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Dec. 18, 2003, The Monument
Gray-New Gloucester Football team fields first season By Nathan Tsukroff Gray-New Gloucester High School's football team just finished its best season ever, ending at 3-5. Actually, this was the best season because it was also the first season for a school known over the years for its soccer, basketball and baseball teams. "Football is one of those things that . . . towns tend to rally around," according to Gray-New Gloucester High School's Athletic Director Geoff Robbins. "I think that football offers an opportunity to get involved to kids that often don't participate in anything else." Head Coach Michael Ouellette saw this first season as "very exciting." He was not disappointed at the losses, and feels "we're still a work in progress." The players are now in a weight-training program as they prepare for next season. The players competed on the junior-varsity level, as mandated by the Maine Principals' Association. As a new team, Gray-New Gloucester will be competing on the JV level for another year, before moving into a regular varsity program. Nearly 50 students started off on the high school team, with a smaller number competing on the newly-created Middle School squad. Although officially school teams, both teams are fully funded by the Patriot Grandstand Club, made up of parents and other football supporters. This season was "very successful," club Co-President Tammy McGrath said. There were a number of players who participated in football for the first time, and this "was a huge thing for them," she added. She felt that competing on the junior varsity level worked well for the players, due to their general lack of experience. The other Co-President, Jenny Sherwood, felt she saw "a lot of personal growth in the players." They stayed in school, and kept their grades up so they could meet the academic requirements. "It was just so rewarding to see that!" she said. While the larger Class A high schools in the area, such as Deering, have had football teams for years, many smaller Class B schools like Gray-New Gloucester have only recently started football programs. Greely has had football for about three seasons, and Poland just started a football program. Yarmouth does not yet have football. The Patriot Grandstand Club officially formed only last spring. Interested parents attended the first meeting, and McGrath noted "many fathers said - I wish this happened twenty years ago!" The club raised funds over the summer to purchase uniforms and practice equipment for this first season. There are still some bills to be paid, according to McGrath and Sherwood, and the club also must look at re-furbishing equipment and uniforms for next season. All the enthusiasm of the players, parents, and other supporters was kept on track by Robbins, McGrath said. He was "definitely a driving force behind us being successful," she noted. He spent many nights at club meetings, "holding our hands," Sherwood added. Coach Mike Ouellette had run a community program for seven or eight years before helping to start Gray-New Gloucester's program. His knowledge about setting up a new program was very helpful to the club, McGrath said. Ouellette is an experienced coach, having worked with youth leagues and as a coach for a seventh- and eighth-grade school program. In his first year at the high school level, he had the help of John Reidy as defensive coach. Ouellette hopes that next season "we'll have a few more coaches." The club had the daunting task of purchasing uniforms, game equipment and practice equipment, and paying for transportation, referees, and security for home games. This first season was the hardest for the club due to start-up costs. The club raised about $30,000, with about $15,000 still needed to pay for the first-year expenses. "We chose to go with some of the best equipment out there," McGrath noted, because "we felt it was the safest and would probably last us the longest." Of course, that added to the initial expenses. Other items were donated, such as the goal posts. This "was a significant contribution" from McCann Fabrication, McGrath said. Some practice sleds and dummies were donated by S & J Trucking. Sherwood said she expects continuing costs to be substantially lower, somewhere between $8,000 and $9,000 a year, which doesn't include the cost of reconditioning equipment. The club saved money by purchasing some used equipment. But that means some of the used items must be reconditioned before next season, Sherwood noted. Football was slow in coming to Gray-New Gloucester mostly because the school was unable to find money to pay for it in the budget. Robbins had his own praise for the Grandstand Club, which he feels "really deserves a lot of credit for the work they've done to raise the money for the program, in just one year." One of the most successful fund-raisers was the Calendar Raffle, in which donated items were sold throughout October. McGrath said she does not expect the high school to be able to pay for the football team "any time soon," so the club will continue fundraising. The Patriot Grandstand Club is looking to the future not just for the high school, but for younger players as well. A youth football program proposed for the Gray Recreation Department would give elementary-school age players a head-start in the game. While youth football may not happen this coming year, "I think we need (the program)" in order to have a successful high school team, McGrath said. Planned fundraisers include a spaghetti dinner in January or February, an ice-fishing derby in February, a Spring Fling Dance in March, and another golf tournament in the fall. The Calendar Raffle will also take place in the fall. The Patriot Grandstand Club's website is at www.gngfootball.org, and lists team schedules, coaches, club board members, and information about the past season. Upcoming events are also listed.
