’ll have some success on the court.”

As for the new offense, Clark said he will ask the Eagles to read and “react to what the defense is doing rather than run set plays.”

And he expects the Eagles’ attitude to help the team take a step forward.

“Everybody’s excited. They’re great,” he said. “They’ve been fun to work with.”

Mount Abraham Union High School Boys’ Basketball Team Coach: Martin Clark Name Grade Kyle Barrows 12 Charlie Meyer 12 Tucker Paradee 12 Caleb Bonvouloir 11 Craig Bristol 11 Finn Clements 11 Keion Correll 11 Andrew Cousino 11 Peyton Keith 11 Coleman Russell 11 Ryan Thompson 11 Chris Wood 11 Jack Willis 11 Jackson Counter 10

Mt. Abe Boys’ Varsity Basketball Date Opponent/Event Time 12/3 @ Randolph 7 p.m.

12/5 Otter Valley 12:30 p.m.

12/7 Fair Haven 7 p.m.

12/10 Winooski 7 p.m.

12/15 @ Otter Valley 7 p.m.

12/17 Randolph 7 p.m.

12/22 @ Winooski 7 p.m.

12/29 @ Mill River 7 p.m.

1/4 Mill River 7 p.m.

1/6 Vergennes 7 p.m.

1/12 @ Fair Haven 7 p.m.

1/15 @ Middlebury 7 p.m.

1/18 @ BFA-St. Albans 6:30 p.m.

1/23 Missisquoi 12:30 p.m.

1/26 Milton 7 p.m.

1/29 @ Vergennes 7 p.m.

2/3 Middlebury 7 p.m.

2/6 BFA-St.-Albans 12:30 p.m.

2/9 @ Missisquoi 7 p.m.

2/12 @ Milton 7 p.m.

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Addison Independent, Thursday, December 10, 2015 — PAGE 9C

VERGENNES

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

VUHS Girls’ Basketball

By ANDY KIRKALDY VERGENNES — Although injuries have thinned the ranks of the veterans that Coach Billy Waller had hoped would return to boost his Vergennes Union girls’ basketball team, he is still happy to have a half-dozen seasoned athletes back to mesh on the court and spark what he expects to be a competitive squad.

“I’ve got six experienced players who played significant minutes last year. I’m pretty excited about that,” Waller said. “They have a pretty good feel for each other.”

“I’ve got six All six will experienced rotate into the players who starting lineup, played significant Waller said, minutes last year. probably deI’m pretty excited pending on the opponent. Senior about that.” ­— Coach Billy Waller forward Nikki Salley averaged a double-double in points and rebounds a year ago, and senior Tamara Aunchman will join her in the post. Versatile senior Sara Poirier-Thayer can play either forward position or move out to shooting guard.

The team’s final senior, Brianna Gebo, brings defense and rebounding to small forward or shooting guard. Juniors Shay Pouliot and Caroline Johnston round out the returning crew and will share the bulk of the ballhandling chores.

Joining them on the roster are six juniors and a freshman. Backing up the forwards will be post players Lillian Russell and Becca Maloy, both of whom Waller said he could count on to rebound and defend, and Abbi Dobson, while Breanna Desmit can score from the wing.

In the backcourt Aly Gebo provides shooting and could slide to small forward, while Waller will look to Melina Myers to provide a defensive spark.

The team’s only freshman, Ciara Mc-

Clay, can back up either at the point or off the ball.

Waller said all his newcomers bring something to the table.

“The kids who are working into the rotation … They’ll be able to fill a role, I think,” he said.

Given the combination of veterans and role players, Waller said he was excited about the Commodores’ prospects.

“I think we can be competitive with every team on our schedule and can win more games than we have in recent years,” he said.

Good Luck, Commodores!

Vergennes Union High School Girls’ Basketball Team Coach: Billy Waller Name Grade Tamara Aunchman 12 Brianna Gebo 12 Sara Poirier-Thayer 12 Nikki Salley 12 Caroline Johnston 11 Shay Pouliot 11

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Breanna Desmit Abbi Dobson Aly Gebo Becca Maloy Melina Myers Lillian Russell Ciara McClay

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Date Opponent/Event Time 12/4 @ Harwood 7 p.m.

