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1996
EDWARD J. "PACKY" MCFARLAND BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
The Maine Baseball Hall of Fame is proud to award a scholarship to each of these outstanding young men whose contributions to their school and community both on and off the baseball field exemplify the qualities of leadership and citizenship taught for many years by Packy McFarland.
TRAVIS GEISTERT Portland High School
After suffering a severe knee injury that caused him to miss his entire junior year, Travis Geistert came back with a vengeance this spring, hitting .400 for the season, while emerging as the Bulldogs best hitter and team leader.
Geistert played a major role in the 1995 Andrews Post state and regional legion championship season and went 3-for-3 in the World Series win over Minnesota.
evidence of Travis’ stellar character was illustrated during a grueling rehabilitation following his knee injury says coach Mike Rutherford. "When he was Injured last year, Travis was crushed.
He had to sit on the bench watching his teammates win the Western Maine Championship.
But instead of feeling sorry for himself, he showed up every day to work with our trainer to get his knee in shape. His hard work and persistence paid off when he became our leading hitter and on-field leader for Andrews Post last summer." Travis graduated in the top ten percent of his class and will attend Duquesne University in Pittsburgh this fall.
COREY JACQUES Mountain Valley HS
You need know little more about the respect accorded Corey Jacques by his peers than the fact he has captained the Mountain Valley baseball team since his sophomore year. Capping a brilliant three-year career, the versatile pitcher-outfielder compiled a sparkling 7-1, 1.20 ERA pitching record this spring while hitting a lusty .420. A three-year Mountain Valley Conference All-Star selection who was selected to
lay in this year's Maine High School Senior All-Star Baseball Classic, Corey has set a lofty standard of excellence for future Mountain Valley past-timers.
Corey's work ethic on and off the field is admirable, according to his coach Steve Lapointe. "Corey has worked up to twenty hours a week since ninth grade and last year, on his own, earned enough money to buy a car when transportation became necessary for his job," reports Lapointe. “His mature attitude makes him a team leader in the truest sense of the word, yet he is well-liked and respected by all." Corey plans to pursue a business major at Francis Marion College in South Carolina.
"A real leader among his peers" and "a rare Student-Athlete" are words used by Presque Isle High School Principal Richard Durost to describe Mark Yeager, one of this year's recipient's of the Packy MacFarland Scholarship. A three-year letterman and this year's captain, Yeager anchored the Presque Isle infield while compiling a gaudy .479 average for the regular season. A fitting capstone to Mark's memorable career at Presque Isle was his selection to the East Squad of the Maine High School Senior All-Star Baseball Classic.
Mark's on-field accomplishments are complemented by a strong scholastic record, ranking among the top 15 students in his class, an exceptional interest in music, and an admirable commitment to local youth witnessed by his involvement with the Presque Isle Recreation Department. "He gets real involved with the kids,” remarks coach Tim Olore, “and is a perfect role model for them. Parents love him."Yaeger has chosen to attend the UMaine this fall.
MARK YEAGER Presque Isle HS
1997
MARIE W. NOEL SOFTBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
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.
KIMBERLY LANDEEN CARIBOU HS
Exemplary athletic and academic achievement, lasting contributions to the common life of her school and a well-deserved reputation for unselfish service to others ensure that Kimberly Landeen’s legacy to Caribou High School will long be remembered. A three-sport MV P (soccer, volleyball and softball), Kim was a four-year starter on the softball team, leading Caribou in every offensive category for the past three seasons. “Kim is the ultimate teammate,’ says her coach Susan White. “She always gave of herself unselfishly to help a younger player adjust to the varsity level and was always willing to hit ground balls to someone if they wanted a few extra. Her ability to motivate other players is one of her many great qualities.” Kim energized the National Honor Society into one of the most active student organizations this year and was instrumental in serving on the school's re-accreditation committee. She was awarded the prestigious Peter Ouellette Memorial Scholarship this spring by the faculty of Caribou High School. Kim will pursue her career at the University of Southern Maine this fall where she will major in Communications.
A four-year starter at shortstop for the Portland Lady Bulldogs, a four-year AII-SMAA choice in softball and a three-sport scholar-athlete, Erica Morganstein capped a brilliant athletic career last month by earning Maine Sunday Telegram All-State Softball Honorable Mention recognition. Erica s hustling, irrepressible style of play has earned her the respect and admiration of coaches, teammates and opponents.
“She’s a wonderful young lady,” says her coach Phil Jones. “She sets the pace in everything she does and inspires those around her to give their best.” A leader in the community and as classroom as well, Erica was salutatorian of the class of 1997 and will attend Dartmouth College in the falL
ERICA MORGANSTEIN PORTLAND HS
EDWARD J. “PACKY” MCFARLAND BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Don Couture is described as “the complete package” by his coach Robin Weed.
