Winter High School Sports Report

SPORTS REPORT

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 1, 2016 — PAGE 1A

ADDISONINDEPENDENT

2016-2017 WINTER HIGH SCHOOL TEAM ROSTERS SCHEDULES PICTURES STORIES

C SECTION

PAGE 2C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 15, 2016

MIDDLEBURY

MUHS

UNION

HIGH

Boys’ Basketball

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — This past winter, Coach Kyle Lussier’s Middlebury Union boys’ basketball team shrugged off some midseason blues and picked up their play in the late going, finishing with six wins.

The Tigers lost a couple of key starters and a few more role players to graduation, but Lussier believes they can pick up where they left off.

“Last year toward the end of the season we had a few more things figured out. It took us a while to get into the rhythm of the season and figure out what was going to work with the group of guys that we had,” Lussier said. “So far this year we’re starting out on a better note. We’re

MUHS

more prepared to do what these guys are going to be good at doing.”

Specifically, Lussier hopes a new offense that he describes as “motion with rules” can take advantage of the Tigers’ shooting, ballhandling and cutting ability while imposing a little more structure.

“There are set rules to how you react. There’s a lot of pass-and-cut, basically. Player movement will be the big key,” he said. “I think there might be some growing pains, but I think we have a good group of guys who will find a way to pull things out for us.”

Starting and operating that offense will be three guards, senior Pierson Beatty, who will be the primary ballhandler in the halfcourt, and

SCHOOL

Middlebury Union High School Varsity Boys’ Basketball

juniors J.D. Goettelmann and Cody Pomainville, who will take care of the ball fullcourt if opponents press.

Lussier said Beatty could be ready to emerge.

“Our big key here is going to be Pierson,” he said. “We need him to be aggressive.”

Seniors Trey Kaufmann and Spencer Carpenter will be the forwards, with Carpenter probably more in the paint and Kaufmann on the wing offensively, and vice versa on defense.

Lussier said the first three players off the bench, at least to start the season this past Saturday, were probably going to be junior guard Brooks Maerder, junior forward Skyeler Devlin and junior center Bastiaan Phair. Junior

guards Tre Bonavita and Andre Trudeau and junior small forwards Jakob Boeckermann and Spencer Smith will be given opportunities to crack the rotation, Lussier said.

Lussier noted the juniors have enjoyed success playing with one another over the years, while the team’s three seniors should all be ready for a step forward.

“I think a reasonable goal for us right now, I know it’s early and we’re young and learning something new, but I think we’ve got a chance to push St. Albans this year for the top of the Lake Division,” he said. “At this point I would think that’s a reasonable goal that we should be trying to achieve.”

Coach: Kyle Lussier Name Grade Pierson Beatty 12 Spencer Carpenter 12 Trey Kaufmann 12 Jakob Boeckermann 11 Tre Bonavita 11

Skyeler Devlin J.D. Goettelmann Brooks Maerder Bastiaan Phair Cody Pomainville Spencer Smith Andre Trudeau

Middlebury Union High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball 1/24 @ Colchester Time 1/27 @ Mt. Abraham 12:30 p.m.

2/1 Missisquoi Valley 7 p.m.

2/4 @ Milton 7 p.m.

2/7 @ Vergennes 7 p.m.

2/10 @ BFA-St. Albans 6:30 p.m.

2/15 Mt. Abraham 6:30 p.m.

2/18 @ Missisquoi Valley 7 p.m.

2/21 Milton 7 p.m.

2/24 Vergennes 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Date Opponent/Event 12/10 Burr & Burton 12/13 Colchester 12/20 Otter Valley 12/21 BFA-St. Albans 12/23 @ Mt. Anthony 12/27 @ South Burlington 1/3 Mt. Mansfield 1/6 @ Burr & Burton 1/13 @ Rutland 1/17 Brattleboro

11 11 11 11 11 11 11

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

11:30 a.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Indoor Track & Field

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — Indoor track and field, the newest official varsity sport at Middlebury Union, joins the winter lineup after two years as a club sport. Coaching the athletes, who have participated as non-scoring independents the past two seasons at meets hosted by the University of Vermont and Norwich, is Chris Anderson.

Anderson has worked with many of the athletes as the school’s crosscountry coach and as an assistant to that program previously and as an assistant to the MUHS spring track team, and has helped out the indoor track club for the past two winters.

Anderson is happy the athletes will have a chance to be officially

recognized for what have been some good results in recent years: Last winter Chloe Kane, now a junior team member, took second at 55 meters in Division II and fifth at 300 meters, graduate Wyatt Norris was third at 55 meters, Willem Landis (a sophomore last year) was fifth at 3,200 meters, and two Tiger boys’ relay teams, including team member Damien Morris, now a senior, took third.

Anderson expects more of the same this winter.

“Last year if we hadn’t been a club and been a varsity, we would have had some pretty good results,” he said. “I think we have a number of people who could do quite well.”

As well as Kane in the sprints

and Morris at 300 and 600 meters, Anderson said several others should excel: senior Henry Ganey in the middle distances and senior Kiana Plouffe, junior Ben Valparda and sophomore Trinity Bryant in the sprints.

Kane, Plouffe and Bryant could also join with either junior Francesca Talitta or sophomore Virginia Patz to form a strong girls’ sprint relay team, Anderson said, while Talitta, an exchange student, is also a hurdler.

Others will focus on sprinting, but Anderson hopes assistant coach Mark Harris, a former college decathlete, can broaden some horizons.

“He’s very experienced in a lot of the throwing and jumping events,”

Anderson said. “So in addition to the sprints and stuff like that, as best we can we’re going to work on technique on jumping events and throwing events.”

As well as allowing athletes to officially compete in the winter, Anderson said other great benefits of an indoor track program — even if practices are typically limited to the school’s hallways and stairways — include conditioning, skill development and preparation for spring competition.

“We’re really focusing on a lot of technique and just giving the athletes experience in a lot of different events with the intent of maintaining and improving

on their fitness and experience in participating in meets,” he said.

“It’s a good opportunity for them to gain experience, especially the younger runners, without a lot of pressure.”

Middlebury Union High School Indoor Track & Field Team Date Opponent/Event Time 12/17 @ UVM 1 p.m.

12/28 @ UVM 10 a.m.

1/7 @ UVM 1 p.m.

1/14 @ UVM 5:30 p.m.

1/21 @ Norwich 8:30 a.m.

1/28 New Eng. Qualifier

@ Norwich 10:45 a.m.

2/4 State Meet @ Norwich TBD

Middlebury Union High School Indoor Track and Field Coaches: Chris Anderson, Mark Harris Name Grade Henry Ganey 12 Damien Morris 12 Fiona O’Neil 12 Kiana Plouffe 12 Maria Wiles 12 Chloe Kane 11 Francesca Talitta 11 Ben Valparda 11 Jack Waterman 11 James Boraz 10 Trinity Bryant 10 Isaac Buttolph 10 Connor Harris 10 Virginia Patz 10 Emily Pottinger 10 Ethan Reiderer 10

Good Luck, Tigers!

SPEND THIS

WINTER WITH US!

388.6888

LIVE UNITED of Addison County

PO Box 555 • Middlebury, VT

Your Friends John and Jim Fitzgerald at:

$29 STUDENT MEMBERSHIP FEE

vermontsun.com

802-388-7189

Wishing all Student Athletes a Winning Season

ADULT MEMBERSHIP FEE until Christmas Eve

All year long

MIDDLEBURY

Have a Healthy & Fun Season!

UnitedWayAddisonCounty.org

“If there were a drug that could do for human health everything that exercise can, it would likely be the most valuable pharmaceutical ever.”

– Dr Mark Tarnopolsky

$39

To All Our Area Student Athletes –

VERGENNES

877.2030

Good luck to all area teams!

Roofing and Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication

388-2903

Telecommunications Sales & Service Data Cabling & Fiber Optics

802-388-8999

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 15, 2016 — PAGE 3C

MIDDLEBURY

MUHS

UNION

Wrestling

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — Graduation hit the Middlebury Union wrestling team hard, as among those who picked up a diploma this past spring were a state champion, a secondplace finisher at the state meet who won more matches than any other wrestler in the program’s history, and a third-place finisher who earned his 100th win this past winter.

Along with other graduates, Coach Ethan Raymond was left with nine athletes in the varsity program, including four freshmen.

Given the lack of experience and also believing at times a year ago his wrestlers made avoidable mistakes, Raymond adopted a back-to-basic approach this winter, one that he said he could see paying off in preseason scrimmages.

“I’m really stressing the fundamentals, simple basic wrestling and making sure everything is perfect,” Raymond said. “I tell them the difference between a champion and a good wrestler is the little subtleties, making sure everything is perfect and that you’re never out of stance and that they’re focusing on the details.”

He expects that approach to pay off in the long run for his four freshmen, Michael Whitley, who will wrestle at 106 pounds; Alex Walker at 120; Louis Bergevin at 132; and James Thorpe, who will settle in at either 182 or 195.

There is one more newcomer, junior Jaro Perera, who will compete at 220. Raymond said he lacks experience, but could surprise.

“He’s really athletic and strong,” Raymond said. “If he continues to grow at the pace he’s growing now he’s going to have a great year.”

Raymond is optimistic all four of his returners could battle their way onto the podium at this year’s state meet, which Vergennes Union will host.

Junior Dustin Davio has been there before: He finished sixth at 132 last winter and will wrestle at 138 this time around. Raymond sees greater drive and maturity this season — and foresees a higher podium step.

“He’s my top returner. I’m looking for quite a bit from him,” he said.

“I’m hoping for a top-three finish for him.”