Dec. 11, 2003, The Monument GNG Football News The Patriots Grandstand club is still organizing activities to support the GNG football team. An Ice Fishing Derby is being planned this will be an event for the whole family. There will be prizes awarded for largest fish caught and door prizes. More information will be provided for this event in the near future. We are also planning a prom fashion show for the early spring. Look for information about these events at our NEW website address, gngfootball.org. We want to thank the community for the support given to the football team and to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season.
GNG Football Benefit Dance and Team Update
The Patriot's Grandstand Club is holding a benefit dance on Friday Oct. 25 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 am. The band High Ryders will be performing their "Golden Oldie Show". Admission is $10 per person or $18 per couple. We are encouraging people to get together with a group of friends to reserve a table. This is a BYOB event however snacks will be served. Ticket reservations and or further information concerning the dance can be obtained by calling 828-6224. The high school football team now has a record of 3 wins and 1 loss. They won their last game against Fryeburg; the defense did not allow the opposing team to score. The offense successfully completed 2 touchdowns, Joe Harrison and Jason Lavigne both ran the ball in to score. David McCutcheon was 2 for 2 kicking for the extra point. Show support for our winning team by attending the next home game on Monday, Oct. 13th at 6:00pm' they will be facing the team from Poland.
Oct. 03, 2003, The Gray News
 Football Here are the coach talking to the Gray-New Gloucester football team after last Monday night's home game against Fryeburg. The game was a shutout, with Gray winning with a score of 14-0. Go Team Go! (Photo staff, 2003-10-03)
Sep 25, 2003 The Monument News Football Team Wins Again The GNG high school football team won their 2nd game of the season against Falmouth. The final score was14-2, Falmouth got a safety and GNG scored 2 touchdowns. The offense and the defense both contributed to the scoring. Running back, Joshua Shobert ran the ball for the first touchdown and strong safety, Stuart DiPaolo intercepted the ball and then ran it in for a touchdown. Kicker, Dave McCutcheon successfully kicked for the extra point twice. The defense has been perfect through 2 games, not allowing the opposing teams to score. The whole team and the coaches are to be congratulated for a great start to the season. The next home game is September 29th against Fryeburg at 6:00 pm.
Sep 18, 2003 The Monument News
Football News: The Gray New Gloucester football teams are off to a great start. The high School team won their home opener against Lake Region 34 to 0. The Grandstand Club estimated the attendance to be 700 fans; thank you everyone for the show of support. Note that the admission price at the gate is $3 for adults and $2 for students. The middle school team now has a head coach, Jim Seavey, to guide the team for the rest of the season. The players will be selling calendar raffle tickets at the Gray Market Place Sept. 20th from 9 am to 3 pm, at the Gray Thriftway on Sept. 27th from 9am to 3 pm, and at the Walmart in Windham Sept. 28 from 10am to 4pm. The calendar raffle is a chance to win some great prizes donated by area businesses. The price of the raffle tickets are $15 for 1, $25 for 2 and $30 for 3, FMI call Tammy @ 926-4440. There are still spaces available at the golf tournament at Spring Meadows on October 5th at 1 p.m., for more information contact Wanda @ 926-3104. Bottle donations can still be made at The Bottle Barn, look for the box designated for the football team.Z
Sep. 26, 2003, The Gray News
Staff The GNG high school football team won their 2nd game of the season against Falmouth. The final score was 14-2, Falmouth got a safety and G-NG scored 2 touchdowns. The offense and the defense both contributed to the scoring. Running back Joshua Shobert ran the ball for the first touchdown and strong safety Stuart DiPaolo intercepted the ball and then ran it in for a touchdown. Kicker Dave McCutcheon successfully kicked for the extra point twice. The defense has been perfect through 2 games, not allowing the opposing teams to score. The whole team and the coach are to be congratulated for a great start to the season. The next home game is September 29th against Fryeburg at 6:00 p.m.
