2005
The Maine Baseball Hall of Fame is proud to award scholarships to each of the outstanding men and women whose contributions to their school and community both on and off the field exemplify the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and citizenship taught for many years by Packy McFarland and Marie Noel.
MARIE W. NOEL SOFTBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
SARAH COONRADT Richmond HS
Spearheading back to back Class D State Championships for the Richmond Bobcats, Sarah Coonradt carved an enviable legacy for her high school softball career.
Sarah posted impressive 16-2 and 17/-2 pitching records over those championship seasons and emerged not only as the team MVP but a charismatic and respected leader aS well.
She doesn’t quit, Richmond coach Rick Coughhin said after this years 7-3 win over Lee Academy for the State Crown.
She’s a leader and the rest of the team follows her.
Sarah was named to the Morning Sentinel/Kennebec Journal All-Star Team, the East-West Conference All-Star Team, and was selected as Class D Player of the Year by the coaches association.
Sarah’s dynamic personality carries over into the classroom and the community where she 1s very active in the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Sarah ranks third in her class and will attend the University of Southern Maine to major in music.
MICHELLE MULHERIN Penquis Valley HS
Versatility and leadership characterize Michelle Mulherins sparkling four-year career at Penquis Valley. The three-time Penobscot Valley Conference first-team All-Star split the catching duties while also seeing action at first and third base and the outfield.
Michelle captained the team in both her junior and senior year and won the respect and admiration of her teammates and coaches for her caring and empathetic approach to the same.
For her exemplary contributions to the Penquis Valley program, Michelle received the Miss Penquis Softball Award for 2005 as well as the Carroll Conley Sportsmanship Award.
Penquis coach Dick Martin lauds Michelle's commitment to her teammates. She will often stay after practice to help other girls work on their hitting and fielding. I know this is rarely done, but Michelle actually goes to the junior high games to support the younger kids as well.
Michelle is a member of the National Honor Society, served as class President her junior and senior years, and is headed to Husson College in the fall.
Pam Spooner compiled a prolific record as a four-year starting pitcher for the Ashland Hornets, chalking up 41 career wins and 384 strikeouts. An aggressive and productive hitter, Pam also sports a career .420 batting average.
Pam led the Hornets to the Class D Eastern regional championship in 2004 and narrowly lost in the state final, 5-4, striking out 12 while going four for four.
A three-year Aroostook County League All-Star, Pam was named this year to play in the State Senior All-Star (same.
Pam’s teachers praise her strong work ethic and unquenchable desire to learn in the classroom. She has been a trustworthy student leader of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway canoe trip and an inspirational! role model for her peers through Youth in Government and LEAD (Leaders Educating Against Drinking).
A National Honor Society member who ranks 4th in her class, Pam will attend the University of Maine at Orono to major in Biology.
PAM SPOONER Ashland Community HS
EDWARD J. “PACKY” MCFARLAND BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
ERIC LOPEZ
Winslow HS
Combining flawless play at shortstop with a 5-1, 1.55 ERA pitching mark, Eric Lopez led Winslow to a 15-3 season and the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference championship.
For his efforts, Eric was named to his third straight KVAC All-Star First Team and honored as the Waterville Morning Sentinel Baseball Player of the Year.
Eric’s season was highlighted by a 26-2/3 inning scoreless streak, the capstone to a sparkling 18-4 career pitching record for the Black Raiders.
Baseball coach Robin Weed calls Eric the most accomplished player Ive had the pleasure of working with in 14 years of coaching.
Willingly bearing the responsibility of being a universally respected and admired teammate, Eric commented during his Senior Athletic Banquet Speech: Leadership is an attribute that is contagious, and, if used the right way, it can deliver wonders not only on the field, but off it as well.
Eric heads for Thomas College this fall where he plans to play basketball and baseball.
Joining three previous Packy McFarland Scholarship winners from Presque Isle (Mark and Jeff Yaeger and Aaron Keirsted), Tim Lyford is right there with them as first-class quality student athletes, says his coach Tim Olore.
A slick-fielding second baseman (.955 fielding percentage) and reliable lead-off hitter (.408 batting average in 2005), Tim led Presque Isle to a 13-3 regular season record and the Number | seed in Class 5 Eastern Maine while earning Penobscot Valley Conference All-Star First Team honors.
Tim enjoyed a notable, if unconventional, three-sport career at Presque Isle (cross-country and skiing in addition to baseball) and won high marks for his academic achievements as well. His English teacher, Fran Barter, notes, Tim has consistently struck me with his gentleness, his inquisitiveness, and his determination. His thinking method is delightful. And he makes me laugh.
