Spring 2017 Newsletter
The Spring in Review
Wow! What a culmination to a year. For the first time ever we got to celebrate two State Champions in different sports on the same day – as just an hour apart first the Baseball team and then the Boys Lacrosse team each were crowned State Champions. We also can’t forget two undefeated JV seasons by our lacrosse teams, a Girls Lacrosse and Softball team who each earned home playoff games, JV baseball and softball teams who battled every game, and a young Track and Field team who steadily improved all year. Quite a season and finish to the year!
In addition to these sports, tonight we will recognize 54 high school athletes – 20% of our entire school, who participate in at least two sports and were listed on the Honor Roll or High Honor Roll each of the first three quarters. Congratulations as well to Liam Flanagan and Tucker Windhurst, who played a sport every season of their high school careers.
Thanks again to everyone for a great season, and congratulations to the Class of 2017 who have truly made their mark here, athletically.
Mr. Meserve
JV Baseball
Captains: Trent Gagnon, Evan Jacobsen, Lucas Lajeunesse
The JV baseball team was comprised of two 8th graders, seven freshmen, three sophomores, and one junior. Given the overall youth of the squad the primary focuses this season were to provide opportunities of growth as athletes and to learn about baseball as many had their first experiences at the JV level. From day one of the pre-season right through the last game the players worked hard every day, and grew together as a team.
Swing-players Sam Rawson (.467 average) and Shepyrd Murdough (8 hits, 7 runs) led the team offensively, while Jack Vallari was the top pitcher, posting 14 strikeouts in 18 innings. Trent Gagnon helped solidify the defense, and Darren Earley earned the Silver Slugger Award.
Thank you to the team for a fun season!
Coach Kevin Hill
JV Softball
Captains: None
2017 was a season of making it work. Due to the low numbers in the program the team relied on Varsity and Middle School players helping out when needed. With the limited number of JV teams, rain, and scheduling around Varsity, we were only able to get 6 games in, but finished with a 5-1 record. I am proud of these young ladies for the progress they made throughout the season and hope to see them return next year. Thanks for a great season, and keep practicing! GREAT JOB LADIES! Coach Dan Blanchette
JV Boys Lacrosse
Captains: Benny Madden and Thayer Maughan
The JV Boys Lacrosse had a very good season finishing 9-0-1. Our success was based on hard work and players willing to try different positions, as well as by a defense that posted 2 shutouts and allowed only 13 goals all season in 10 games. Our defensive leaders helped the boys stay focused and supportive during the long season.
Our offense, meanwhile, scored 63 goals this year and by our third game we started being able to possess the ball for long periods of time. This enabled us to keep pressure on the opposing team and forced them to make mistakes so we could capitalize and score. Steve Benson and part-time goalie Benny Madden led us offensively.
I would like to thank the swing players who helped fulfill the rosters by playing much needed minutes on the JV level, particularly Paul Molnar and Zee Meister for their leadership to give us a very successful season. I was very proud of how the boys competed and represented their school.
Coach: Mike Quiet
JV Girls Lacrosse
Captains: Emily Metzger, Sophia Staples-Roy
The Hopkinton JV Girls Lacrosse team finished the season with 11 wins and no losses. The Hawks outscored their opponents 119 to 32. The girls really came together and gelled as a team, outplaying their opponents in all phases of the game. Every girl scored at least one goal this season. Attackers Sophia Staples-Roy, Emily Metzger, Talia Despres and Meggie Haley led the offensive charge. Defenders Avery Barrett, Maddie Rhynhart, Lilia Klingler, Lily Butcher along with goaltender Zelda Ackerman kept opposing offenses at bay. Midfielders Sydney Stockwell, Sofia Locke, Ellie Owen, Fiona Beane and Piya Bryant kept the pace of each game and transitioned the ball seamlessly up the field. Such talent and team spirit really bodes well for the future of Hopkinton Girls Lacrosse.
Coach Matt Bryant
Track & Field
Captains: Max Rossignol and Belle Sullivan
The 2017 season for track and field brought some changes from the previous few years. A large team was formed this season, with over 40 athletes joining. The team proved to be young, with numerous freshmen joining the ranks. In all, the Hawks brought nine athletes to the DIII championships this year.
The boy's team lost the majority of its top scorers from the previous seasons. However, Kevin McGrath returned for the high jump and continued to dominate, placing 1st for the DIII championships, 2nd at the MOC, and 6th in New England’s! In addition, Max Rossignol automatically qualified for the javelin and competed at the DIII championships.