Sep. 23, 2003, The Monument
 Gray-New Gloucester Patriot Cheerleaders took a break from their demonstration at New Gloucester Community Day to learn Contra Dancing. They liked the 'top couple' part!
Sep. 18, 2003, The Monument
Football News: The Gray New Gloucester football teams are off to a great start. The high School team won their home opener against Lake Region 34 to 0. The Grandstand Club estimated the attendance to be 700 fans; thank you everyone for the show of support. Note that the admission price at the gate is $3 for adults and $2 for students. The middle school team now has a head coach, Jim Seavey, to guide the team for the rest of the season. The players will be selling calendar raffle tickets at the Gray Market Place Sept. 20th from 9 am to 3 pm, at the Gray Thriftway on Sept. 27th from 9am to 3 pm, and at the Walmart in Windham Sept. 28 from 10am to 4pm. The calendar raffle is a chance to win some great prizes donated by area businesses. The price of the raffle tickets are $15 for 1, $25 for 2 and $30 for 3, FMI call Tammy @ 926-4440. There are still spaces available at the golf tournament at Spring Meadows on October 5th at 1 p.m., for more information contact Wanda @ 926-3104. Bottle donations can still be made at The Bottle Barn, look for the box designated for the football team.
Sep. 12, 2003, The Gray News
Gray-New Gloucester trounces Lake Region 35-0 Staff Football With a grand entrance, the G-NG High School football program kicked off its first season this past Monday night under the lights on the high school varsity field. In an exciting, well-attended game, G-NG showed much promise, winning against Lake Region with a final score of 35-0.
 (Photo staff)
Sep. 11, 2003, The Monument
Football Schedule
The GNG Patriots Grandstand Club is selling calendar raffles during the month of September. Drawings for the prizes will take place the month of October. The cost of the raffle tickets is $15 for one, $25 for two and $30 for three. For more information call Tammy McGrath at 926-4440. People can also support us by attending the football games. The price at the gate is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Please take note of the following game dates and times for the High School team.
Aug 28, 2003 The Monument News GNG Football update: The GNG inagural football season is underway. The middle and high school teams are currently under going intense training. The high school team participated in a scrimmage with a team from Buckfield, they looked well prepared for their first challenge. They will be participating in a round robin at Dexter on Aug. 30th. The first official game for the high school will be a home opener on Mon. Sept. 8th against Lake Region at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Remember to help if you can, return your bottles to the Bottle Barn in the specially marked box. Look for your chance to win great prizes in our calendar raffle, ticket sales to start in September. Also it's time to sign up for our 3 golf tournaments for more information, contact Wanda at 926-3104. The middle school team needs a head coach interested individuals should contact Geoff Robbins at 657-3323.
Aug. 08, 2003, The Gray News
 (Photo staff, 2003-08-08) Football Football team prepping for the fall.
Aug. 08, 2003, The Gray News
G-NG HS Cheerleading update Staff Cheerleaders G-NG High School Cheerleaders The G-NG high school cheerleaders have just returned from spending 4 days at National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Summer Camp held at Husson College in Bangor. Coach Norton and her assistant, April Stansfield, brought 22 cheerleaders to camp. Those attending were: Ashley Croteau, Rachel MacDonald, Meagan Pelletier, Stacey Libby, Jess Fochler, Lyndsey Kadziauskas, Mallory Emmertz, Shelley Ditomaso, Amanda Pierce, Jill Briggs, Victoria Hartig, Meghan Chamoff, Lindsay Anania, Renee MacDonald, Bria Pollard, Tia Dimauro, Courtney Colbath, Gina Ferri, Danielle Carr, Nicole Marden, Alyssa Norton and Danielle MacDonald. We are proud of the way our athletes represented our school. They were a joy to be with, even after 4 days with less than 6 hours of sleep a night! They all worked hard to master the new material presented. This included 10 hours a day of stunting, jumping, dancing, cheering and "cheer aerobics". Over the 4-day period, 8 of our cheerleaders were nominated to try out for "All-American". They were nominated for showing proficiency in a particular area of cheerleading. In motion technique, Alyssa Norton and Danielle MacDonald received nominations. In jumps, Rachel MacDonald, Mallory Emmertz and Tia Dimauro were nominated. In stunts, Lindsay Anania, Lyndsey Kadziauskas and Bria Pollard were nominated. Congratulations to all the nominees and those making "All-American". All-Americans were, Tia Dimauro, Bria Pollard, Mallory Emmertz, Lyndsey Kadziauskas, Rachel MacDonald and Alyssa Norton. The All-Americans and the nominees are planning to attend the Miami/FedEx Orange Bowl, where they will participate in the pre-game and half-time show. Fundraising plans are currently underway for a bottle drive, a car wash and sale of Little Caesar Pizza Kits, as well as parking cars at New Gloucester Community Day and whatever we can think of! If individuals or businesses would like to donate products/certificates for a raffle or can help financially, please contact Thedy MacDonald at 657-2645 or Wendy Pollard at 428-3585. Any and all support will be gratefully appreciated.