Tim is a Presidential Scholar and last year received Honorable Mention in the Maine Mathematics Science and Engineering Talent Search.
With admirable balance in his well-rounded life, Tim volunteers at the Junior National Biathlon and Northern Maine Fair in addition to tutoring underclassmen.
Tim will major in Biomedical Engineering at Boston University this fall.
TIM LYFORD
Presque Isle HS
A versatile infielder/pitcher, Wade Oliver slugged a prodigious .462 this spring and compiled a 1.60/ ERA in leading Rockland to the number 3 seed in Class B Eastern Maine.
The three-sport captain was a repeat Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference AllStar First Team selection and added All-Academic team honors as well. Wade capped a sterling career with an invitation to play in the Maine Senior AllStar Classic.
Displaying the make-up of a true leader and respected teammate, Wade Oliver takes control of every game he plays in with an upbeat Lets go guys, we can do it attitude, said his coach Darryl Weiss.
His infectious enthusiasm for the game passes down to the youth leagues where Wade gives instruction and support generously.
Wade will attend St. Josephs in Standish this fall where he will continue his baseball career and major in Sports Management.
WADE OLIVER Rockland District HS
2006
MARIE W. NOEL SOFTBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Coming off an All-PVC First Team selection as a second baseman her junior year, Hilary stepped up to the pitcher’s mound this spring and fashioned a 13-3, 2.92 ERA record for Stearns High School. Her efforts earned her All-PVC Second Team Honors this year as well as the Outstanding Team Contribution Award.
Hilary punctuated a stellar career at Stearns by winning the Mary (Kimball) Gerry Outstanding Female Athlete and School Citizen Awards.
A National Honor Society inductee with a 3.8 GPA, Hilary will study occupational therapy at the University of New England.
Hilary Arsenault Stearns HS
A 12-letter athlete at Presque Isle, Kate excelled in soccer, basketball, and softball and garnered an abundance of individual awards (All-PVC First Team (softball) All-New England, Class B Player of the year (soccer), Miss Maine Basketball Finalist, Maine Sunday Telegram First Team (basketball)) en route to an outstanding athletic career at Presque Isle.
Widely regarded as an inspirational role model for the entire community, Katie coached at the Presque Isle rec center, volunteered at the Animal Shelter and maintained a close and supportive friendship with a Downs Syndrome classmate throughout her school years.
Katie graduated with High Honors, finishing 6th out of 140 in her class, and will attend the University of Maine at Orono.
Katie DeLong Presque Isle HS
A versatile outfielder with speed to burn and an arm that opponents learned not to test, Cathy Sirois slugged a prodigious .482 this spring on her way to All-KVAC First Team honors and a spot on the Maine Sunday Telegram All-State team.
An extremely coachable, hardworking athlete, Cathy focused on providing positive encouragement to her teammates and earned the respect of coaches and opponents as well.
Cathy was active in the Kennebec Valley Band and the National Honor Society.
Cathy graduated No. 1 in her class at Winslow while earning All-Academic First team honors in the KVAC.
Cathy will attend Harvard this fall.
Cathy Sirois
Winslow HS
EDWARD J. “PACKY” MCFARLAND BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Adding to an already impressive resume which includes a 3-time selection as All-PVC First Team first baseman and leading George Stevens to consecutive state championships in ’03 and ’04, Collin Henry last month was named Mr. Maine Baseball for the 2006 season and this month was selected to the Maine Sunday Telegram All-State Team.
Collin’s impact in the Blue Hill community is equally commendable. A supportive presence as an instructor and umpire at local youth leagues, Collin also helped plan a program at GSA called “Every 15 Minutes” dramatizing the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
A National Honor Society member, Collin ranked third in his class and will attend the University of Southern Maine this fall.
Collin Henry George Stevens Academy
Mike Burdin compiled a 13-4, 1.54 ERA career pitching record at Gardiner and capped off a stellar senior year hitting .412 and earning All-KVAC Southern Division First Team honors.
The outgoing and amiable pitcher/middle infielder has spent countless hours conducting clinics at local sports comps and umpiring in the Gardiner youth league while remaining active in his church youth group.
A National Honor Society inductee, Mike will attend St. Joseph’s College this fall.
Mike Burdin Gardiner Area HS
A repeat Maine Sunday Telegram All-State choice and a 2006 Mr. Baseball finalist, Mark Schmidt compiled a dominating 27-1, 200 strike out career pitching record at Gorham while splitting time at first base and hitting over .400.
Mark was named MVP of the SMAA in 2006, emblematic of Gorham’s emergence as a Class A powerhouse this year.