12/9 @ Winooski 7 p.m.

12/11 @ Montpelier 7:30 p.m.

12/14 Winooski 7 p.m.

12/23 Montpelier 7 p.m.

12/28 Harwood 7 p.m.

1/5 Milton 7 p.m.

1/8 @ North Country 6:30 p.m.

1/13 @ Mt. Mansfield 7 p.m.

1/16 Middlebury 11:30 a.m.

1/19 1/22 1/27 1/30 2/2 2/5 2/8 2/11 2/15 2/18

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PAGE 10C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 10, 2015

VERGENNES

VUHS

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

Indoor Track

By ANDY KIRKALDY to allow him to focus on developVERGENNES — After a couple ing girls’ relay teams, especially multi-season point-scorers gradu- four-by-200 and four-by-400-meated this spring, Vergennes Union ter units. The VUHS track teams indoor track coach Brad Castillo have not fielded many girls’ relay envisions this indoor track season squads in recent years. as supporting the upcoming spring “For the first time in awhile, season and setting the school’s especially in the last three or four track programs up for the future. years, I’ll have a potentially good “This is nice little springboard girls’ team down the road,” he said. year for us to get good and strong “As they get stronger and more for next year,” said Cascomfortable with how tillo, who has taken over “This is nice they do things here, they the top post in VUHS track should be pretty good.” with the departure of fellow little springThe four boys who VUHS alum Jeff Kauffman board year for signed up early are seniors to become a track assistant Xavier Provencher and us to get good Quinn D’Andrea, sophoat Castleton University.

Last spring, Castillo and strong for more Will Wormer and coached a strong VUHS freshman Spencer Hurlmiddle school team, but next year.” burt. All are solid distance — Coach runners, Castillo said, and as of the indoor track preBrad Castillo Provencher and D’Andrea season many of those athletes were tied up in the finished strong during the school play. He was hopcross-country season. ing some of those students would “Quinn and Xavier came off opt to join the 10 athletes already great final two meets of the seasigned up for this winter. son,” he said.

“I’m hoping now that the muCastillo said Hurlburt simply sical’s over I’ll get most of them needs to know how fast he can beback,” he said. come.

As it stood, Castillo had six “Spencer is a young guy who is girls — juniors Sadie Kass, Alyse still learning how to run. He can Beauchemin and Sophia Callis; run for days,” he said. “Those three sophomore Munro McLaren; and will be a nice start to a relay team freshmen Ashley Cray and Bess for outdoors.”

Gramling — with enough ability Castillo said a number of athin the sprints and middle distances letes have told him they will run

Good Luck, Commodores!

outside this spring, but are skipping the hallway season. He hopes if the indoor athletes develop as he expects they will give the outdoor season a shot in the arm.

“This will be a nice base, because rumor has it we have quite the outdoor team coming our way,” he said. “If we can combine them with the talent that will be returning, and hopefully there will be ad-

ditions to our outdoor team, then it will be a good season for us.”

Vergennes Union High School Indoor Track Team Coach: Brad Castillo Sophia Callis Name Grade Munro McLaren Xavier Provencher 12 Will Wormer Quinlan D’Andrea 12 Ashley Cray Sadie Kass 11 Bess Gramling Alyse Beauchemin 11 Spencer Hurlburt

11 10 10 9 9 9

Vergennes Union High School Varsity Indoor Track and Field Date Opponent/Event Time 12/19 @ UVM Noon 1/2 @ UVM Noon 1/9 @ UVM Noon 1/16 @ UVM 4 p.m.

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Addison Independent, Thursday, December 10, 2015 — PAGE 11C

VERGENNES

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

VUHS Boys’ Basketball

By ANDY KIRKALDY VERGENNES — Even with a critical preseason injury thinning the ranks, Coach Peter Quinn said the talent runs deep on the Vergennes Union boys’ basketball team this winter.