Junior Joe Whitley will wrestle at 152 after winning two bouts at the

Middlebury Union High School Varsity Wrestling 1/14 @ Essex Classic 10 a.m.

Date Opponent/Event Time 1/26 CVU; Harwood @ 12/14 Champlain Valley; Mt. Mansfield;

Mt. Mansfield 6 p.m.

Lake Region 6 p.m.

1/28 @ Corinth Invitational 12/17 @ Granville Lions Invitational TBD

Corinth N.Y. TBD 12/20 Randolph Union; Milton 1/31 Spaulding; Randolph Union

@ Spaulding 6 p.m.

@ Milton 6 p.m.

12/22 Bellows Falls; Keene 2/4 Franklin Two Rivers Tournament TBD

@ Bellows Falls 6 p.m.

2/8 Milton; Vergennes @ Mt. Abe. 7 p.m.

12/28 Hubie Wagner Invitational 12 p.m.

2/11 NVAC Champs @ CVU TBD 12/29 Hubie Wagner Invitational 9 a.m.

2/24 State Champs @ Vergennes TBD 1/3 Vergennes; Lake Region Union 2/25 State Champs @ Vergennes TBD

@ Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

3/4 New England Champs 1/6 Peru Invitational @ Peru N.Y. 5 p.m.

@ Providence R.I. TBD 1/7 Peru Invitational @ Peru N.Y. 10 a.m.

3/5 New England Champs @ 1/11 Essex; St. Johnsbury; Harwood 6 p.m.

Providence R.I. TBD 1/13 @ Essex Classic 5 p.m.

MUHS

state meet this past winter. Raymond sees an improved grappler.

“He’s always had the physical strength and natural instinct, but he always struggled with the bigger picture, how to connect moves. And he came in and he’s really starting to chain-wrestle, put things together on the mat,” he said.

Senior heavyweight Joe Langevin showed up 25 pounds lighter, Raymond said, but “quite a bit stronger” after hitting the weight room.

“He’s quick. He’s out-maneuvering a lot of the heavyweights,” Raymond said.

Finally, Raymond said sophomore Justin Jackson is beginning, like Whitley, to learn to put his moves together at 126.

“Jackson is really coming into it,” he said. “He’s really athletic and smooth-moving now.”

And in the preseason, Raymond said the Tigers appeared to be willing to pay the price to win matches down the road.

“Like I tell them, the great thing about wrestling is anyone can have success. It depends on their attitude and how hard they work,” he said. “And so far I’ve been super impressed. They’ve all come in and they’ve all pushed themselves extremely hard.”

MUHS Varsity Wrestling Coach: Ethan Raymond Name Grade Joe Langevin 12 Dustin Davio 11 Jaro Perera 11 Joe Whitley 11 Justin Jackson 10 Louis Bergevin 9 James Thorpe 9 Alex Walker 9 Michael Whitley 9

Dance

Middlebury Union High School Varsity Dance Coaches: Caitlin Hurteau, Megan Hotte Shelby Monica Name Grade Hannah Williams Brittany Baker 12 Josie Abbott Dace Eaton 12 Sarah Broughton Marissa Freegard-Rougier 12 Bethany Palmer Anne Garner 12 Suzanne Klemmer

12 12 11 11 11 11

Middlebury Union High School Varsity Dance Team Date Opponent/Event Time 1/7 @ Colchester 1 p.m.

1/14 @ Mt. Mansfield 1 p.m.

1/28 @ South Burlington 1 p.m.

2/11 NVAC @ BFA St. Albans 1 p.m.

2/20 States @ Vergennes Noon

Do you want to develop a life long love of fitness and make sure you are performing with a purpose? the foundations of fitness include • Resistance Training • Cardio and HIIT

• Core Strength/Stability • Beginner Weight Training

• Rest and Stretch • Basic Nutrition

SPECIFICALLY FOR AGES 12-15. No experience required.

INSTRUCTOR: AMBER MCDONALD Registered Nurse & Group Fitness Instructor

TUESDAYS: 3:45-4:45PM @ MIDD FIT JANUARY 17TH – MARCH 14TH COST: $64 FOR 8 WEEKS

SIGN UP TODAY Call Midd Fit @ 388-3744 175 Wilson Rd. Middlebury middfit.com

Now is the time!

HIGH

SCHOOL

PAGE 4C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 15, 2016

MIDDLEBURY

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

MUHS Girls’ Hockey

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury Union girls’ hockey team has been close to the program’s first Division I title the past two winters, reaching the final two years ago and earning the No. 2 seed before falling in a semifinal last season.

Co-coaches Matt Brush and Derek Bartlett expect the Tigers to be in the running again this winter.

“Realistically, we expect to be even better than we were last year.

We return a lot of our strong players and we have some new additions as freshmen that add to the overall product that we can put on the ice,” Brush said. “So we’re confident that we can improve on last year’s results.”

Ten of the Tigers are juniors, and they are expected to play key roles for the team this year.

“We have a large junior class that has a lot of talented hockey players.

And typically by the time you’re a junior you’ve figured everything out. You know what it takes to work day-in and day-out,” Brush said. “So we think the experience this junior

MUHS

class has had in the last two seasons will serve us well.”

The Tigers will play the twoforward, three-back system pioneered by the Middlebury College programs. Two defenders will be paired together, and two forwards and a left defender who typically will take faceoffs.

Junior Andi Boe and senior Monroe Cromis will skate up front with Julia Carone as the left back on one group, with juniors Helen Anderson and Tully Hescock together up front with freshman Lexi Bartlett at left back next out of the chute. Three players could rotate into the two slots in the

third forward pair, junior Georgina Mraz and freshmen Isabella Pistilli and Taylor Moulton, with junior Polly Heminway at left back.

Senior Molly Wetmore; juniors Satchel McLaughlin, Abigail Gleason, Raven Payne and Justine Smith; and freshman Kate Donahue will pair up in the back.

Senior Rowan Hendy and junior Kathryn Billings will share time in goal unless one steps up and seizes the job, Brush said.

Overall, Brush said the outlook is positive.

“We have strong forwards. We have strong defensemen. We have

to have the opportunity to be back there,” Bartlett said. “I think with what we have, with our roster, our personnel, we’ll definitely be competitive.”

Despite the graduation of about a half-dozen seniors, including one of their two top goalies and three of their top scorers, the program is blessed with plenty of skaters: The roster lists 32.

“The numbers are great. I couldn’t be happier with the numbers we have in our program,” Bartlett said.

Many of them will skate regular shifts. The Tigers will skate the twoforward, three-back system popularized by the Middlebury College programs, and Bartlett said three groups of two forwards/one back and three pairs of defenseman see regular ice time.

He said going deep into the lineup will be necessary with the speed and physicality of D-I play, and the Tigers

have the talent to do it.

“At this level you can’t really get away with running two (lines). The physical demand of this pace is too much,” Bartlett said. “With what we have with the top 15 guys I think we’ll be very competitive.”

The three groups of two forwards/ one back he planned on deploying, at least to start this past Saturday in the Tigers’ opener vs. Hartford, were the pair of sophomore Henry Hodde and junior Tyler Giorgio up front with senior back Brett Viens, sophomore forwards Kolby Farnsworth and Jake Peluso with freshman back Kamrin Bartlett, and two of seniors Josh Girard and Eli Tucker and junior Jack Donahue along with freshman back Devon Kearns.

Most likely to crack the lineup, Bartlett said, were two forwards, senior Marty Niemo and junior Wills Huntington.

On defense, Bartlett set the initial

Your ticket to the world of Winter Sports!

Hockey Basketball Running Swimming Tennis Squash

MON- FRI 9:30-5:30 • SAT 9:30-5 • SUN 11-4 No Wagering Permitted • Prognosticating Encouraged • LATECOMERS WILL BE SEATED

01

SEAT

68 MAIN STREET • MIDDLEBURY •388-3444

A

ROW

FORTH ‘N GOAL SPORTS

SECTION

ADMIT ONE TO

01

of, we should be a tough out on any given night for anyone in our division.”

Middlebury Union High School Girls’ Varsity Ice Hockey Date Opponent/Event 12/13 BFA-St. Albans 12/17 @ Beekmantown 12/21 @ Rutland 12/28 Midd. Tourn. vs

Cougar Hawks 12/29 Midd. Tourn. vs Spaulding 1/4 Burr & Burton 1/7 @ South Burlington 1/11 Colchester 1/14 Northfield

Time 7 p.m.

4 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

6 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

Boys’ Hockey

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury Union boys’ hockey team has contended in Division II for the past few years, but fell short of a title — last winter the Tigers reached the semifinal round before losing to eventual champion U-32 and finished 16-5-2.

The challenge will be greater this year: The top teams in D-II — the Tigers, U-32, Woodstock and Stowe — were all bumped up to D-I. They will compete in one six-team D-I division with Colchester and Rice, playing those teams twice each, while facing the other six D-I teams in the other division — St. Albans, Essex, Spaulding, Rutland, Champlain Valley, South Burlington — once apiece.

Then all the teams will be seeded together for the postseason.

Coach Derek Bartlett said the Tigers, who spent a few years in D-I a while back, welcome that challenge.

“As a program we’re very excited

• • • • • •

strong goalies,” he said. “And if everyone is able to compete at the level that we know they are capable

pairings as seniors Andrew Gleason and Erik Sherman, juniors Brian Kiernan and Krystian Gombosi, and juniors Alexander Yurista and Ziven McCarty.

In goal, senior Doug DeLorenzo returns as the No. 1 after playing well while sharing the job last winter, and freshman Jeffrey Stearns is the top backup.

Bartlett said team speed as well as depth should be an asset.

“We need to be able to get up and down, which I think we can,” Bartlett said. “It will be just a matter of how well we can execute in our defensive zone and our offensive zone.”

