The spring sports season has arrived at Messalonskee High School
The spring sports season has arrived at Messalonskee High School and as is always the case, the ultimate goal is to win a state title. So far this school year no Messalonskee athletic team has reached that pinnacle of success, but time remains, and the Eagles feature talented and accomplished athletes in several sports, so hopes of earning a championship trophy remain.
Messalonskee athletic director Chad Foye said the most likely state title candidates this spring are baseball and boys lacrosse. Both programs are perennial playoff teams. The lacrosse team fell in the state semifinals last spring while the baseball squad ended its postseason run in a regional semifinal.
Lacrosse coach Tom Sheridan said his players are anxiously awaiting their regular season opener against Oak Hill at 5 p.m. Friday at Messalonskee. During the preseason, the Eagles played a brutal schedule of scrimmages, facing a series of traditional powerhouses. They didn’t emerge with a single victory, but kept the score close in each match-up.
Sheridan said he expects his team, 13-4 in the regular season last year, to be contenders for a title once more. “We are always competitive,” he said. “We are always right there.” Sheraton said the Eagles lost many defensive starters to graduation but bring back most of their attackers and have a deep midfield line. Sophomore Malachi Cusano, junior Andrew Witham, and seniors Tatum Doucette, Drew Sheridan, and Landon Stewart are captains.
Baseball is led by senior Denny Martin. Martin, who earned a scholarship to play baseball for Division I Stonehill College, is a pitcher and first baseman. “He’s got a strong bat,” Foye said, “so he hits well, and he’s a leader.” Pitching is probably the biggest question mark for the Eagles. Martin, Sean Achorn, and Ben Bernier are the most experienced starters.