“Our depth is one of our strengths,” Quinn said. “I think we will run people in and out. There will be a lot more substitutions this year, because we can.”

The injury came late in the soccer season to senior point guard Aaron Gaines, and Quinn said the team’s other guards will have to step up and handle ballhandling chores.

“Aaron was a huge loss for us,” he said. “We need to cover for what he gave to the team.”

Quinn believes they are capable of rising to meet that challenge, and he expects good things from his Commodores.

“We should be a tough out for just about everybody,” he said.

“Our question is can we control the ball. If we do that, we should be tough.”

Those trusted with handling the ball will be a trio of juniors, Adam Gill, Devon Kimball and Hunter O’Connor. Quinn said Gill and Kimball are also capable of sliding over to shooting guard, where junior Dylan Bradford should see significant minutes. Senior Bassim Bunde and possibly senior Tyler Kepes can also play at shooting guard, although Kepes is more likely to use his size closer to the hoop, Quinn said.

The Commodores do have size at the forward position, all in the senior class. Josh Lorrain and Josh Newton are the post players, while Josh Dam, Bradley Sturtevant, Levi Baldwin, Silas Mullin, Bret Woods and Kepes can all play in the post or on the wing.

Quinn said the group shares the ball well and can score inside or out.

We’ve got a good combination

offensively,” he said. “Our offense should be very good.”

On top of that, Quinn said the Commodores have good attitudes and levels of commitment and competitiveness.

In all, he believes they should aim high.

“We expect to go to Barre,” Quinn said. “I don’t see us as any less than a top-four team.”

Vergennes Union High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball 1/9 Montpelier 11:30 a.m.

Date Opponent/Event Time 1/15 Missisquoi 7 p.m.

12/2 @ South Burlington 7:30 p.m.

1/20 @ Milton 7 p.m.

12/5 @ Harwood 1 p.m.

1/23 @ BFA-St. Albans 2:30 p.m.

12/8 Lake Region 7 p.m.

1/26 @ Middlebury 7 p.m.

12/10 BFA-Fairfax 7 p.m.

1/29 Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

12/15 @ Twinfield 7 p.m.

2/1 @ Missisquoi 7:30 p.m.

12/18 @ Mill River 7 p.m.

2/6 Milton 11:30 a.m.

12/21 Burr & Burton 7 p.m.

2/9 BFA-St. Albans 7 p.m.

12/23 @ BFA-Fairfax 7 p.m.

2/12 Middlebury 7 p.m.

1/4 Otter Valley 7 p.m.

1/6 @ Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

VUHS

Vergennes Union High School Boys’ Varsity Wrestling 1/9 @ Peru (N.Y.) Invitational TBD 2/2 Date Opponent/Event Time 1/15 @ Essex Classic 3:30 p.m.

2/4 12/8 @ Spaulding 6 p.m.

1/16 @ Essex Classic 10:30 a.m.

2/6 12/12 @ Conval (N.H.) 1/19 Host, Spaulding

Tournament 9 a.m.

St. Johnsbury 6 p.m.

2/10 12/17 Host, MMU/Essex/Milton 1/23 @ Vergennes Invitational 9 a.m.

2/13

Harwood 6 p.m.

1/28 @ Essex 6 p.m.

2/26 12/19 Granville Tournament 10 a.m.

1/30 @ Mt. Greylock (Mass.)

2/27 12/30 Noble Tournament TBD Tourn.

TBD 1/5 @ Middlebury 7 p.m.

Host, MAU/MMU/CVU 5:30 p.m. @ Mt. Abraham 7 p.m. @ Mt. Mansfield Invitational 10 a.m.

Host, CVU/Randolph 6 p.m.

NVAC Championships 10 a.m.

States @ Mill River 3 p.m.

States @ Mill River 8 a.m.