And he said the team will not lower its sights just because it is playing at a higher level of competition.

“Our goal is to be one of the top two teams in that subdivision,” Bartlett said, and then see where that leads in the overall state tournament at the end of the season.”

1/21 1/25 1/27 2/1 2/4 2/8 2/10 2/15 2/18 2/22 2/25

@ Essex @ Spaulding Beekmantown @ Burr & Burton Rutland @ Mt. Mansfield South Burlington @ Colchester @ Northfield Essex @ BFA-St. Albans

3 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

5 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

12 p.m.

5 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Middlebury Union High School Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey Date Opponent/Event Time 12/8 Rutland 7 p.m.

12/12 Lyndon Institute 7 p.m.

12/15 Missisquoi 7 p.m.

12/18 Hartford 7 p.m.

12/21 @ Lake Placid 6 p.m.

12/23 @ Rutland 6:15 p.m.

12/29 Midd. Tournament

– NCSS 7 p.m.

12/30 Midd. Tournament

– Lake Placid 7 p.m.

1/2 Burlington 7 p.m.

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

1/9 @ U-32 5 p.m.

1/16 @ St. Johnsbury 7:30 p.m.

1/20 Stowe 7 p.m.

1/23 North Country 7 p.m.

1/27 @ Northfield 8:45 p.m.

2/3 @ Brattleboro 7:15 p.m.

2/5 @ Woodstock 8 p.m.

2/9 Milton 7 p.m.

2/13 Harwood 7 p.m.

2/17 @ Mt. Mansfield 6:15 p.m.

Middlebury Union High School Varsity Girls’ Hockey Coach: Matt Brush and Derek Bartlett Name Grade Julia Carone 12 Monroe Cromis 12 Rowan Hendy 12 Molly Wetmore 12 Helen Anderson 11 Kathryn Billings 11 Andrea Boe 11 Abigail Gleason 11 Polly Heminway 11 Tully Hescock 11 Satchel McLaughlin 11 Georgina Mraz 11 Raven Payne 11 Justine Smith 11 Lexi Bartlett 9 Kate Donahue 9 Taylor Moulton 9 Isabella Pistilli 9

Middlebury Union High School Varsity Boys’ Hockey Coach: Derek Bartlett Name Grade Douglas DeLorenzo 12 Joshua Girard 12 Andrew Gleason 12 Marty Niemo 12 Erik Sherman 12 Eli Tucker 12 Brett Viens 12 Jack Donahue 11 Wyatt Galipeau 11 Tyler Giorgio 11 Krystian Gombosi 11 Wills Huntington 11 Brian Kiernan 11 Ziven McCarty 11 Alexander Yurista 11 Riley Brown 10 Kolby Farnsworth 10 Austin Goodell 10 Max Hirdler 10 Henry Hodde 10 Aaron Larocque 10 Cooper O’Brien 10 Jake Peluso 10 Benjamin Turner 10 Daniel Wiles 10 Kamrin Bartlett 9 Quinn Berry 9 Robbie Bicknell 9 Eli Billings 9 James Jette 9 Devon Kearns 9 Jeffrey Stearns 9

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 15, 2016 — PAGE 5C

MIDDLEBURY

MUHS

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — A year ago, the Middlebury Union girls’ basketball team finished strong to win 11 games, the program’s first winning record in a number of seasons.

Only one starter graduated from Coach Jen Heath’s group last winter, although two forwards who provided valuable depth also did not return, and Heath believes the Tigers can post another successful season.

“We’re looking to pick up where we left off last year,” she said.

It will be critical, she said that five newcomers learn to complement her core of six returners.

“We have five new players, so we’re just starting to get into things and figure out … what we really need to focus on to help us continue

MUHS

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury Union gymnastics co-coaches Terri Phelps and Meg Harris in the preseason were looking forward to another enjoyable winter working with a group that came in ready to pick up where they left off after a competitive season last year.

Phelps said before the formal preseason began attendance was strong at captain’s practices, and many Tigers attended clinics and visited a private club in Rutland.

“They had a good preseason,” Phelps said. “So we’re like eight practices in, and a lot of the kids are already doing the hard skills we were doing at the end of the year last year.

So we’re pretty excited to start off strong and keep moving from where we ended up last year.”

Three freshmen — Carly Berger, Maeve Hammel and Kira Kemp — and junior and former middle school gymnast Lydia Alberts also joined the program to keep the numbers at a healthy 13 competitors, not counting junior Nick Scott (as a male his scores won’t count) and Fair Haven’s Julianna Williams, a freshman who will train and compete with the team, but also cannot score for the program.

Among the newcomers, Alberts and Kemp could contribute in the floor exercises and on the beam, while Phelps said Hammel, as an all-around competitor, and Berger,

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

Girls’ Basketball what we were building last year,” Heath said.

It helps, she said, that her veterans have embraced their new teammates and helped them learn the ins and outs of the varsity plan and the Tigers’ system.

“We have a solid group returning.

They’ve been great to the newcomers, helping them, and I think that’s key,” Heath said.

It also helps that junior guard Keagan Dunbar returns. Her average of 23 points per game was top among girls’ hoop players last winter, and she tacked on more than five rebounds a game.

This year, Heath would like to see more offense from the other Tiger veterans, something she believes they can and will supply.

“It’s very important for others to score, and toward the end of the season last year different people started stepping up,” she said. “They’re all very capable of it, so hopefully we’ve built some of that confidence over the last year and that carries into this year.”

Those veterans are all seniors who all have multiple years of varsity experience: guards Payton Buxton, Riley Fenster and Lily Smith, and forwards Ally Larocque and Calista Carl.

Two juniors will probably join Carl as the top substitutes, Heath said, guard/forward Shannon Sunderland and forward Ella Beattie.

Three sophomores could also see some JV time, Heath said, but could also earn their way into the varsity

rotation: guards Carly Larocque and Taylor Sylvester and forward Ashley Sunderland.

Heath acknowledged the Tigers will not be the tallest team in the Lake Division, never mind Vermont.

However, quickness could make up for the lack of height at both ends of the court.

“We have some speed, and we’re going to look to use that speed. We’re going to look to press when we can,” she said. “We’re going to look to use our speed and play great defense.

We will need it offensively and defensively. I think that will make up for some differences in size.”

Heath is looking forward to seeing what the Tigers can accomplish.

“There’s a lot this group can do.

Right now we’re just touching on

the beginning of it. I’ve seen a lot of good things in practice,” she said in preseason. “I think with hard work and focus we can do a lot of things.”

Middlebury Union High School Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach: Jen Heath Name Grade Payton Buxton 12 Calista Carl 12 Riley Fenster 12 Ally Larocque 12 Lily Smith 12 Ella Beattie 11 Keagan Dunbar 11 Shannon Sunderland 11 Carly Larocque 10 Ashley Sunderland 10 Taylor Sylvester 10

Middlebury Union High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball Date Opponent/Event Time 12/10 @ Mill River 2:30 p.m.

12/17 @ Winooski 2 p.m.

12/20 @ Fair Haven 7:30 p.m.

12/23 @ Otter Valley 7 p.m.

12/27 Mill River 7 p.m.

1/10 Missisquoi Valley 7 p.m.

1/13 Winooski 7 p.m.

1/21 @ Milton 11:30 a.m.

1/25 @ Colchester 7 p.m.

1/28 Vergennes 12:30 p.m.

1/31 Mt. Mansfield 7 p.m.

2/3 @ North Country 6:30 p.m.

2/8 Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

2/11 @ Missisquoi Valley 1:30 p.m.

2/14 Colchester 7 p.m.

2/17 Milton 7 p.m.

2/20 @ Vergennes 7 p.m.

2/23 @ Mt. Mansfield 7 p.m.

2/27 @ Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

3/2 North Country 7 p.m.

Gymnastics on the floor and beam, could step up more quickly because of their more extensive and recent middle school experience.

“Carly and Maeve as our most experienced freshmen I expect to earn spots in our regular lineup,” Phelps said.

Virtually all the rest of the Tigers are capable of scoring points in most events, although most will specialize, Phelps said.

“Most of them have the capability of doing all the events,” she said.

There are seven juniors: Olivia Beauchamp will probably focus on the all-around and the beam, Anna Buteau on the beam and floor, Aly Chione on the bars, Chloe Kane and Lucy Ursitti on the floor, and Laura Whitley and Christina Wiles on the beam.

The final two competitors are sophomores: Lian McGarry will probably specialize on the bars and beam, and Arianna Slavin on the beam and floor.

As always, the Tigers will probably more than hold their own against the other smaller teams that don’t have year-round club gymnasts, and leave the likes of Essex and Champlain Valley to slug it out for the state title.

And in the meantime Phelps said they would enjoy the journey.

“It seems like very good dynamics with the team. The new kids that are starting this year seem like they

are fitting in well with the group, and they’re all very supportive of each other,” she said. “They’re a nice group of kids.”

Middlebury Union High School Varsity Gymnastics Coaches: Terri Phelps, Meg Harris Name Grade Lydia Alberts 11 Olivia Beauchamp 11 Anna Buteau 11 Aly Chione 11 Chloe Kane 11 Nick Scott 11 Lucy Ursitti 11 Laura Whitley 11 Christina Wiles 11 Lian McGarry 10 Arianna Slavin 10 Carly Berger 9 Maeve Hammel 9 Kira Kemp 9 Middlebury Union High School Varsity Gymnastics Date Opponent/Event Time 12/10 @ Vt. Gymnastics Clinic 11 a.m.

12/14 Randolph Union 6 p.m.

12/21 @ Champlain Valley 7 p.m.

12/29 @ South Burlington 4 p.m.