A Maine Sunday Telegram All-State first team choice, the scrappy second baseman hit .521 with four home runs and 28 RBI for Winslow High School this year and was instrumental in leading the Raiders to their third consecutive Eastern Class B championship. Couture’s quiet, unassuming manner on the field belies a fierce determination to win and deep loyalty to his teammates. “Don’s leadership is felt by how he plays the game, says Weed. “He is always quick to help a fellow team member and offer a positive word to everyone. He even helps the coach take care of the field!’ An honor roll student at Winslow, Don will attend Thomas College in the fall.
DON COUTURE WINSLOW HS
Described as the best defensive catcher in the state by legendary coach John Winkin, Garrett Murch of Cony High School capped a stellar career with a lusty 431 average this spring and his third straight All KVAC selection. Murch added Maine Sunday Telegram All-State Honorable Mention plaudits to his resume last month while completing a consistent honor roll academic career at Cony as well. Murch’s natural willingness to work with the younger players on the team Is a special quality that set him apart says Garrett’s coach Al Cloutier. “Garrett 1s a terrific role model and positive influence on his teammates. He always has time for everyone.” Garrett will attend the University of Vermont .
GARRETT MURCH CONY HS
1998
MARIE W. NOEL SOFTBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
KATIE BARTON DEERING HS
An outstanding scholar-athlete with a firm commitment to community service, Katie Barton exemplifies the very best in high school sports - a fierce desire to compete with an ability to inspire others in the quest, balanced by the pursuit of academic excellence and the conviction of serving others.
Katie was a first-team AII-SMAA selection at first base this spring, hitting .460 with 23 RBI and 4 home runs. A three-sport captain as a senior, Katie received the Merv Kilgore Coaches Award and Athlete of the Year Award at Deering. Coach William Curran says of Katie: “In my 31 years of teaching and coaching, Katie stands out as the best at her position and also for her attitude, work ethic and ability to transmit her positive qualities to her teammates.
Katie’s gift of inspiring others extends to her volunteer work with disabled adults and children, and coaching soccer and basketball for various youth teams. Katie will attend the University of Vermont this fall.
A three-year All-Conference All-Star, a three-time Player of the Year selection in the Penobscot Valley Conference, and a 1997 and 1998 Maine Sunday telegram All-State Honorable Mention pick, Erin Weston leaves a lasting softball legacy at Penquis Valley High Schoo! Erin capped a brilliant career with a 492 average this year including 11 doubles, 3 triples and 2 home runs. Erin was a natural leader on and off the field and served as captain of the softball, baseball and soccer teams.
Erin was a popular volunteer tutor in the Brownville Elementary School this year and also participated in the Key Club, Yearbook and Senior Play.
Erin will attend the University of Maine at Orono.
ERIN WESTON PENQUIS VALLEY
EDWARD J. “PACKY” MCFARLAND BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Telegram League Most Valuable Player in 1998 and a Maine Sunday Telegram AllState selection, Ryan Adams has been instrumental in the resurgence of Sanford's baseball program in recent years.
Ryan compiled a three-year batting average close to .400 for the Redskins and made only four errors in three years at second base. As a pitcher, Ryan posted a5 - | record and a 1.61 ERA this spring.
A consummate leader by example, Ryan is described by Coach Gordie Salls as “one of the most outstanding student athletes I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. If you could patent a ballplayer, he’d be the one.”
Ryan will attend the University of Southern Maine this fall.
RYAN ADAMS SANFORD HS
“I’ve never coached a more pleasant kid,” says Coach Murray Putnam, in describing catcher Nick Russell an All-Aroostook choice this year and one of only two Eastern Class D players to be selected to play in the East/West All-Star game. “He never whines, never complains, and never makes excuses. He’s a coach’s dream.” A Maine Sunday Telegram All-State Honorable Mention award this spring capped a Starry senior campaign that saw Nick slug a hefty .460 and lead the Warriors to their 3rd straight Eastern Maine playoff appearance.
A three-sport captain, Nick has eared the respect and admiration of peers and staff alike by overcoming a severe hearing problem and emerging as a truly inspirational role model in the community.
Nick will enter St. Joseph’s College in Standish ME this fall.