Vergennes Union High School Boys’ Basketball Team Coach: Peter Quinn Name Grade Levi Baldwin 12 Bassim Bunde 12 Josh Dam 12 Tyler Kepes 12 Josh Lorrain 12 Silas Mullin 12 Josh Newton 12 Bradley Sturtevant 12 Bret Woods 12 Dylan Bradford 11 Adam Gill 11 Devon Kimball 11 Hunter O’Connor 11

Wrestling

By ANDY KIRKALDY VERGENNES — Vergennes Union wrestling coach Nate Kittredge is pleased with the return of six wrestlers who reached the podium at the 2015 state meet and helped the Commodores to a fourthplace finish, even if one has an injury that is jeopardizing his season.

But Kittredge is less happy that only three new wrestlers have signed up to join them even though the Vergennes Area Youth Wrestling Club has had good numbers and success in recent years.

Kittredge said he would be spending some time with the VUHS middle school program this winter, something enabled by the presence of accomplished assistant Scott Bissonette.

“It’s disappointing that I’m not getting the numbers,” Kittredge said. “The middle school level, we’ve got to figure out how to keep them. They’re successful if they train hard here.”

Still, the Commodores should make plenty of noise again this winter, starting with junior Brandon Cousino (second at 170 pounds last winter) and senior Ryan Paquin (fourth at 182), although plans call for them to swap weight classes this season.

The fact they can compete against

each other in the VUHS wrestling room should propel each to greater heights, Kittredge said.

“Ryan Paquin and Brandon Cousino will be great partners together this year. They were both in the top of their weight classes last year,” he said.

Senior Jeb Hodsden took fourth at 152 a year ago and will not only look to move up higher on the podium, but also to reach 100 wins — he stands at 61 and could attain that landmark with a strong season. Kittredge said Hodsden’s work ethic also sets a tone for the Commodores.

“It should be a big year for him,” he said. “He really works hard, so that’s going to bring everybody up.”

Junior Kyle Kingsley also took a fourth last winter, but will bump up from 113 to 135 pounds. Kittredge said Kingsley’s extra weight is muscle, and he expects his wrestler to thrive.

Senior Ethan Reardon took fifth at 132 at this past winter’s state meet, and Kittredge said he is making a manageable step up in weight class to either 138 or 145.

At the 2015 state meet as a sophomore, Trevon Smith took fifth at 120 pounds. Smith, however, hurt his elbow late in the football season, and that injury is casting doubt on his wrestling campaign. If health permits, Kittredge said Smith will excel.

Kittredge expects freshman Devon Coleman at 145 or 152 and sophomore Natalie Huestis, probably at 170, to gain seasoning at the JV level.

The final newcomer is senior Eddie Haskell, who Kittredge said could surprise in the lightly populated 220-pound class.

By the time the New England tournament rolls around in March, Kittredge hopes his team will need extra transportation.

“Let’s take a busload,” he said.

Vergennes Union High School Wrestling Team Coaches: Nate Kittredge Brandon Cousino Name Grade Kyle Kingsley Ryan Paquin 12 Trevon Smith Ethan Reardon 12 Natalie Huestis Eddie Haskell 12 Devin Coleman Jeb Hodsden 12

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11 11 11 11 9

PAGE 12C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 10, 2015

OTTER VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL

OVUHS

By JOHN S. McCRIGHT BRANDON — Nordic skiing coach Bob Clark has just stepped into the varsity head coaching role this winter and lost to graduation his two top male racers from last year. But the Brandon resident has a decade of experience coaching and he foresees some bright spots for the small Otter cross country ski team this winter.

“We have two skiers that are fairly experienced and that will help,” said Clark, who has coached middle school running for 10 years and Nordic skiing for five. He stepped into the varsity job this year, taking over from Brian Jerome.

The two veterans he referred to are senior Emma Cijka and junior Sophie Wood, the top two skiers on last year’s Otter girls’ team. In the state freestyle championship last winter, Wood, who

Nordic Skiing garnered 39th place, was the first Otter across the finish line and Cijka in 45th was the second.