Described by Coach Rocky Myers as “an ambassador to the game of baseball,” Mark earned the respect of teammates and opponents by competing at the highest level with a natural understanding of the nuances and etiquette of the game.
Mark will continue his baseball career at the University of Southern Maine.
Mark Schmidt Gorham HS
2007
MARIE W. NOEL SOFTBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
An elite performer in three sports (soccer, basketball, softball), Caitlyn Butterfield capped a stellar athletic career at Gorham by hitting .385 and earning All-SMAA honors as well as the prestigious Peter Meagher SMAA Coaches Award.
The slick-fielding shortstop had three game winning hits this spring, befitting a true team leader who captained all three sports this year.
Caitlyn was active in Gorham’s youth sports programs as well as Big Brother/Big Sister and the Maine Special Olympics.
A cum laude graduate of Gorham High School, Caitlyn earned All-Academic SMAA honors this year as well. She will continue her career at Husson College.
Caitlyn Butterfield
Gorham HS
Tabbed “the best defensive outfielder and finest leader I’ve had in 13 years of coaching” by her coach Matt Rossignol, Ashley Cyr slugged a prodigious .569 this spring as the only senior and MVP on the Madawaska team.
Ashley earned All-Aroostook and All-Valley honors this year yet remained ever attentive to her “elder statesman” role on the team. Ashley made it a daily point to help out her younger teammates and stepped up to host the team party at the end of the season.
Active in the Big Brother/Big Sister mentoring program and a member of the National Honor Society, Ashley will attend Husson College in the fall.
Ashley Cyr
Madawaska HS
Enjoying what her coach and father Tom Griffin called “an absolutely dream season”, Kelsey Griffin garnered an unprecedented abundance of individual awards while going 15-0 with an .14 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 103 innings and leading Scarborough to the Class A State championship this year.
SMAA Player of the Year, Gatorade Player of the Year, Miss Maine Softball, All-State Softball, and Maine Sunday Telegram MVP, Kelsey characteristically downplayed the individual recognition while focusing on overall team goals and teammate relationships.
Kelsey also found time to be active in Scarborough’s Key Club and Environmental Club and participated in numerous fund-raising events for MDA and the Frannie Peabody Center. A highly respected community role model, Kelsey devoted countless hours to offering pitching instruction at local clinics and rec programs.
Kelsey will enter Iona College this fall.
Kelsey Griffin Scarborough HS
EDWARD J. “PACKY” MCFARLAND BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Splitting time between the pitcher’s mound, catching, and shortstop, the versatile senior co-captain compiled a 3-2, 1.62 ERA pitching record while hitting a torrid .592 and spearheading the Windjammers to a 13-3 overall record and a berth in the Class B East regional championship game this spring.
Bolstering that eye-popping batting average were 8 doubles, 7 home runs and 29 RBI’s.
His on-field accomplishments notwithstanding, his most enduring influence would be the exceptional role model he became for all student athletes at Camden Hills. Hustle, hard work and constant encouragement of his teammates were all trademarks of Noah’s personal approach to leadership by example.
He compiled a 3.43 GPA over 4 years at Camden Hills and will be entering Bates College this fall.
Noah Burke
Camden Hills Regional HS
Pat Murphy anchored Cape Elizabeth’s team defense in center field this spring while hitting .412 and leading the Capers to a Class B West play-off run.
Pat’s defensive and offensive contributions earned him an Honorable Mention spot on the Maine Sunday Telegram’s All-State team.
Active in Central African Vision Group and youth soccer programs, Pat is keenly aware of his responsibility to “give back” to the community. He has volunteered for the Little League coaches’ clinic for several years as well as donning the umpire’s mask this spring. Pat took it upon himself to personally address the youth league coaches this spring, and spoke eloquently about his progression through the local baseball ranks.
Pat was voted the Leroy Rand Award winner this spring for commitment to excellence in Varsity Baseball as well as the Cape Elizabeth High School Citizenship Award for Leadership and Character. Pat will attend Bates College this fall.
Patrick Murphy
Cape Elizabeth HS
The grandson of Maine Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ray Weed (1997), Brendan Weed has been a 3-year starter at second base for Winslow, a two-time All-KVAC selection, and a participant in the 2007 East-West Senior All-Star game.
Brendan hit .378 this spring while captaining the Black Raiders and leading them to the Class B East regional championship.
Brendan can proudly point to a rare and notable accomplishment – in 13 years of school, from Kindergarten through his senior year, he never missed a day of school – as emblematic of his goal-oriented attitude and daily perseverance.
This fall, Brendan plans to attend Marion Military Institute, a prep military school in Alabama in anticipation of an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy in 2008.