NICK RUSSELL SOUTHERN AROOSTOOK COMMUNITY HS
1999
MARIE W. NOEL SOFTBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
It may be many years before Penquis Valley High School produces a pitcher as talented and inspiring as Abbie Bowen. A four-time Penobscot Valley Conference All-Star selection and Maine Sunday Telegram All-State Honorable Mention award winner this spring, she has been the lone pitcher for Penquis Valley all four years of her high school softball career. She holds numerous pitching records at Penquis Valley, including career wins, strikeouts, ERA, no-hitters and one-hitters. Earlier this year, Abbie showed her dedication and selflessness by pitching her team to a 5-1 victory despite a painful leg injury.
“She is the team leader and has been for all four years,” says Coach Richard Martin. “Abbie Bowen IS Penquis Valley softball.’
A leader and role model to younger students, Abbie was class secretary for four years and was secretary of the National Honor Society. She was also a DARE program speaker at local elementary schools.
ABBIE BOWEN PENQUIS VALLEY HS
“I have never had a girl work as hard as her,” says Coach Roger Borelli in describing pitcher Jodie Eldridge, a three-time All-SMAA selection and Maine Sunday Telegram All-State Honorable Mention pick. “Her work ethic is second to none of all the players I have coached in 16 years of high school softball.” In her senior campaign, Jodie compiled an 11-5 record while leading the Blue Blazes to the Western Maine playoffs. She finished the year with an impressive 1.01 ERA, striking out 105 in 109 innings.
An All-State field hockey standout and basketball player at Westbrook High School, Jodie was actively involved in Key Club, was a DARE program speaker at local elementary schools, and volunteered her time coaching youth softball teams.
Jodie will attend the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
JESSICA HUNTER BRUNSWICK HS
A dedicated leader on the field and in the classroom, Jessica Hunter exemplifies the true meaning of scholar-athlete, combining academic excellence with a competitive spirit and desire to succeed.
A player who leads by example, Jessica was a second team KVAC All-Star selection at first base this season, hitting .385 with two doubles, 2 home runs and 11 RBI. A three-sport athlete and captain of the basketball team, Jessica was selected to the KVAC All-Academic team in field hockey, softball, and basketball her senior year.
Jessica was also active in the community, volunteering her time assisting in the American Red Cross Blood Drive, volunteering at Mid-Coast Hospital, and coaching for various youth sports clinics.
Jessica will attend McGill University in Montreal, Canada
JODIE ELDRIDGE WESTBROOK HS
EDWARD J. “PACKY” MCFARLAND BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
For the past three seasons, Tony DiSotto has been one of the top hitters in the Mountain Valley Conference, compiling a batting average of close to .510 for the Tigers with 4 home runs and 20 RBI. “Tony is a great role model, not only as a player but as a person, always putting in the extra work and time it takes to be the best,’ says Coach Chris Bessey. “I’ve never met a better person.
Tony is a natural leader, both on the field and in the classroom. A three-sport captain, Tony was valedictorian of his class and was named to the All-State All-Academic teams in both football and basketball. He is also active in his school and community, participating on the Math Team and Civil Rights Group, and was a member of the Big Brothers program and counselor for the recreation department.
Tony will attend Colby College in the fall.
TONY DiSOTTO
JAY HIGH SCHOOL
If asked to choose one word that described the academic and athletic career of Roger Levesque, that word would be “success.” Roger has played an integral part in Falmouth’s rise to the top of Class C baseball, which includes 2 state championships and two regional titles. In three years as a starter, he averaged 350 and had a .993 fielding percentage.
A classic three-sport athlete with numerous accolades 1n soccer and basketball, Roger’s success extends to the classroom.
He graduated in the top 5% of his class as a member of the National Honor Society. Coach Bob Gilman says of Roger: “He is a leader by example for all of his teammates. With all of the success that he has experienced as an athlete and scholar he has remained unassuming and unpretentious. Roger is truly a role model for young aspiring scholar athletes in today’s world.” In June, Roger’s lustrous career was punctuated when he received the Portland Press Herald! Maine Sunday telegram Athlete of the Year Award.
Roger has been active in the community, volunteering his time coaching various youth soccer, basketball and baseball clinics.
ROGER LEVESOQUE FALMOUTH HS
The Telegram League Most Valuable Player in 1999, a two-time AIl-TELLY selection, and Mr. Baseball for the State of Maine in 1999, Stuart Tisdale was the dominant force that led Deering High School to the State Class A Championship.
Stuart capped a brilliant career with a .479 average this year including 12 doubles, two triples, three home runs and 24 KBL.
“His work ethic is excellent and he strives daily to become a better player,’ says Coach Mike D’ Andrea. “For all his success he always remains modest, humble and definitely appreciative to his teammates and coaching staff.”
A two-sport captain, Stuart also excelled in the classroom, graduating in the top 25 of his class.
Stuart is undecided about his college choice at this time.