Brittney Danforth, a sophomore, is the third member of the team with some experience. But Clark said she missed most of last winter’s season with an injury.

“She’s fine now,” he said.

Both Cijka and Danforth are also coming off a respectable cross country running season.

Two freshmen round out the Otter Nordic squad: Madeline Fuller and Lizzie Wright.

Unfortunately the team had no boys signed up in preseason. The high schoolers have a half-dozen middle school skiers training with them.

With such limited numbers it is unclear if the Otters will be able to have enough racers to earn a team score or

compete in relays, but Clark says there are still milestones that each girl can work toward.

“I’d like everybody to improve,” he said. “Sophie can be pretty fast and was pretty good at skating last year.

“Emma is very determined and had a good running year, which I hope will translate into a good year on skis,” Clark added.

With not a snowflake in sight during early December, the Otters were doing a lot of running and other dryland training to build up their conditioning.

Clark was toying with the idea of getting out the roller skis last week.

But skiers, of course, are at the mercy of the weather.

“We’re champing at the bit to get on snow,” Clark said last week. “Another week of dryland training is going to get monotonous.”

Otter Valley Union High School Varsity Nordic Skiing 1/29 @ Burr & Burton (Viking – Free) Date Opponent/Event Time 2/3 Otter Valley (Mt. Top – Classic) 12/16 @ RHS (Mt. Top – Free) 2:30 p.m.

2/10 @ WUHS (WCC – Free MVL) 12/22 @ MAU (Prospect – Free) 2:30 p.m.

2/16 @ MAU (Prospect MVL – Classic) 1/5 @ Burr & Burton (Wild Wings – Classic) 2:30 p.m.

2/23 @ WUHS (WCC – Relay MVL) 1/7 @ WUHS (Free) 5 p.m.

2/27 @ Prospect (Classic) 1/18 @ Rikert (Midd MLK Race) 10:30 a.m.

3/1 @ Rikert (Middlebury) 1/25 @ BUHS (VABEC Classic) 2:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

10 a.m.

3 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Otter Valley Union High School Nordic Skiing Team Coach: Bob Clark Name Grade Emma Cijka 12

Sophie Wood Brittney Danforth Madeline Fuller

OVUHS

Lizzie Wright

9

Girls’ Basketball

By LEE J. KAHRS BRANDON — With solid outside shooting and a deeper bench, the OV girls’ basketball team is looking up — literally.

After a disappointing 3-17 record last season, Coach Steve Keith said this year’s team has some height, as well as the depth, speed and shooting to earn more wins.

“We have solid outside shooting,” Keith said in a preseason interview, “and we have more size than we’ve ever had. I can put two or three people in the post and let them go.”

A post player is the player who will run the court end to end and defend every play. They are willing to play with their backs to the basket and sacOtter Valley Union High School Girls’ Basketball Team Coach: Steve Keith Name Grade Danielle Eddy 12 Maia Edmunds 12 Lexi Hedding 12 Amy Jones 12 Isabelle Kingsley 12 Hannah Williams 12 Sophia Bloomer 11 Courtney Bushey 11 Meghan Hallett 11 Gabriela Poalino 10 Julia Lee 9 Sophie Markowski 9

11 10 9

rifice their bodies on defense. They need a turnaround jump shot. And they will always go for the rebound.

And the first player Keith mentions when he mentions the post is senior captain Amy Jones. Also a possibility is sophomore Gabby Paolino. And although she doesn’t have the height, Keith said senior Maia Edmunds has the intelligence and mental game to play post.

“She really works hard and knows how to get into position,” Keith said.

The coach is also optimistic for his team’s chances of a winning season with healthy returning players Sophie Bloomer and Courtney Bushey, two juniors who have both recovered from injuries in recent months.

And finally, there is the guard position, where the Otters are particularly deep this season. Keith said he has five to six girls who will rotate at guard throughout the year.

“We have a good mix of speed and ball handling skills at that position,” he said. “We’ll see who fits into the games the best, and against different opponents.”

