Wins were pretty scarce for Wiscasset Middle High School’s athletic teams this school year but the Wolverines set the bar high for their Mountain Valley Conference rivals. They received the Maine Principals Association Good Sportsmanship Award in every season, earning five banners over the course of the 2018-2019 school year.

“It’s an awesome achievement,” said WMHS’ assistant principal and athletic director Warren Cossette.  “I don’t think there’s a high school anywhere in the state where this has ever happened. I’m very proud of our student body, our coaches and,of course, the parents who came out to show their support for our teams here and at the away games.”

The award recipient for each sport is determined by a vote of the participating MVC high school members.  Each high school’s athletic director gets one vote at the season’s conclusion. The blue and white banners recognize outstanding sportsmanship demonstrated by players, coaches and their fans. 

“One of the comments I heard repeatedly from the other athletic directors was that no matter what the score, there was no quitting by our players. They continued to play hard, play fair and show respect for the referees,” Cossette said.  

The Wolverines received the good sportsmanship award for boys’ and girls’ cross-country, the sport Cossette coaches. Last fall, the Wolverines combined their cross-country program with Boothbay Region High School.

The Wolverine girls’ basketball team coached by Tom Philbrick and Bob “Radar” Applebee were next to raise the sportsmanship banner following a winless season in February.

And now the softball team coached by Gordon Campbell and Jason Bailey and the baseball team coached by Gregg Wood have each been named the good sportsmanship winners. The softball team won just one MVC game this past season. The baseball team finished 0-16 for the second straight year.

“Being recognized by our peers for good sportsmanship speaks well of our school system and our community,” continued Cossette.

Cossette also credited Wiscasset Community Center for its support.  “Director Lisa Thompson, Bob MacDonald and Duane Goud have worked collaboratively with the school system throughout the year,” he said.

Due to a smaller enrollment, the Wolverines are a Class D high school, although the teams continue to compete against mostly Class C and even a few Class B high schools.

Winning will continue to be a challenge at WMHS nest year. Cossette said he’s focused on getting more high school and junior high students involved in sports, competing against other high schools and having fun doing so. “That’s something we can’t lose sight of, the fact that sports are about enjoying yourself and being a part of a team.”

Reached for comment,  Superintendent of Schools Terry Wood wrote in an email to the Wiscasset Newspaper, “Words cannot express how proud I am of these accomplishments! Winning a competition is not always about the final score. During sporting events throughout the school year, our students have demonstrated many qualities to be considered ‘winners’. It is very humbling for our school to receive these acknowledgments. Our athletes are winners in every aspect!”

Other Wolverine news

Haiden Dunning was named the baseball team’s Most Valuable Player. Dunning, a graduating senior, struck out a dozen Oak Hill batters in six innings during a May 18 home game. He also had a pair of base hits that game.

Billy Pinkham received the coach’s Sportsmanship award and Kyle Ricker was named the team’s Most Improved Player.

Gordon Campbell announced he was retiring as WMHS softball coach. Campbell coached the Wolverines the past four seasons. Prior to that he coached softball for Wiscasset’s junior high team.

“Gordon really did an excellent job working with the girls. He was well-liked and will be missed,” said Cossette in thanking Campbell. The coaching job will be advertised shortly.

WMHS’s fall MVC sports schedule is nearing completion and should be finalized soon.