Similarly, the girls team had many new faces, but seven of them qualified for the DIII championships. The state competitors included Claire Reidy (discus), Catherine O'Keeffe (400M and 4x400M relay), Megan Ellsworth (400M and 4x400M relay), Sophie Potter (4x400M relay), Lillie Presti (triple jump), Emma Rothe (3200M), and Lily Sabol (800M, triple jump and 4x400M relay). This dedicated group worked hard and progressed steadily throughout the season and with no graduating seniors and a strong group of freshmen, this team looks to return even stronger next year.
Coach Rob Rothe and John Miner
Varsity Softball
Captains: Alexis Blanchette, Grace Gauthier, Gabby Lajeunesse
The first season in Division IV was a memorable one for the Hawks. In the first six weeks of the season the Hawks went 6-0 in games decided by less than two runs, unfortunately the law of averages was bound to come into play and sure enough the last two losses of the season were by a single run. Only two teams managed to beat the Hawks this season, but we played them five times and finished with a 12-5 overall record.
First-team All-State pitcher Alexis Blanchette will be sorely missed, as she has been our team leader for several years. Fellow senior Grace Gauthier has been a quiet but consistent leader and outfielder who will similarly be missed, and manager Emmy Campbell has been a great addition to the team. With 7 starters and captain Gabby Lajeunesse returning next season, and with Megan Blanchette returning to pitch on the mound, the Hawks look to make the next step forward next year.
Coach Dan Meserve
Girls Lacrosse
Captains – Ivanna Doval, Taylor Signor, Isabel Tobin
The Girls Lacrosse team had a great year, finishing their regular schedule at 11-3, and making the playoffs for the first time in 3 seasons. It was a very young team with only two Seniors, Captains Ivanna Doval and Isabelle Tobin, and 3 Juniors, Captain Taylor Signor, Hannah Wood and Cathen Hall. Seven starters were underclassmen including two new defensemen, Amelia Thomas and Sage Hubicki, and Freshman goalie Elizabeth Berliner who had an impressive 105 saves this season. The Hawks offense was dominant throughout the year notching 213 goals among 13 scorers, led by Amelia Bassett (78 g, 13 assists), Lyndon Flanagan (55 g, 49a) and fellow sophomore attackers Chloe Wood and Anna Hoffman. Taylor along with Ellie Morrall and Freshmen Sofia Locke and Ellie Owen, helped lead the midfield with strong draw controls and a fast transition game. The team was very disappointed having come up just short of their season goal, but they have learned a lot and will be in great position for next season
.Coaches: Tim Bassett
Varsity Baseball
Captains: Ben McManus and Will Rhynhart
The Hawk baseball program doesn’t rebuild, it reloads and this was the case this season. Coming off a Division III final-4 and graduating 9 seniors last year, the question was how the young hawks would do. Starting as many as 4 freshman and 2 sophomores at times the team gelled early and got out to a 6-1 start before they played some tough games in the middle of the season. They finished the regular season with an 11-5 record and the 6th seed in the NHIAA tournament.
This is where the ride got fun, starting with a 3-2 walkoff against Wilton, where be a walk off RBI single from Larsen Burack extended the playoff run. Next up was a trip to Groveton where a stellar performance on the mound from freshman Sam Crawford (2 hits 12 K’s) led the Hawks to another 3-2 win. At the Final Four we faced Littleton and their 37-1 record the past two years. Ben McManus pitched and hit the Hawks to a 7-5, 9-inning victory with two huge home runs and 4 RBI’s. Finally, a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Delta Dental Stadium saw the Hawks jump out to a 2-0 lead and never look back behind another great pitching performance from freshman Sam Crawford and the big bats of McManus and Colby Marshall. Mix in some small ball, safety squeeze from Sam Rawson and the Hawks beat Pittsfield 5-3. State Champs. Hawks who were named all state: 1st team- Ben McManus and Dustin Rose. 2nd team all-state: Tucker Windhurst and Sam Crawford. 3rd team all-state: Mike Baer.
Thanks for a great season boys, it will be one I will cherish for years to come.
Coach David Chase, Asst. Coach Richard Brandt
Boys Lacrosse
Captains: Derek Amoth, Joe Cullinan, Gerry Donahue, Henry Yianakopolos
The Division 3 Champions had a banner season, culminating years of hard work from players, coaches, parents and supporters. The Hawks went undefeated and outscored their opponents 261-67 over 17 games, never allowing more than 8 goals, or winning by less than 5 goals except for 1 game. Their ability to dictate the tempo allowed the whole roster to develop and play against tough opponents.
The players received widespread recognition for their accomplishments, with all 10 starters making the Division 3 all state rosters. Gerry Donahue was awarded Defensive Player of the Year, Joe Cullinan was named Offensive Player of the Year and Coach Blue was recognized as Coach of the Year. The senior class exhibited great leadership and sportsmanship by always encouraging and teaching underclassmen, and respecting opponents, officials and fans.