Overall, Keith expects this Otter team to compete well in the division, with the goal of making the playoffs.

“I think our defense will be a strong unit and the offense will only get better,” the coach said. “I think playing and competing-wise, we will certainly be better, and with that the wins will come.”

Otter Valley Union High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball 1/27 Mt. Anthony Date Opponent/Event Time 1/29 @ Fair Haven 12/3 Proctor 7 p.m.

2/2 Windsor 12/7 @ West Rutland 7 p.m.

2/4 @ Springfield 12/14 @ Middlebury 7 p.m.

2/9 @ Hartford 12/17 Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

2/12 Mill River 12/21 @ Proctor 7 p.m.

2/16 Fair Haven 12/30 @ Brattleboro 6:30 p.m.

2/19 @ Windsor 1/5 Burr & Burton 7 p.m.

1/8 1/13 1/15 1/18 1/23

@ Rutland Springfield Hartford @ Mill River Enosburg

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Let’s Go Otters!

LOCAL

SPORTS

Trent Campbell

Andy Kirkdaldy

Matt Dickerson

Karl Lindholm

WE’VE GOT IT COVERED!

OVUHS Coach: Brenda Colburn Name Grade Nikkitta Powell 12

Cheerleading Otter Valley Union High School Cheerleading Squad Kelsey Cram 10 Emily Barker Alyssa Hutchins 10 Olivia Odell Houston Pratt 10

9 9

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 10, 2015 — PAGE 13C

OTTER VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL

OVUHS Boys’ Basketball

By LEE J. KAHRS Payson Williams, and lone freshBRANDON — A deeper, well- man Dylan Mackie. rounded team has made Coach OV enjoyed an exciting season Greg Hughes cautiously optimis- last year, making it all the way to tic about the Otter Valley boys’ the Barre Auditorium for the Divibasketball team returning to Barre sion II playoffs. They won their first during the playoffs this season. two playoff games for the first time The situation comes despite los- in years before losing to eventual ing five seniors to graduaD-II champ Woodstock in tion, including 1,000-point the semis. The Otters’ final scoring standout guard “It’s definitely season record was 14-6.

John Winslow.

Hughes said all 10 of changed the But it’s the loss of Winhis players will play this slow that has opened up look of our season, and they are honopportunities for all 10 team. Instead ing basic skills and using players on this year’s their speed in establishing of having squad, Hughes said. plays.

“It’s definitely changed one go-to OV has been moved up the look of our team,” he guy, we’re a from the Marble Valley said. “Instead of having League “C” Division to one go-to guy, we’re a little more the “B” Division in D-II little more well rounded, well rounded, and will face tougher which I think will be bet- which I think teams this season, Hughes ter for us.” said. The Otters will be This year the Otters are will be better challenged by the likes led by the four seniors on for us.” of Mill River, Woodstock the team: Carson Leary, — Coach and Fair Haven in regular Tyler Allen, MacGregor Greg Hughes season play, schools they Shannon and Collin used to meet only in the Eugair. playoffs. Hughes said he In addition, and boding well for is keenly aware of the challenge next season, there are six juniors ahead, and is anxious to see how on the OV team: Kai Norwood, this year’s team stacks up.

Derek Aines, Conor Mackie, Jer“I don’t even have a guess of emy Frasier, Thomas Kingsley and what our record will be this year,” Tyler Peterson. he said. “But I’m excited to see The team is rounded out by what an in-depth, young team can sophomores Josh Letourneau and do.”

OVUHS

Otter Valley Union High School Boys’ Basketball Team Coach: Greg Hughes Thomas Kingsley Name Grade Conor Mackie Tyler Allen 12 Kai Norwood Collin Eugair 12 Tyler Peterson Carson Leary 12 Josh Letourneau MacGregor Shannon 12 Payson Williams Derek Aines 11 Dylan Mackie Jeremy Frasier 11

11 11 11 11 10 10 9

Otter Valley Union High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball 12/30 @ Woodstock 1/4 @ Vergennes 1/8 Windsor 1/15 @ Hartford 1/22 @ Mt. Anthony 1/25 Mount St. Joseph 1/28 Fair Haven 2/3 Springfield 2/5 @ Mount St. Joseph 2/9 Burr & Burton 2/11 @ Fair Haven

Date Opponent/Event Time 12/5 @ Mt. Abraham 12:30 p.m.