1/7 @ St. Johnsbury 1:30 p.m.

1/9 U-32 6 p.m.

1/16 Milton 6 p.m.

1/27 Essex 6 p.m.

2/8 @ Harwood 7 p.m.

2/18 States @ Essex 2 p.m.

Good Luck Local Teams!

33 Seymour Street • Middlebury, VT 388-7620 • info@countytirecenter.com Hours: Mon - Fri 8-5 • Sat 8-Noon

PAGE 6C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 15, 2016

MIDDLEBURY

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

MUHS Boys’ and Girls’ Nordic

By ANDY KIRKALDY MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury Union Nordic team gets a new coach this winter, but many of the athletes who helped the Tiger boys romp to the Division II title last season return, as do many of the competitors who helped the Tiger girls show promise a year ago in finishing fifth in D-II. The new coach is Middlebury College senior and ski patrol member Will Henriques, a New Hampshire native who grew up with Nordic and Alpine skis strapped to his feet. He competed through middle school as a Nordic skier and remains enthusiastic about the sport, and skied for his high school Alpine team before joining the ski patrol after enrolling at Middlebury.

MUHS Nordic parents Barney Hodges, Bruce Ingersoll and Eben Punderson, all of whom are assisting the program, recruited Henriques to lead the Tiger team, and he successfully applied to MUHS Activities Director Sean Farrell.

Henriques will soon graduate and said it was great opportunity, although he cannot commit past this winter.

“It seemed like a good first job out of college,” he said.

The dedication of the Tiger Nordic team made a good first impression.

“We’ve had a pack of kids who have been doing dry-land all fall, and have been working with Barney on sort of an intense dry-land workout,” Henriques said. “And we have a lot of kids coming from the cross-country team, so the overall fitness level on the team is pretty impressive.”

Certainly, the Tigers were dedicated a year ago, when the boys’ times would have been good enough to prevail in D-I. Returning from the skiers who took the trails for the Tiger boys at either the classic or freestyle portion of the state championship meet, in order of their finishes, are juniors Sam Hodges (third overall individually in both disciplines), Thomas Hussey and Cade Christner; seniors Harlow Punderson and Ross

Crowne; and junior Julian Schmidt.

Only two skiers do not return who scored points.

On the girls’ side, all five pointscorers return, in order: senior

Middlebury Union High School Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Nordic Skiing Date Opponent/Event Time 12/14 Rutland Free @ Mt. Top 2:30 p.m.

12/21 Harwood Skate

@ Harwood 2:30 p.m.

1/6 Skate @ Woodstock 5 p.m.

1/11 Classic @ Trapps in Stowe 3 p.m.

1/14 Skate @ U-32 10 a.m.

1/21 Classic @ Rikert in Ripton 10 a.m.

1/31 Rutland Classic @ Mt. Top 3 p.m.

2/2 Tour de Chitt. – Skate

@ CHS 3:30 p.m.

2/4 Tour de Chittenden – Classic

@ Sleepy Hollow 10 a.m.

2/6 Tour de Chittenden – Skate Uphill

@ Cochran’s 3:30 p.m.

2/11 Skate @ U-32 10 a.m.

2/15 Harwood Classic @ Trapps 3 p.m.

2/24 Classic States @ Rikert TBD 2/27 Skate States @ Craftsbury TBD

Coach: Will Enriques Name Grade Herren-Lage, Amalia 12 Hescock, Tasha 12 Ingersoll, Amelia 12 Keathley, Charlotte 12 Moulton, Katherine 12 Oster, Kate 12 Wulfman, Claire 12 Holmes, Jane 11

Amelia Ingersoll (11th in freestyle and 9th in classic), juniors Katherine Koehler and Caroline Kimble, and seniors Kate Oster and Claire Wulfman. Sophomore Audrey

Kimble, Caroline Koehler, Katherine Marks, Sophia Rosenberg, Isabel Bosworth, Aileen Huston, Audrey Kenney, Larkin Newbury, Maisie Wallace, Katherine Berg, Ellen

11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 9

Huston also returns after starting for the Tigers in both races.

Henriques also expects a number of promising freshmen to push for starting positions, and said others

Middlebury Union High School Nordic Ski Team Hodges, Malia 9 LaRose, Journey 9 Maglienti, Mira 9 Nagy-Benson, Mary 9 Olson, Isabel 9 Seaton, Alison 9 Broucke, Tobias Campbell, Alan Crowne, Ross

12 12 12

who work hard could also make their cases.

“I’m hopeful it will be a good year again this year. The attitude’s great. People have been really

Punderson, Harlow Pyle, Lucas Sandler, Douglas Christner, Cade Hodges, Sam Hussey, Thomas Schmitt, Julian Troumbley, Garrett Wisell, Daniel Huber, Michael

12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 10

engaged and driven in the dry-land workouts, and I’m excited to see how that translates onto snow,” he said. “I’m really excited to see what the group can do.”

Brayton, Nico Carpenter, William Cason, Gabriel Curler, Cody Morgan, Tamhas Palcsik, Owen Peters, David Roy, Julian

HURRY IN FOR LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY DEALS!

We Have Great Gift Ideas for the Gardeners & Pet Lovers on Your List!

PLUS – Winter Clothing & More!

COUPON

5off

$

$

25

Clothing Purchase

INCLUDING RANGER PAC BOOTS, KINCO GLOVES, WHEELHOUSE SOCKS & MORE!

COUPON

20 off

$

$100 or more

COUPON

COUPON

25 off

25 off

%

%

any BIRDFEEDER purchase!

Excludes Carhartt, while supplies last and In-stock items only

purchase

any Dog or Cat Toy or Pet Bed purchase!

In-stock items only – while supplies last.

In-stock items only – while supplies last.

In-stock items only – while supplies last.

Cannot be combined with any other discount, in-store offer or coupon.

Cannot be combined with any other discount, in-store offer or coupon.

Cannot be combined with any other discount, in-store offer or coupon.

Cannot be combined with any other discount, in-store offer or coupon.

Valid through 12/24/16 MIDDLEBURY AGWAY COUPON

Valid through 12/24/16

Valid through 12/24/16 MIDDLEBURY AGWAY COUPON

MIDDLEBURY AGWAY COUPON

MIDDLEBURY AGWAY FARM & GARDEN 338 Exchange Street, Middlebury VT • 388-4937

Mon - Fri 8-6, Sat 8-5, Sun 9-4 . Open Christmas Eve 8am-3pm . Closed Christmas Day

YOUR YARD, GARDEN and PET PLACE™

Valid through 12/24/16 MIDDLEBURY AGWAY COUPON

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 15, 2016 — PAGE 7C

MOUNT ABRAHAM UNION HIGH SCHOOL

Mt. Abe Girls’ Basketball

By ANDY KIRKALDY BRISTOL — All four upperclassmen who played on the Mount Abraham girls’ basketball team that won nine games a year ago either graduated or transferred, leaving Coach Connie LaRose’s Eagles with a new look this season — one that includes no seniors.

Complicating things are injuries to two junior returners projected to start, guard Abby Mansfield and forward Emma Radler, who LaRose said are expected back in mid-January, and the leaks at Mount Abe that forced the gym floor to be replaced.

LaRose’s Eagles were among many groups left scrambling at the Bristol school. Fortunately, Bristol Elementary carved out 90 minutes a day for an Eagle girls’ hoop squad

Mt. Abe

that incorporates eight newcomers before their scheduled opener this past Saturday at Mount Mansfield.

“I describe it as character building,” LaRose said. “But I don’t want to complain too much. We could have been on the street corner. Bristol Elementary has worked hard to try to make it work for us.”

LaRose projects the other four returners to start. Junior forward Emma Carter has led the Eagles in scoring in each of the past two years, and LaRose said junior point guard Emma LaRose — yes, that’s her granddaughter — has made strides in the offseason.

Junior Olivia Young, a regular off the bench a year ago, will start at forward and bring what LaRose calls (See Eagle hoops, Page 8C)

Mount Abraham Union High School Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach: Connie LaRose Name Grade Bailey Allard 11 Robyn Arena 11 Emma Carter 11 Bridget Davis 11 Vanessa Dykstra 11 Jasmin Gile 11

Ally Hoff Emma LaRose Abby Mansfield Grace Norman Kamryn Norse Emma Radler Olivia Young Jalen Cook

11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10

Mount Abraham Union High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball 1/20 Mt. Mansfield Union 7 p.m.

Date Opponent/Event Time 1/25 Milton 7 p.m.

12/10 @ Mt. Mansfield 12:30 p.m.

1/28 @ Missisquoi 1:30 p.m.

12/13 @ Mill River Union 7 p.m.

1/31 Colchester 7 p.m.

12/20 Otter Valley Union 7 p.m.

2/8 @ Middlebury 7 p.m.

12/23 Fair Haven Tournament 7 p.m.

2/11 North Country Union 12:30 p.m.

12/26 Fair Haven Tournament 7 p.m.

2/14 @ Milton 7 p.m.

12/30 Kevin Reil Tourney @ CVU 1:30 p.m.

2/20 Missisquoi 7 p.m.

12/31 Kevin Reil Tourney @ CVU TBD 2/23 @ Colchester 7 p.m.

1/6 @ Vergennes 7 p.m.

2/27 Middlebury 7 p.m.

1/14 @ North Country Union 2 p.m.

Wrestling

By ANDY KIRKALDY BRISTOL — The big news for the Mount Abraham wrestling program was about two years in the making, according to first-year Coach Nick Mayer.

Mayer, promoted to the head job after being named last winter’s Vermont Assistant Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association, recalled a meeting with school officials and coaches and local youth coaches that took place a couple years back.

