MHS Spring sports preview
Messalonskee boys’ lacrosse reached the semifinals of the Class B state tournament in 2018. The Eagles repeated that feat the last two years, but each time Messalonskee fell short of a title berth. This spring the Eagles hope to end that frustration.
Athletic Director Chad Foye sees a strong potential for that to happen given the team’s wealth of experience and love for the game.
“Because of the experience and passion they have,” Foye said, “I think they will do really well.”
Foye points to the four senior captains – Walter Fegel, Will Durkee, Bryce Crowell, and Colby Chaverie – as a key component of that passionate veteran leadership.
The Eagles are proving their mettle on the field, opening the season with a 3-1 record, their lone blemish a 16-14 loss to Greely.
The difference between a championship and also-ran status, Foye said, is often about learning what’s necessary to summon that extra push to get to the top.
“They’ve been close enough [to a title],” he said of Messalonskee, “that the know they have to find the will to go a little farther.”
Along with the boys’ lacrosse team, a host of ever Messalonskee sports teams have begun competing in the spring season, including a full boys’ tennis team, something Messalonskee has not fielded for a number of years.
Foye said the school’s recently constructed tennis courts definitely played a big role in the resurgence of the long dormant program. But he said head coach Nathan Davis might be just as important a factor in the large turnout – a roster 18 athletes strong.
“You’ve got somebody in Nate Davis who all the kids like,” Foye said. “He’s a good teacher, and the kids know they will have a good experience [on the tennis team].”
Also underway this spring are the girls’ tennis team, the girls’ lacrosse team, softball, and outdoor track, both the boys and girls.