Brendan Weed
Winslow HS
2008
MARIE W. NOEL SOFTBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Reaping the rewards that come to those willing to attend weekly softball pitching clinics for five years, Michelle Chapman’s resume is irrefutably impressive – first-team All-PVC pitcher for 3 consecutive years, 422 career strikeouts pitching 53 out of 54 games for the Lady Tigers, winner of the Dexter Miss Softball and Coaches Awards, and Female Athlete of the Year in 2008.
Combine that with this opinion from Seeds of Peace International director Timothy Wilson – “Michelle is unique in that she does not flaunt her gifts, she shares them” – and you have one of the most remarkable student-athletes in Dexter Regional’s rich history.
Michelle eagerly pitched in with Student Council blood and food drives and community action days and was a Maine delegate to the Seeds of Peace camp.
Equally driven in the classroom, Michelle graduated third in her class and will be attending Manhattanville College in New York this fall.
Michelle Chapman Dexter Regional HS
Possessing what her coach Tammy Tatlock terms “an overwhelming passion and desire for the game”, Kristen Goupille split time as a far-ranging center fielder and stellar catcher for the Washburn Lady Beavers, capped by a .365 batting average her senior year.
An exceptional all-around athlete and natural leader, Kristen played four varsity sports (soccer, basketball, and volleyball in addition to softball) during each of her four years at Washburn, captaining all four her senior year.
A National Honor Society inductee, Kristen also played in the school bank, spearheaded numerous fund-raisers, and joined Kids Kure, a non-profit organization for families with terminally ill children.
Kristen compiled an outstanding record of academic achievement as well and was named valedictorian of her graduating class. Kristen will attend the University of Maine at Fort Kent this fall to pursue a career in nursing.
Kristen Goupille Washburn District HS
An integral cog in one of Lee Academy’s most talented athletic classes in school history, Brooke Harris was a member of seven state championship teams (baseball (3), soccer (2), cross-county (1), softball (1)) during her storied career.
A four-year Penobscot Valley Conference All-Star, Brooke pitched every game over the last three years for the Pandas, compiling over 350 career strike-outs while allowing less than 1.5 earned runs per game.
Brooke was active in Student Council, school musicals and the Peer Counselors program as well as a National Honor Society inductee.
Brooke compiled a 96.18 GPA in four years at Lee, graduating fifth in her class.
Brooke will enter the University of Maine at Orono this fall, planning to major in nursing, and will continue her athletic career with the Black Bear cheerleading team.
Brooke Harris
Lee Academy
EDWARD J. “PACKY” MCFARLAND BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Tabbed “one of the best and brightest that Dexter has to offer” by his principal, Gavin Cote won the Coaches Award in baseball, basketball and golf while compiling a sparkling record of community service in his exceptional high school career.
Highly respected by his peers as a consummate teammate, Gavin won respect and admiration from his teachers and coaches as a natural leader and role model. Gavin’s unmatched work ethic and far-ranging abilities found expression in the Key Club, school musicals, community food drives, Seeds of Peace International Camp, and the Dexter Rec Department as a volunteer basketball and golf instructor.
Gavin won the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award for Academic Athletic and Community Service Excellence and was named to the Maine McDonald’s Academic All-State Team in 2008.
Gavin has been accepted and will enroll at Ithaca College in New York this fall.
Gavin Cote Dexter Regional HS
Enjoying a fabulous dream season this spring, Demitrios Gatzogiannis batted .585, hitting safely in all 18 games with 22 RBI and 9 intentional walks and sported a 5-2 record on the mound (including a perfect game against Fryeburg) with a 1.04 ERA . Capping it all off with individual honors, Demitrios was named the Western Maine Conference Player of the Year, was a Maine Sunday Telegram All-State first team choice and was one of three Mr. Baseball finalists.
Possessing a reserved demeanor, Demitrios nevertheless asserted a motivational influence over the town’s impressionable youth who benefited from his work as head counselor at the Wells Youth Baseball Camp. “Just watching him work with kids is phenomenal,” says his coach Chuck Chadbourne.
Demitrios will attend Bates College in the fall.
Demitrios Gatzogiannis Wells HS
Called “the most dedicated athlete I have ever coached” by Brunswick High baseball coach Peter Blake, David Longley enjoyed a stellar pitching career for the Dragons with a 16-4 record over three seasons.
David, who captained the team as a junior and senior, was a first team All-KVAC choice this spring and added Maine Sunday Telegram All-State Honorable Mention honors as well.
A National Honor Society member for two years, David also served as an academic tutor and junior league coach.