The varsity program was down to a handful of wrestlers, Mayer recalled, and “was on the verge of being cut.”

Mayer and others started recruiting, and youth numbers went up.

Last season, the varsity numbers under Coach Pete Lossman, now handling the JV and middle school teams, saw an increase.

And this year, after posters were put up around the school, speeches to the football teams were made and wrestlers did some recruiting?

Senior wrestler Dylan Little’s mother did some homework, and Mayer said she discovered the 22 wrestlers on the team this season are an all-time high for the Eagle program.

“Dylan’s mom looked through the yearbooks this week, and from what she was able to gather this was the biggest team Mount Abe has ever had,” Mayer said. “So this is pretty amazing.”

Those 22 wrestlers are also distributed among the weight classes, giving the Eagles full coverage at every weight, a rarity among Vermont programs, and the Eagles have some quality among the quantity.

Sophomore Roman Mayer, the coach’s son, enjoyed the most suc-

cess a year ago, taking third at the state meet at 120 pounds and compiling a 44-13 record. He returns at 120.

“He’s definitely got his sights on the state title,” Coach Mayer said.

Little finished fifth at 160 a year ago, but will move up in weight to 170 or 182 this winter. Mayer expects him to be competitive again.

“He’s definitely one of the leaders of the team,” he said.

(See Eagle wrestling, Page 8C)

Mt. Abe Varsity Wrestling Date Opponent/Event Time 12/10 @ St. Johnsbury 10 a.m.

12/13 @ Randolph Union 6:30 p.m.

12/17 @ Granville Tournament 9 a.m.

12/20 @ St. Johnsbury 6 p.m.

12/31 @ Fair Haven Union 8 a.m.

1/3 Lake Region Union 7 p.m.

1/9 @ Spaulding 6 p.m.

1/24 @ Essex 6:30 p.m.

2/2 @ Harwood Union 6:30 p.m.

2/8 Milton 7 p.m.

Mount Abraham Union High School Varsity Wrestling Coach: Nick Mayer Matthew Cota Name Grade Ryan Durfee Joshua Hardy 12 Peter Koenig Donovan Lamore 12 Zachary Lavoie Dylan Little 12 Roman Mayer Kobe Loftus 12 Dawson Phillips Aaron Welk 12 Kevin Pearsall Dakota Demore 11 Hailey Trayah Christian Little 11 John Bent Benjamin Murray 11 Justice Green TJ Clark 10 Parker Gero Gary Conant 10 Richard Stalcup

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 9

PAGE 8C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 15, 2016

MOUNT ABRAHAM UNION HIGH SCHOOL

Mt. Abe Boys’ Basketball

By ANDY KIRKALDY BRISTOL — It’s no secret the last couple of winters haven’t been the kindest to the Mount Abraham boys’ basketball team, who will be seeking their first victory since the Eagles’ four-win 2013-2014 campaign this season.

But second-year Coach Martin Clark, while realistic, expects a step forward this winter. He notes almost all of the key players return as seniors, and believes they are ready to reverse some results.

“I am optimistic. It is going to be a tough go, because we play the same teams we played last year. But I think we’ll be competing a little more this year,” Clark said. “I think we have three or four, maybe even five guys who are a lot more comfortable on the court, it being their third year at the varsity level. We’ve got some senior maturity, and they know what to expect, and I think they’re ready to handle it this year. So I expect some good things.”

Clark’s top eight all saw significant

minutes a year ago.

Senior Coleman Russell and either senior Chris Wood or senior Jack Willis will start in the backcourt; Clark said Wood and Willis will both play major roles and provide offense whether they start or give the Eagles a lift off the bench.

Junior leading scorer and rebounder Jackson Counter returns at one forward spot and also provides valuable ballhandling skills. Seniors Finn Clements and Ryan Thompson will get the nod to start at center and forward respectively, and senior Caleb Bonvouloir and juniors Dustin Whitcomb and Ryan Bonar project to be the top substitutes in the frontcourt.

Clark said he will give four more juniors, Lucas Livingston, Kyle Beatty, Derek Jackson and Dylan Hill, every opportunity to work their way into the rotation.

He believes the Eagles started to make improvements at both ends of the court last season, and he expects that trend to continue this winter and move Mount Abe into the win

column.

“I think offensively we’re going to push our points per game up,” Clark said. “And if we can shrink it defensively the other way, we’ll be in a good position and have some opportunities to win some games.”

Eagle hoops (Continued from Page 7C) hard-nosed play to the lineup, and LaRose said sophomore Jalen Rose, who showed promise as a freshman, is ready to become a full-time contributor at both ends of the court.

Junior guard Vanessa Dykstra will join them in the starting lineup, at least until Mansfield and Radler return. All the remaining players are juniors. Jasmin Gile and Grace Norman could be the next two guards up, with Ally Hoff and Bailey Allard also available in the backcourt.

Bridget Davis will probably be the first forward off the bench, followed

by Robyn Arena and Kamryn Norse.

Hoff could also play in the frontcourt, LaRose said.

LaRose believes her veteran

Mount Abraham Union High School Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach: Martin Clark Kyle Beatty Name Grade Ryan Bonar Caleb Bonvouloir 12 Jackson Counter Finn Clements 12 Derek Jackson Coleman Russell 12 Dylan Hill Ryan Thompson 12 Lucas Livingston Jack Willis 12 Dustin Whitcomb Chris Wood 12

11 11 11 11 11 11 11

Mt. Abe Boys’ Varsity Basketball Date Opponent/Event Time 12/10 @ Randolph 2:30 p.m.

12/16 @ Fair Haven Union 7 p.m.

12/19 @ Winooski 7 p.m.

12/22 Otter Valley Union 7 p.m.

12/27 Randolph Union 7 p.m.

12/30 Winooski 7 p.m.

1/5 Mill River 7 p.m.

1/13 @ Vergennes Union 7 p.m.

1/17 @ Otter Valley Union 7 p.m.

1/21 @ Mill River Union 2:30 p.m.

1/24 Fair Haven Union 7 p.m.

1/27 Middlebury 7 p.m.

2/2 @ BFA/St. Albans 7:30 p.m.

2/4 Missisquoi 12:30 p.m.

2/7 Milton 7 p.m.

2/10 Vergennes 7 p.m.

2/15 @ Middlebury 7 p.m.

2/18 BFA/St. Albans 12:30 p.m.

2/21 @ Missisquoi 7:30 p.m.

Eagle wrestling

players can hold their own, and how well the newcomers off the bench adapt to varsity play will be critical.

“They can do OK, but I’ve got to develop enough bench strength to give them a break and not give up everything that those kids have worked so hard for,” she said.

The expected step forward for players like Cook and LaRose will be important to take pressure off Carter and create a more balanced attack, LaRose said.

“It’s clear that Emma Carter is going to be the leader in scoring, but I also think she’s going to be tightly guarded,” she said.

As well as staying and getting healthy, the Eagles will also have

to value the basketball and play tough defense.

“We’ve got to stay within our offense,” LaRose said. “We just have to take care of the ball as if our life depended on it, and we have to play good defense. I think the rest of the things will come, but we can’t come down the floor and fire up an iffy shot.”

If all goes well, LaRose said the Eagles could be a tough team, especially by the end of the season.

“We’re not a team that’s going to blow anybody out of the water.

We’re a team that’s going to compete nicely for the most part within our league and our non-league schedule,” she said. “I think we’re going to compete game-in and game-out.”

(Continued from Page 7C) Another success last winter was sophomore Kevin Pearsall, who won 39 matches at 182 and will wrestle at either 195 or 182 this winter. Also seeking spots along with Little in those weight ranges are three promising newcomers, senior Kobe Loftus at 195 and two freshmen, Richard Stalcup at 182 and Justice Green at 170.

Junior Ben Murray won 38 matches at 126 last winter and won a match at the state meet, and Mayer expects good things from him again.

At 106, senior Donovan Lamore went 29-12 as a first-year wrestler, and Mayer believes a podium placement this year is within Lamore’s grasp.

Sophomore Dawson Philips is alone at 113, while Parker Gero will

work behind Mayer at 120.

There is a logjam at 132 and 138.

Veteran senior Gary Conant is penciled in at 138, but might drop down to 132, setting up a duel with another veteran, junior Christian Little, for that weight class. Mayer said the loser in that scenario might have to move up to 138. Junior Dakota Demore and freshman John Bent are also competing at 132 and might have some say, however.

Senior Josh Hardy returns at 145 after an injury-plagued season. Mayer believes Hardy is ready to break through. “He lives and breathes wrestling and will be another powerhouse on the team,” he said.

Two sophomores will battle for the job at 152 — T.J. Clark and Matt Cota — while another sophomore, Zachary Lavoie, is alone at 160.

Mayer is high on sophomore Ryan Durfee at 220, where sophomore Hailey Trayah is also battling.

“We have high expectations for him,” Mayer said.

Finally, football linemen Aaron Welk, a senior, and Peter Koenig, a sophomore, will duel for the starting job at 285.

“Those are two big strong guys from the football team. I have no idea what’s going to happen there, but they’ll wrestle off,” Mayer said.

Mayer said that the numbers are not the only good news.

“I’d also add that overall we just have a great atmosphere within the team with everyone working intensely,” he said. “It is a great vibe having the practice room packed, music blasting, and sounds of wrestlers throwing each other around.”

Good Luck Student Athletes.

WE SUPPORT YOU! When the going gets tough, we’re here to help: Ankle & Knee Braces Wrist & Arch Supports Orthotic Inserts Hot & Cold Therapy – Colpacs & Hotpacs Knowledgeable Staff & Personalized Service Marble Works, Middlebury • 388-9801 • 1-800-649-2627 • Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-1

Good Luck to all Winter Sports Teams!

