Wiscasset Middle High School is planning for the return of spring sports. Track meets and tennis matches are planned along with softball and baseball skills clinics. Warren Cossette, assistant principal and athletic director, said the programs will strictly adhere to all Maine Principals’ Association-recommended COVID-19 protocols. The focus, Cossette continued, will be on ensuring the health and safety of student athletes, coaches and fans.

Veteran coaches Josiah Winchenbach and Chris Hammond are returning to lead the Wolverine track and field and tennis teams, while Chelsea Taylor and Phil Di Vece will coordinate the intramural softball and baseball programs with the goal of returning to Mountain Valley Conference competition in 2022. The softball and baseball skills clinics are open to students in grades six through 12.

Weather permitting, track and tennis practices start the week of April 5.

Cossette has released a track schedule after coordinating with other MVC members.

WMHS hosts its first track meet during spring vacation week, Thursday, April 22 with Boothbay Region and Monmouth. The second meet will be April 29 with BBR, Winthrop and Richmond high schools. Three other home meets are set for May 4, 12 and 18. The MVC championship meet will be hosted by Lisbon High School May 27, with the Class C state meet June 5 at Brewer High School. Meet dates are subject to postponement depending on the weather, or cancellation, due to COVID-19.

Cossette is still firming up this spring’s tennis schedule. Hammond said there would only be a girls’ team because not enough boys signed up.

“So far, I am expecting about 10 girls, and three boys; the boys are taking part in an intramural program,” Hammond told Wiscasset Newspaper.

“I don’t think anyone has expectations for the season, other than to have fun, and to do so while being safe. We should have a limited experience team, and I am hoping they will leave the season with a continued desire to play the game. There is a great deal of excitement among the players to get outside and play. I am sure being able to play against someone outside their circle of friends for the first time in over a year adds to the excitement,” he added.  

Baseball and softball skills clinics will focus on developing throwing, fielding, pitching and hitting skills. No ballgames have been scheduled. An intramural track program is being planned for middle school students.