Coach Deacon Blue
Wow! What a culmination to a year. For the first time ever we got to celebrate two State Champions in different sports on the same day – as just an hour apart first the Baseball team and then the Boys Lacrosse team each were crowned State Champions. We also can’t forget two undefeated JV seasons by our lacrosse teams, a Girls Lacrosse and Softball team who each earned home playoff games, JV baseball and softball teams who battled every game, and a young Track and Field team who steadily improved all year. Quite a season and finish to the year!
In addition to these sports, tonight we will recognize 54 high school athletes – 20% of our entire school, who participate in at least two sports and were listed on the Honor Roll or High Honor Roll each of the first three quarters. Congratulations as well to Liam Flanagan and Tucker Windhurst, who played a sport every season of their high school careers.
Thanks again to everyone for a great season, and congratulations to the Class of 2017 who have truly made their mark here, athletically.
Mr. Meserve
JV Baseball
Captains: Trent Gagnon, Evan Jacobsen, Lucas Lajeunesse
The JV baseball team was comprised of two 8th graders, seven freshmen, three sophomores, and one junior. Given the overall youth of the squad the primary focuses this season were to provide opportunities of growth as athletes and to learn about baseball as many had their first experiences at the JV level. From day one of the pre-season right through the last game the players worked hard every day, and grew together as a team.
Swing-players Sam Rawson (.467 average) and Shepyrd Murdough (8 hits, 7 runs) led the team offensively, while Jack Vallari was the top pitcher, posting 14 strikeouts in 18 innings. Trent Gagnon helped solidify the defense, and Darren Earley earned the Silver Slugger Award.
Thank you to the team for a fun season!
Coach Kevin Hill
JV Softball
Captains: None
2017 was a season of making it work. Due to the low numbers in the program the team relied on Varsity and Middle School players helping out when needed. With the limited number of JV teams, rain, and scheduling around Varsity, we were only able to get 6 games in, but finished with a 5-1 record. I am proud of these young ladies for the progress they made throughout the season and hope to see them return next year. Thanks for a great season, and keep practicing! GREAT JOB LADIES! Coach Dan Blanchette
JV Boys Lacrosse
Captains: Benny Madden and Thayer Maughan
The JV Boys Lacrosse had a very good season finishing 9-0-1. Our success was based on hard work and players willing to try different positions, as well as by a defense that posted 2 shutouts and allowed only 13 goals all season in 10 games. Our defensive leaders helped the boys stay focused and supportive during the long season.
Our offense, meanwhile, scored 63 goals this year and by our third game we started being able to possess the ball for long periods of time. This enabled us to keep pressure on the opposing team and forced them to make mistakes so we could capitalize and score. Steve Benson and part-time goalie Benny Madden led us offensively.
I would like to thank the swing players who helped fulfill the rosters by playing much needed minutes on the JV level, particularly Paul Molnar and Zee Meister for their leadership to give us a very successful season. I was very proud of how the boys competed and represented their school.
Coach: Mike Quiet
JV Girls Lacrosse
Captains: Emily Metzger, Sophia Staples-Roy
The Hopkinton JV Girls Lacrosse team finished the season with 11 wins and no losses. The Hawks outscored their opponents 119 to 32. The girls really came together and gelled as a team, outplaying their opponents in all phases of the game. Every girl scored at least one goal this season. Attackers Sophia Staples-Roy, Emily Metzger, Talia Despres and Meggie Haley led the offensive charge. Defenders Avery Barrett, Maddie Rhynhart, Lilia Klingler, Lily Butcher along with goaltender Zelda Ackerman kept opposing offenses at bay. Midfielders Sydney Stockwell, Sofia Locke, Ellie Owen, Fiona Beane and Piya Bryant kept the pace of each game and transitioned the ball seamlessly up the field. Such talent and team spirit really bodes well for the future of Hopkinton Girls Lacrosse.
Coach Matt Bryant
Track & Field
Captains: Max Rossignol and Belle Sullivan
The 2017 season for track and field brought some changes from the previous few years. A large team was formed this season, with over 40 athletes joining. The team proved to be young, with numerous freshmen joining the ranks. In all, the Hawks brought nine athletes to the DIII championships this year.
The boy's team lost the majority of its top scorers from the previous seasons. However, Kevin McGrath returned for the high jump and continued to dominate, placing 1st for the DIII championships, 2nd at the MOC, and 6th in New England’s! In addition, Max Rossignol automatically qualified for the javelin and competed at the DIII championships.