Mt. Abe

Cheerleading Squad Mount Abraham Union High School Varsity Cheerleading

Have a Great Season Eagles!

Coach: Cricket Emmons Name Grade Patrick Davison 12 Greta Meyer 11 Lillie Briggs 10 Hannah Carpenter 10 Carlyle Grundon 10

Andrea, Bill & John are here for your insurance and financial needs Serving Vermonters for 109 years.

453-6600

35 West St., Bristol VT www.paigeandcampbell.com

FOOTE’S INSURANCE AGENCY

See you at the games!

877-3351 • 877-6784 6 Green Street, Vergennes

Autumn Guimond Malea McAllister Sydney Perlee Alanah Rockwell Katie St Armour Roza Stewart

10 9 9 9 9 9

Good Luck, Eagles!

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 15, 2016 — PAGE 9C

VERGENNES

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

VUHS Girls’ Basketball

By ANDY KIRKALDY VERGENNES — The Vergennes Union girls’ basketball team lost a lot of its points and most of its rebounds when four senior forwards received diplomas this past June. Coach Billy Waller admitted he was concerned coming off a seven-win season in which the Commodores struggled in Lake Division play.

But that was before he saw the improvement in his returning starting backcourt during offseason play, and what the additions of two forwards — senior Mount Abraham transfer Xavia Berry and sophomore Brianna Vanderway, a JV standout a year ago — could mean to the team.

Waller said those two will probably join three guards in starting lineup, seniors Caroline Johnston and Shay Pouliot and sophomore Ciara McClay, all of whom played major roles for VUHS a year ago. The fact that all five worked hard and played well during the offseason began to change Waller’s outlook.

“I was nervous coming into the season until about halfway through the summer,” Waller said.

Senior forward Becca Maloy and another JV standout from a year ago, sophomore Morgan Lynk, should give the Commodores a strong top seven that Waller believes will be competitive.

“Our guards have improved dramatically,” he said. “The post players are a little more consistent.”

Waller has always liked to go deep

into his bench, but might do so less this season unless his other substitutes work hard to improve, something he saw in the preseason.

“I definitely have some hierarchy, and the girls know it,” he said.

“Practices have been seriously competitive.”

Seeking time in the frontcourt will be seniors Brianna De Smit, Abby Dobson and Lily Russell, while senior Cailin Curler and junior Megan Tarte are available in the backcourt.

Freshman Emily Rooney will not start the season with the team, but Waller said also she could be promoted.

One team strength Waller foresees is that unlike a year ago, where the Commodores largely looked to the veterans inside for scoring, this season he believes they all have the ability and confidence to put the ball in the basket.

“I think we’re going to be a little more balanced,” Waller said. “We

just have to get the ball to an open person.”

Chemistry should also be a plus.

“They’re great kids,” Waller said.

“I’m having fun being around them.”

All in all, he is at least cautiously optimistic despite the challenging schedule.

“I think we should be as good as last year, if not better,” Waller said.

“I’m feeling pretty good about stuff.”

Vergennes Union High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team Coach: Billy Waller Name Grade Xzavia Berry 12 Cailin Curler 12 Breanna De Smit 12 Abby Dobson 12 Caroline Johnston 12 Becca Maloy 12 Shay Pouliot 12 Lily Russell 12 Megan Tarte 11 Morgan Lynk 10 Ciara McClay 10 Brianna Vanderway 10

Vergennes Union High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball Date Opponent/Event Time 12/10 @ Harwood 1 p.m.

12/15 Winooski 7 p.m.

12/19 Montpelier 7 p.m.

12/21 @ Winooski 7 p.m.

12/23 Harwood 7 p.m.

12/28 @ Montpelier 7:30 p.m.

1/6 Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

1/14 @ Milton 11:30 a.m.

1/20 North Country 7 p.m.

1/25 Mt. Mansfield 7 p.m.

1/28 @ Middlebury 12:30 p.m.

1/31 Missisquoi 7 p.m.

2/8 @ Colchester 7 p.m.

2/11 Milton 11:30 a.m.

2/14 @ Mt. Mansfield 7 p.m.

2/16 @ North Country 6:30 p.m.

2/20 Middlebury 7 p.m.

2/23 @ Missisquoi 7 p.m.

2/27 Colchester 7 p.m.

3/2 @ Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

VUHS Cheerleading squad Vergennes Union High School Cheerleading Team Coach: Jennifer Johnson Name Grade Madison Ask 12 Taylor Bresnick 12 Emma Duprey 12 Mckenzie Warden 12 Allysha Devoid 11 Lianna Sargent Maher 11 Jordan Yandow 11 Rachel Leete 10 Lydia Sabourin 10 Paiton Tolmer 10 Madison Valiquette 10 Brianna Billings 9 Emily Brinkman 9 Jenna Howlett 9 Alexyss MacKinnon 9

Good Luck Vergennes Commodores!

JACKMAN FUELS, INC. Serving Addison & Chittenden Counties Since 1945

Best of Luck to all of our Student Athletes this Winter!

PROPANE • ULTRA LOW SULFUR HEATING OIL

877-2661 205 Main Street, Vergennes • jackmanfuels.com

PAGE 10C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 15, 2016

VERGENNES

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

VUHS Indoor Track & Field

By ANDY KIRKALDY VERGENNES — This winter should provide a productive blend of competing, improving and learning for the Vergennes Union indoor track and field team, according to Coach Brad Castillo.

The 13-strong Commodore team features a handful of athletes who scored points or performed well at this past winter’s or spring’s indoor or outdoor championship meets, a couple newcomers who could join them on podiums, and a number of other athletes who will develop their skills for the future.

“For most of them it will getting ready for springtime and planning that good foundation,” Castillo said, “but some of them are ready to strike the iron now.”

Last winter, Spencer Hurlburt, now a sophomore, was fifth at 1,600 meters in D-II while the VUHS girls’ four-by-200-meter relay team of senior Alyse Beauchemin, sophomores Ashley Cray and Bess Gramling, and junior Munro McLaren (current grade levels) took sixth.

And junior Wade Mullin and seniors Megan Rooney and Sadie Kass finished just out of the top six in several events this past spring.

Castillo also noted Mullin, Hurlburt and Kass are coming off strong

cross-country seasons.

That group of athletes, plus senior first-time team member Max RattiBicknell, could contend individually in some events or team up on relays for podium performances, he said.

“In some situations we have a great chance of being competitive, if not winning some of them,” Castillo said.

Others who could step onto relay teams include senior Agon Hasani, junior Will Wormer and sophomore Carter Visicaro.

A half-dozen Mount Abraham athletes are also working out with the Commodores on a daily basis, although they must compete as independents. Included in that group are junior Lydia Pitts, a three-event winter meet champion a year ago, and versatile senior runner Andrew Raymond, both of whom Castillo said provide leadership.

In particular, the Commodores have only recently grown the girls’ side of the team, and Castillo is happy to have Pitts in the mix with them.

“With a strong girls’ group that I haven’t had in a really long time, when you infuse someone like Lydia into it, who is such an awesome competitor in her own right, it really helps pull them along and make them want to work harder,” he said.

Vergennes Union High School Varsity Indoor Track and Field Team Coach: Brad Castillo Name Grade Alyse Beachemin 12 Agon Hasani 12 Sadie Kass 12 Max Ratti-Bicknell 12 Megan Rooney 12 Elisa Martin 11

Munro McLaren Will Wormer Ashley Cray Bess Gramling Spencer Hurlburt Wade Mullin Carter Visicaro

11 11 10 10 10 10 10

Vergennes Union High School Varsity Indoor Track and Field Date Opponent/Event 12/17 @ UVM 1/7 @ UVM 1/14 @ UVM 1/21 @ Norwich

Time 1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

8:30 a.m.

1/28 New England Qual. @ Norwich

10:30 a.m.

2/4 State Championships @ Norwich

TBD

Good Luck Teams!

Addison Wellness, Inc. dba

wells physical therapy

The Winter Sports Season is Upon Us!

Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success.

Author Unknown

If you find yourself needing assistance in enhancing your sports performance or requiring help after an unfortunate snafu, give our office a call! Our knowledgeable and experienced staff is always honored and excited to help our local athletes improve and/or recover.

Let us be a part of your successful & exhilarating winter season!

175 Wilson Road, Suite 101 Middlebury, VT • 802-388-3533

www.addisonwellnesspt.com

HEATING OIL • PLUMBING & HEATING • GASOLINE

388-9260 213 Exchange St., Middlebury Owned & Operated by the MacIntyre Family since 1943

“Making Friends Warm Is Our Business”

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 15, 2016 — PAGE 11C

VERGENNES

UNION

HIGH

SCHOOL

VUHS Boys’ Basketball

By ANDY KIRKALDY VERGENNES — The Vergennes Union boys’ basketball team started out with plenty of size and high hopes a year ago, but ended up with just eight wins and a first-round playoff loss.

Coach Peter Quinn said the Commodores will have a new look this year, and he hopes for better results with a lineup in which only two players stand taller than six feet, and not by much, if at all.

But he also expects them to score, especially veteran senior guards Adam Gill and Dylan Bradford and lefty junior forward Lance Bergmans, a JV standout a year ago.

“We’ve got better scoring this year. We’ve got three guys who “We’ve can actually got better score on their scoring this own,” Quinn year. We’ve said. “We’ve got guys who got three can score with guys who can actually confidence this year.” score on their Quinn proown. We’ve jected two got guys more senior veterans, point who can guard Hunter score with O’Connor and confidence swingman this year.”

Devin Kimball, — Coach Quinn to join them in the starting lineup, although O’Connor did bang up a knee in the preseason and was a question mark in the week leading up to the Commodores’ first game.