12/11 @ Mill River 7 p.m.

12/15 Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

12/17 @ Proctor Tourn.

(MSJ) 5:30 p.m.

12/18 @ Proctor Tourn.

(TV/Proctor) 5:30/7 p.m.

12/21 Mill River 7 p.m.

12/23 @ Brattleboro 7 p.m.

12/28 Proctor 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Wrestling

By LEE J. KAHRS BRANDON — The Otter Valley wrestling team has coaching on its side.

While there are only eight wrestlers on the squad this year, there are five coaches helping out, led by firstyear head coach Cole Mason.

And the team’s numbers are up as well. Last year’s roster consisted of just five wrestlers.

Mason hails from Virginia Beach, Va., where he wrestled in high school, then continued his grappling career at Cornell College in Iowa.

After earning his degree, he continued to coach at the college for two more years, and then as an assistant

and associate head coach at an Iowa high school.

He met his wife, Taryn (Foster), a 2007 OV graduate, and moved to Brandon a year and a half ago, spending last season as an assistant coaching at OV under longtime head coach Steve Mitchell. Mason is currently a technology instructor at Rochester High School.

The OV assistant coaches are Evan Bathalon, Jesse Bilodeau, Joe Beayon and James Helak. Bathalon and Bilodeau are both talented former OV wrestlers.

Mason has three returners this year, senior Nate Doty at 220 pounds, and juniors Greg Whitney

Coach: Cole Mason Name Grade Nathan Doty 12 Christopher Watkins 12

Otter Valley Union High School Wrestling Team Tyson Cram 11 Gregory Whitney 11 Joshua Beayon 9 Matthew Fox 9

Date Opponent/Event Time 12/4 @ St. Johnsbury TBA 12/5 @ St. Johnsbury TBA 12/16 MVL Duals (BBR, MR) 6 p.m.

12/19 @ Granville TBA 12/29 Midd. Tournament TBA 12/30 Midd. Tournament TBA 12/31 @ Slater Duals TBA 1/2 Otter Valley Tourn.

9:30 a.m.

1/6 MVL Duals (Fair Haven) 7 p.m.

Otter Valley Union High School Varsity Wrestling 1/9 @ Mt. Anthony TBA 1/12 @ Bellows Falls

(MVL Duals) 6 p.m.

1/15 Essex Classic TBA 1/16 Essex Classic TBA 1/18 @ Spaulding Duals

(Ausable) 4 p.m.

1/23 @ Verg. (Colchester Tourn.) TBA 1/30 @ Mt. Greylock TBA 2/6 @ Mt. Mansfield TBA

(195) and Tyson Cram (132). Whitney finished fourth in the state last year, and Cram was a state runnerup last season.

Senior Chris Watkins is back on the squad, wrestling at 195 pounds.

Rounding out the team are four sophomores: Jacob White at 126, Matt Fox, (160), Josh Beayon (170) and Daniel Whitney (113).

Mason said he is looking forward to a productive wrestling season and believes the success of his wrestlers is up to them.

“All of our kids have a shot at a winning season as long as they continue to work hard and continue to buy in,” the coach said.

Jacob White Daniel Whitney

9 9

Photos Make Great Gifts: addisonindependent.com 2/10

2/13 2/26 2/27 3/4

3/5

Otter Valley Duals (Mt. Anthony, Middlebury, Mill River 5:30 p.m. @ Mt. Anthony Jamboree TBA States @ Mill River TBA States @ Mill River TBA New Englands, Providence, R.I. TBA New Englands, Providence, R.I. TBA

PAGE 14C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 10, 2015

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