Similarly, the girls team had many new faces, but seven of them qualified for the DIII championships. The state competitors included Claire Reidy (discus), Catherine O'Keeffe (400M and 4x400M relay), Megan Ellsworth (400M and 4x400M relay), Sophie Potter (4x400M relay), Lillie Presti (triple jump), Emma Rothe (3200M), and Lily Sabol (800M, triple jump and 4x400M relay). This dedicated group worked hard and progressed steadily throughout the season and with no graduating seniors and a strong group of freshmen, this team looks to return even stronger next year.
Coach Rob Rothe and John Miner
Varsity Softball
Captains: Alexis Blanchette, Grace Gauthier, Gabby Lajeunesse
The first season in Division IV was a memorable one for the Hawks. In the first six weeks of the season the Hawks went 6-0 in games decided by less than two runs, unfortunately the law of averages was bound to come into play and sure enough the last two losses of the season were by a single run. Only two teams managed to beat the Hawks this season, but we played them five times and finished with a 12-5 overall record.
First-team All-State pitcher Alexis Blanchette will be sorely missed, as she has been our team leader for several years. Fellow senior Grace Gauthier has been a quiet but consistent leader and outfielder who will similarly be missed, and manager Emmy Campbell has been a great addition to the team. With 7 starters and captain Gabby Lajeunesse returning next season, and with Megan Blanchette returning to pitch on the mound, the Hawks look to make the next step forward next year.
Coach Dan Meserve
Girls Lacrosse
Captains – Ivanna Doval, Taylor Signor, Isabel Tobin
The Girls Lacrosse team had a great year, finishing their regular schedule at 11-3, and making the playoffs for the first time in 3 seasons. It was a very young team with only two Seniors, Captains Ivanna Doval and Isabelle Tobin, and 3 Juniors, Captain Taylor Signor, Hannah Wood and Cathen Hall. Seven starters were underclassmen including two new defensemen, Amelia Thomas and Sage Hubicki, and Freshman goalie Elizabeth Berliner who had an impressive 105 saves this season. The Hawks offense was dominant throughout the year notching 213 goals among 13 scorers, led by Amelia Bassett (78 g, 13 assists), Lyndon Flanagan (55 g, 49a) and fellow sophomore attackers Chloe Wood and Anna Hoffman. Taylor along with Ellie Morrall and Freshmen Sofia Locke and Ellie Owen, helped lead the midfield with strong draw controls and a fast transition game. The team was very disappointed having come up just short of their season goal, but they have learned a lot and will be in great position for next season
.Coaches: Tim Bassett
Varsity Baseball
Captains: Ben McManus and Will Rhynhart
The Hawk baseball program doesn’t rebuild, it reloads and this was the case this season. Coming off a Division III final-4 and graduating 9 seniors last year, the question was how the young hawks would do. Starting as many as 4 freshman and 2 sophomores at times the team gelled early and got out to a 6-1 start before they played some tough games in the middle of the season. They finished the regular season with an 11-5 record and the 6th seed in the NHIAA tournament.
This is where the ride got fun, starting with a 3-2 walkoff against Wilton, where be a walk off RBI single from Larsen Burack extended the playoff run. Next up was a trip to Groveton where a stellar performance on the mound from freshman Sam Crawford (2 hits 12 K’s) led the Hawks to another 3-2 win. At the Final Four we faced Littleton and their 37-1 record the past two years. Ben McManus pitched and hit the Hawks to a 7-5, 9-inning victory with two huge home runs and 4 RBI’s. Finally, a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Delta Dental Stadium saw the Hawks jump out to a 2-0 lead and never look back behind another great pitching performance from freshman Sam Crawford and the big bats of McManus and Colby Marshall. Mix in some small ball, safety squeeze from Sam Rawson and the Hawks beat Pittsfield 5-3. State Champs. Hawks who were named all state: 1st team- Ben McManus and Dustin Rose. 2nd team all-state: Tucker Windhurst and Sam Crawford. 3rd team all-state: Mike Baer.
Thanks for a great season boys, it will be one I will cherish for years to come.
Coach David Chase, Asst. Coach Richard Brandt
Boys Lacrosse
Captains: Derek Amoth, Joe Cullinan, Gerry Donahue, Henry Yianakopolos
The Division 3 Champions had a banner season, culminating years of hard work from players, coaches, parents and supporters. The Hawks went undefeated and outscored their opponents 261-67 over 17 games, never allowing more than 8 goals, or winning by less than 5 goals except for 1 game. Their ability to dictate the tempo allowed the whole roster to develop and play against tough opponents.
The players received widespread recognition for their accomplishments, with all 10 starters making the Division 3 all state rosters. Gerry Donahue was awarded Defensive Player of the Year, Joe Cullinan was named Offensive Player of the Year and Coach Blue was recognized as Coach of the Year. The senior class exhibited great leadership and sportsmanship by always encouraging and teaching underclassmen, and respecting opponents, officials and fans.
Coach Deacon Blue