The first three players off the bench are likely to be junior forwards Casey Kimball and Ethan Sausville and junior guard Albert Tsai, with Kimball the probable starter if O’Connor has

to sit.

Senior forwards Jacob and Nick LaFleche and junior guards Aaron Premont and Bailey Smith round out the VUHS depth chart.

“We’ve got some kids coming in who can handle the ball and shoot well,” Quinn said.

Given that Quinn expects the Commodores to score and that they are not a tall team, and his own historic points of emphasis, it’s no surprise where he was looking for his team

to improve as he prepared it for the regular season.

“What we haven’t shown is that we can defend well,” Quinn said. “We haven’t shown that we can box out well and rebound, either.”

But he is setting the bar high.

“We always want to go to Barre,” Quinn said. “We certainly at this point should be thinking we have a chance to win the league. Win the league, get a high seed, get two home games.

That’s what we want.”

Vergennes Union High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball 1/24 @ Montpelier Date Opponent/Event Time 1/26 @ Missisquoi 12/13 Harwood 7 p.m.

2/1 Milton 12/16 South Burlington 7 p.m.

2/4 BFA-St. Albans 12/19 @ Lake Region 7 p.m.

2/7 Middlebury 12/22 @ BFA-Fairfax 7 p.m.

2/10 @ Mt. Abraham 12/27 Twinfield 7 p.m.

2/15 Missisquoi 12/30 Mill River 7 p.m.

2/18 @ Milton 1/4 @ Burr & Burton 7 p.m.

2/21 @ BFA-St. Albans 1/7 BFA-Fairfax 11:30 a.m.

2/24 @ Middlebury 1/11 @ Otter Valley 7 p.m.

1/13 Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

VUHS

Vergennes Union High School Varsity Wrestling Team Coaches: Nate Kittredge, Scott Bissonette Name Grade Brandon Cousino 12 Kyle Kingsley 12 Troy Provencher 12 Devon Coleman 10 Xander Wilson 9

Vergennes Union High School Boys’ Varsity Wrestling 1/10 Mt. Anthony Date Opponent/Event Time 1/11 @ CVU 12/10 @ Conval (N.H.) Tournament 10 a.m.

1/13 @ Essex Classic 12/14 St. Johnsbury, Spaulding & Milton 1/14 @ Essex Classic

6 p.m.

1/25 @ St. Johnsbury 12/17 @ Granville Tournament 10 a.m.

1/28 Bob Benoure Classic 12/22 @ Mt. Mansfield 6 p.m.

2/2 Mt. Mansfield Tournament 12/27 @ Lowell, Mass. Tournament 9 a.m.

2/4 @ Mt. Mansfield 12/28 @ Lowell, Mass. Tournament 9 a.m.

2/8 @ Mt. Abraham 12/29 @ Noble Tournament 9 a.m.

2/11 @ NVAC Championship 12/30 @ Noble Tournament 9 a.m.

2/24 Hosting Vermont States 1/3 @ Mt. Abraham 7 p.m.

2/25 Hosting Vermont States 1/7 @ Peru N.Y. Tournament 9 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

9 a.m.

6 p.m.

9 a.m.

7 p.m.

10 a.m.

3:30 p.m.

9 a.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

11:30 a.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

11:30 a.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

Vergennes Union High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team Coach: Peter Quinn Name Grade Dylan Bradford 12 Adam Gill 12 Devin Kimball 12 Jared LaFleche 12 Nick LaFleche 12 Hunter O’Conor 12 Lance Bergmans 11 Casey Kimball 11 Aaron Premont 11 Ethan Sausville 11 Bailey Smith 11 Albert Tsai 11

Wrestling

By ANDY KIRKALDY VERGENNES — With the numbers on the Vergennes Union varsity wrestling program dropping to five to start the season, Coaches Nate Kittredge and Scott Bissonette took on a dual mission this winter: making sure those five could be as successful as possible while also cultivating the 12 members of the middle school program.

Kittredge will be spending plenty of time with the middle-schoolers as well as the varsity team, and also plans to bring the two groups together for meets as much as possible.

“We’ve got a decent-sized middle school team,” Kittredge said. “We’re going to try to get all of them on the same mat, middle school meet and the varsity meet, so we can keep our numbers there and the kids can continue to see, ‘This is what you can become if you stick with it.’”

As for the varsity team, some accomplished wrestlers graduated, but one of the program’s best-ever returns, senior Brandon Cousino, the defending 182-pound state champion.

Cousino ran the table heading into

the state tournament (which VUHS will host this winter) a year ago even though, as always, Kittredge scheduled challenging out-of-state events for his team. Cousino, in fact, was the only undefeated Vermont wrestler heading into to 2016 state meet.

“I always knew I wanted tough competition for my kids so they could come back to Vermont and clean house, so to speak,” Kittredge said. “That’s what I tried to give him, and 46-0 before New Englands.”

This season, Kittredge added the Lowell (Mass.) Holiday Tournament to the Commodores’ schedule, an event that draws 70 teams and many top competitors from around the region, a tournament that Kittredge hopes will expose Cousino to even better competition and prepare him for a run at a New England title and for the college years that lie beyond.

“That’s going to be a good test for him,” Kittredge said. “It’s got all those New England-caliber kids there.”

Other VUHS wrestlers could also fare well. Both seniors Kyle Kingsley and Troy Provencher won matches by pin at the 2016 state meet,

Kingsley at 132 and Provencher at 126.

Kinsgley will wrestler at either 132 or 138, and Kittredge said he should do well.

“Kyle has always been a topfour contender,” he said. “It’s a big year for him. He’s shown me some growth, actually.”

Provencher is back at 126 and could be primed for a breakthrough, Kittredge said.

“Troy’s got one of the biggest hearts on team,” he said. “I’d like to think it’s just a matter of time before he turns that corner. He’s just got to be a little more aggressive.”

The final two Commodores are younger. Sophomore Devon Coleman will wrestle at 152, and according to Kittredge has a bright future.

“He’s just got to stick with it and have another year of growth here,” he said. “He should be able to lead the way the next couple of years.”

Freshman Xander Wilson rounds out the squad.

“He really likes to find the technique,” Kittredge said. “He’s just a little scrapper, too.”

ADDISON COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

Andy Kirkaldy News & Sports Writer

Trent Campbell Photographer

Results, Analysis, Opinion and Action Photos - Twice a Week!

W

Lee Kahrs Editor

Matt Dickerson Outdoor Columnist

Sports Coverage...

Karl Lindholm Columnist

e want to be the paper of record for local boys’ and girls’ results, but we also try to go a little deeper than just reporting scores. In our stories, we look at why games are won and lost and how the teams are trying to reach their potential. We also feature looks at some individual athletes, including why they love their sport and what they have learned from them. And we believe sports is not about winning and losing, but trying to achieve as much as possible individually and collectively.

Andy Kirkaldy, ADDISON COUNTY The Addison Independent INDEPENDENT News & Sports Writer VERMONT’S TWICE-WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Brandon • Pittsford • Proctor • West Rutland

REPORTER

Middlebury, VT 05753 • (802) 388-4944 • www.AddisonIndependent.com

Lake Dunmore, Leicester, Whiting, Sudbury, Goshen

PAGE 12C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 15, 2016

OTTER VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL

OVUHS Girls’ Basketball

By LEE J. KAHRS BRANDON — The Otter girls’ basketball team is strong and fast this year, and looking to improve on an up-and-down record last season.

The Otters finished 8-12 and lost in the first round of the 2016 Division III playoffs, but the record belies the talent. After a slow start, the Otters started winning but couldn’t maintain their momentum.

This year, Head Coach Steve Keith has five returning “We’re players in looking seniors Courtney Bushey and forward Olivia Bloomer, to having junior Gabby good Poalino and chemistry. sophomores Julia Lee and Sophie They are Markowski.

In addition, working extremely sKo ap ht oh mr oyr ne hard and Coolidge and senior Molly giving McGee have a ton of moved up from effort for playing junior varsity last year, us.” freshmen — Coach and Julia Eastman, Steve Keith Leah Pinkowski and Livia Bernhardt are floating between JV and varsity.

In the preseason Keith said this team is ready to play.

“We’re looking forward to having good chemistry,” he said. “They are working extremely hard and giving a ton of effort for us.”

Keith said he has a deep bench and some very multi-faceted players.

“Depth and flexibility is key for us,” he said. “We have a lot of people who can play a lot of different positions.”

The Otters will have their work

cut out for them in the Marble Valley League with strong teams expected from Fair Haven and Mill River, as well as Windsor and Springfield.

Keith said the Otters have a mantra that he hopes will carry them to a winning season.

“We like the five on the floor to be a unit, rather than counting on

one person to carry us,” he said.

Timing is also key, and Keith said he would like his team to keep doing in games what they’ve been doing in preseason practices.

“We’re improving every day,” he said. “ If we’re doing our best and the playoffs start, that’s where we want to be.”

Good Luck, Otters!

Otter Valley Union High School Varsity Girls’ Basketball Head Coach: Steven Keith Asst. Coach: Corey Czarnecki Name Grade Sophia Bloomer 12 Courtney Bushey 12 Molly McGee 12 Kathryn Coolidge 11 Gabriela Poalino 11 Julia Lee 10 Sophie Markowski 10 Livia Bernhardt 9 Julia Eastman 9 Leah Pinkowski 9

Otter Valley Union High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball Date Opponent/Event 12/20 @ Mt Abraham 12/23 Middlebury 12/29 @ Proctor 1/4 Rutland 1/6 Proctor 1/11 @ Burr & Burton 1/14 Springfield 1/16 West Rutland 1/26 @ Hartford 1/28 Brattleboro

Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

2/1 2/7 2/10 2/14 2/16 2/18 2/21 2/24 2/28 3/3

Mill River @ MAU Fair Haven Windsor @ Springfield @ Enosburg @ Fair Haven @ Windsor Hartford (SR) @ Mill River

7 p.m.