David accumulated a 3.75 GPA in four years at Brunswick, graduating 21st out of a class of 275.
David will attend Wheaton College in Massachusetts this fall.
David Longley Brunswick HS
2009
MARIE W. NOEL SOFTBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Like the prime white-water rafting destinations around her hometown of Jackman, a flood of individual honors cascaded onto Forest Hills’ Crystal Allen this spring: Softball Coaches Association Award as Western Class D Player of the Year, an East-West All-Star, Softball MVP and Female Athlete of the Year at Forest Hills.
A prodigiously hard worker, Crystal captained the softball team both her junior and senior year and focused on being a positive role model for her teammates. Hustle, hard work and providing constant encouragement to her teammates were all trademarks of Crystal’s personal approach to leadership by example.
Crystal was also active in the Jackman community, working and coaching in a number of youth recreation programs.
Crystal will attend Kennebec Valley Community College this fall.
Crystal Allen
Forest Hills HS
“Central to the turn-around of the program” is how Edward Little softball coach Elaine Keene describes Alyssa Levesque’s contribution this year in leading the Red Eddies to their first-ever post-season play-off game. “She showed what the program should be, day in and day out,” said Keene, “and did everything that was asked of her, often in the face of adversity.”
Batting lead-off this year, Alyssa split time between the mound and the outfield hitting .450 and receiving All-KVAC 1st Team honors for the second time in her career.
Alyssa was active in the Kick Off Mentor Program, assisting 9th graders in the academic and social transition to high school.
Assistant principal Leslie Morrill adds this fitting description. “Strong in academics, a committed athlete, a caring and dedicated community member, and a great young lady.”
Alyssa will enter the University of Maine at Orono this fall and plans to major in economics.
Alyssa Levesque Edward Little HS
Called “the cornerstone to our program,” by Nokomis Coach John McLellan, Autumn Silke followed up her selection as the Morning Sentinel’s Player of Year in 2008 with All-KVAC 1st team honors this spring and a gaudy .400 career batting average.
A vocal and supportive role model for her teammates, Autumn’s unwavering positive outlook and willingness to go the extra mile made her an exceptional leader on the field and in the classroom at Nokomis.
With a precocious commitment to her community, Autumn organized on her own a food drive for her home town of Dixmont, and has been active in the annual Harvest Fair in Newport.
Autumn will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute this fall and plans to study biomedical engineering.
Autumn Silke
Nokomis Regional HS
EDWARD J. “PACKY” MCFARLAND BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
A three-year varsity starter at Scarborough High School, Jim Rouse was selected as captain both his junior and senior year. Coming off a sensational junior year when he hit .339 and led the team in stolen bases, Jim was slowed by a nagging hamstring injury this spring but managed a respectable .283 average while going 10 for 10 in stolen bases. Rouse was named to the All-Tournament Team in the 2008 American Legion state tournament.
Jim has been active in a number of community service programs, notably the Food Pantry in Standish, Beach clean-ups, and youth baseball camps.
Jim will attend St. Joseph’s College in Standish this fall and plans to major in Exercise Science.
James Rouse
Scarborough HS
A 4-year member of the Buccaneers’ varsity baseball team, Matthew Shields split his time between the pitcher’s mound and the right side of the infield while leading Georges Valley into the Class C play-offs this spring and a memorable upset win over Madison in the first round.
Matthew earned his amateur radio license during his junior year and worked part time for a local radio station. Since 7th grade, Matthew has been actively involved with Trekkers an outdoor-based mentoring program that connects caring adults with young people through the use of experiential education, travel and community service. Matthew’s leadership skills blossomed with his commitment to Trekkers as this spring he spearheaded the largest student-led fundraising event in the history of the program.
With a well-deserved reputation for perseverance and conscientious advocacy, Matthew will trek next to Thomas College where he will study sports management.
Matthew Shields Georges Valley HS
One of only four nominees for the Maine “Mr. Baseball” award this year, Patrick Thibodeau belted a lusty .581 for Caribou High School this spring on his way to being named Penobscot Valley Conference Player of the Year and his third straight selection as a 1st Team All-PVC choice. Thirteen of his thirty-six hits were for extra bases, resulting in 29 RBI’s in 21 games. Patrick also compiled a 5-2 record on the mound in this extraordinary final season of his stellar career.
Known for a “steadfast work ethic”, Patrick has been an inspirational role model for the entire community. Active in youth rec programs, he coached a Caribou Little League team at the age of 15 and has been involved with DECA – a state-wide business and marketing program – for several years.
Patrick will attend the University of Maine at Orono this fall and will continue his promising baseball career with Head Coach Steve Trimper’s Black Bears.