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.

Have a great season!

2015 file photo

OVUHS

Cheerleading Squad Otter Valley Union High School Varsity Cheerleading

Coach: Brenda Colburn Name Grade Kelsey Cram 11 Houston Pratt 11 Mariah Santell 11

Emily Barker Madison Chicoine Jordan Larraway Chyenne Giddings Keisha Young

10 10 10 9 9

Addison Independent, Thursday, December 15, 2016 — PAGE 13C

OTTER VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL

OVUHS Boys’ Basketball

By LEE J. KAHRS BRANDON — Coach Greg Hughes is optimistic about his Otter Valley varsity boys’ basketball team this year.

After completing a 4-16 season last year, the fifth-year coach said this team has a better chance of racking up more wins.

“The team is stronger this year,” he said. “We’ll be pretty well-round. On any given night, anybody could go off.”

The Otters have three seniors: starter Derek Aines, Tyler Peterson and Thomas Kingsley. Junior Josh Letourneau also started last year, and the team counts juniors Payson Williams and Sawyer Heath as well.

For the sophomores there is Dylan Mackie, who also started last year, as well as Tyler Rowe, who earned the starting quarterback position on the Otter football team this season.

Sophomore Pat McKeighan will be a floater between the junior varsity and

varsity squads.

Aines and Letourneau are team captains this year.

But with only nine players, expect this team to be in excellent shape.

Hughes was asked if he was focusing on conditioning with his players.

“Very much so,” he said with a smile.

The Otters are also without basketball standout Kai Norwood, who transferred to Mount St. Joseph Academy in Rutland for his senior year. Regardless, Hughes said he is expecting the Otters to improve to at least a .500 record this season, despite stronger opposition in Division III from defending champion Fair Haven, as well as from Mill River and Mount St. Joseph.

Hughes has high hopes to return to the playoffs well past the first round.

“I have full expectations to go all the way and I hope all the guys feel that way, too,” he said.

Otter Valley Union High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball Date Opponent/Event Time 12/15 @ Proctor Tournament 5:30 p.m.

12/16 @ Proctor Tournament 5:30/7 p.m.

12/20 @ Middlebury 7 p.m.

12/22 @ Mt Abraham 7 p.m.

12/28 MAU 7 p.m.

12/30 @ Windsor 7 p.m.

1/3 @ Mill River 7 p.m.

1/7 @ Springfield 1:30 p.m.

1/11 Vergennes 7 p.m.

1/13 Mill River 7 p.m.

1/17 1/27 1/31 2/4 2/6 2/9 2/15 2/18 2/20 2/24

Mt Abraham Hartford Woodstock Brattleboro @ MSJ @ Fair Haven MSJ @ Proctor Fair Haven (SR) @ Burr & Burton

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Otter Valley Union High School Varsity Boys’ Basketball Head: Coach Greg Hughes Asst: Michael Stark & Tom Hughes Name Grade Derek Aines 12

Thomas Kingsley Tyler Peterson Sawyer Heath Joshua Letourneau

12 12 11 11

Payson Williams Jack Adams Kollin Bissette Nathaniel Hudson

11 10 10 10

Timothy Kittler Dylan Mackie Patrick McKeighan Tyler Rowe

10 10 10 10

OVUHS Wrestling

By LEE J. KAHRS BRANDON — Rebuilding is in full swing on the Otter Valley wrestling team, with 12 boys ready to take to the mat.

Second-year Head Coach Cole Mason said he did some recruiting but his wrestlers also spread the word, and numbers are up after a program low of just four wrestlers a few years ago.

And with eight sophomores, the Otter wrestling team has a foundation to keep a healthy number of grapplers over the next three years.

“In theory, we have people we can build off of,” Mason said in a preseason interview.

The sophomores are Josh Beayon, Douglas Coburn, Matt Fox, Anthony Rovi, Jacob White, Daniel Whitney and Russell Wilkey.

Seniors Tyson Cram and Greg Whitney are back on the squad, along with junior Cody Young. The team is rounded out by freshman Jared Denis, a Proctor High School student; Proctor does not have wrestling team.

Mason said the Otters should be able to compete in 11 of 14 weight classes this season. Cram should do well wrestling at 145 pounds this year.

Mason said he is hoping the team will build confidence as the season progresses and would like to see

some top four or five finishers “with a state champion sprinkled here and there.”

Mason said this team’s strengths are things that can’t be taught.

“We have a young core and lot of stubborn kids,” he said. “They may not have the skills yet, but they are rugged and stubborn and they don’t like to lose. You can’t teach the mentality part, but you can teach the skills.”

Otter Valley Union High School Boys’ Varsity Wrestling 1/28 @ Mt Graylock TBA Date Opponent/Event Time 2/2 Tri vs Spaulding 12/10 @ St Johnsbury TBA

& Adirondack NY TBA 12/14 MVL Duals @ BBA 6 p.m.

2/4 @ Mt Mansfield 9 a.m.

12/17 @ Granville 10 a.m.

2/8 MVL Duals @ MR TBA 12/28 @ Cohoes NY TBA 2/11 @ MAU Jamboree TBA 12/29 @ Cohoes NY TBA 2/24 @ Verg. (State Tournament) TBA 1/4 MVL Duals @ FH TBA 2/25 @ Verg. (State Tournament) TBA 1/7 @ MAU Tournament TBA 3/3 @ N.E. - Providence, RI TBA 1/10 MVL Duals (BF-Mt Abraham) 6 p.m.

3/4 @ N.E. - Providence, RI TBA 1/14 @ Adirondack Duals TBA 1/21 @ Merrimack TNMT TBA

Otter Valley Union High School Varsity Wrestling Coach: Cole Mason Matthew Fox Name Grade Anthony Rovi Tyson Cram 12 Jacob White Cody Young 11 Daniel Whitney Joshua Beayon 10 Russell Wilkey Douglas Coburn 10 Jared Denis

Enjoy Your Distinctive Homefield Advantage

Shop Locally - Everything You Need for Your Project is Right Here!

Exclusive local dealer for Mountainside Flooring

Indulge in a

Distinctive Experience Tile, Fabric, Colors & Creative Ideas From Around the World are Just Around the Corner.

Great Offers

Storewide Specials Unlimited Creativity and IN-HOME CONSULTATION!

388-2500

1396 Rte 7 South, Middlebury VT M- F 7:30-5:30 Sat. 8-1

www.distinctivepaintvt.com

10 10 10 10 10 9

PAGE 14C — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 15, 2016

Good Luck to all Winter Sports Teams!

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING & HEATING NEEDS! You Can Count on The Hometown Favorites to Deliver.

Warm Up & Stay Fueled For Your Sport...

! n a C u o y l l a t i e Giv

Voted #1 Plumbing & Heating Co. in the Region!

Hard work and determination will make you champions!

...And We’ll Keep You Warm At Home

We wish all student athletes a fun and rewarding season.

Don’t get caught in the cold! Call today for fuel delivery and to schedule your yearly heating system maintenance.

PLUMBING • HEATING 453-2325 125 Monkton Road, Bristol, VT

FUEL DELIVERY 388-4975

185 Exchange St., Middlebury

PLUMBING•HEATING•AIR CONDITIONING•WATER SYSTEMS

BIO DIESEL • K1 KEROSENE FUEL OIL •GASOLINE • DIESEL

CVPLUMBINGHEATING.COM

CHAMPLAINVALLEYFUELS.COM

Dependable Delivery & 24-Hour Emergency Service.

From the folks

at

Jackman’s Inc.

Heating Oils • LP Gas • Diesel Fuel • Kerosene Wood Pellets, Firewood and Coal • Mulch • Animal Bedding

Supplier of Generac Generators and Pellet Stoves 32 Pine Street • Bristol • 453-2381

w w w. J a c k m a n s I n c . c o m

We’ve Got You Covered!

Why not finish your to-do list now, before you host a full house; before those touch-ups become New Year’s resolutions.

Enjoy the Gift of Color!

Gift Certificates Available

Serving Addison County Since 1988 Keeping Your Family Healthy Is Our Goal

• Free, same-day delivery (call for details) • 24/7 prescription refills (phone, Smartphone, on-line) • Frequent In-Store specials on a wide selection of products • No hassle prescription transfers. PLUS! A $25 giftcard for new patients • Affordable generic extended day supply prescription program • Compounding Pharmacy • Free Children’s Vitamin Program – Start them off right!

• Take Charge® Lifestyle Counseling & Weight Loss Program • Solutions Rx Restore® Learn how to relieve the most common side effects of medication-induced nutrient depletion and feel better.

We are your independent, hometown community pharmacy and our friendly staff looks forward to being of service to you and your family.

Our pharmacists are always ready to answer your questions. We offer competitive prices & free delivery. Let us be your partner in your healthcare. Stop in today and see why our customers are so loyal!

OP E N 7 DAYS

Middlebury & Vergennes

good luck 187 Main Street student athletes!

Addison County’s No. 1 Pharmacy

Vergennes • 877-1190

16 Creek Rd, Middlebury

In Bristol Works!

Marble Works, Middlebury • 388-3784

187 Main Street Vergennes • 877-1190

Addison County’

61 Pine Street Bristol • 453-2999

We welcome you and your family! www.marbleworkspharmacy.com We welcome you 388-6054

For more info and pharmacy hours:

Mon. - Fri. 7:30 - 5:30, Sat. 8:00 - 3:00

We are your independent, hometown community

W