Aug 7, 2003 The Monument News
Football Update: Attention Middle School Students: the GNG Football program is looking for players for this year's middle school football team. Anyone who is interested can contact Geoff Robbins, the athletic director at the high school, 657-3323. The registration fee for all football players is due by August 10th. The fee of $100 can be mailed to Geoff Robbins c/o GNG High School Libby Hill Rd. Gray ME. 04039. The GNG Football High School team recently spent time being fitted for uniforms. They will need those uniforms soon as they start intensive training. The week of August 18-22 the teams will meet from 8 am -10 am and from 2 pm- 4 pm. The following week of August 25- 29 they will practice from 2 pm- 4pm. The pre- season training will include running drills, reviewing basic game fundamentals and introduction to game plays.
Jul. 19, 2003, The Monument News
Football coming to Gray-New Gloucester The Patriot Grandstand Club, which represents the G.N.G. middle school and high school football programs, has successfully launched its fund raising campaign. They are currently accepting donations from businesses and individuals to be used for start up expenses such as uniforms and training equipment. Donations can be sent to the: Patriot Grandstand Club, G.N.G. High School, Attn: Geoff Robbins, 10 Libby Hill Rd., Gray ME. 04039. Make checks payable to: Patriot Grandstand Club. Any individuals who send a $20 or more contribution will be entered into a monthly drawing to win tickets to a Portland Seadog game. The first tickets are for a game on July 5th. Thanks go out to all those who have already generously given gifts to support our teams.
Jul. 17, 2003, The Monument
Golf Tournaments To Benefit GNG Football The Patriot's Grandstand Club will be sponsoring 3 golf tournaments; the proceeds will be used to help fund the GNG Middle and High School Football teams. The tournaments will be played as a 4-person scramble; you can register as a team or individually. The cost is $50 per person, per tournament; this includes green fees and cart. Prizes will be awarded to 3 teams, the 1st place prize is $200 ($50 each), 2nd place prize is$140($35 each), 3rd place prize is $100($25 each). A hole in one chance will be available at each tournament the award will be $5,0000. Prizes will also be given to the 2 longest drives and closest to the pin per tournament, $25 each. Another opportunity to help the football teams is to be a corporate sponsor; your company name can be placed at a tee and will be promoted throughout the tournaments. The donation is $100 per hole per tournament. The sponsorship may be shared. The hole in one tee has a $150 sponsor fee that may be shared. Please note the following dates and times of tournaments. Fox Ridge, Auburn, Sun., Sept. 21, 2003, 9:00am Spring Meadows, Gray, Sun., Oct. 5, 2003, 1:00pm Turner Highlands, Turner, Sun., Oct. 19, 2003, 10:00am Registration forms or corporate sponsor information will be available by mailing a request to GNG Grandstand Club, Libby Hill Rd. Gray, Me. 04039 or an e- mail to, GNGfootball@aol.com, or call Wanda at 926-3104. Thanks go out to all those who have already helped to support our teams.
Jul. 10, 2003 The Monument News
GNG Football Update: Football usually brings to mind cool autumn like images but for the GNG middle and high school kids, football this summer will mean gutting it out in the heat as they train for their inaugural football season. Head coach Mike Ouellette is busy getting the teams ready for an 8 game schedule. He is going to be teaching them all the fundamentals of the game, so it should be a full summer for everyone. The Patriot's Grandstand Club is planning 3 golf tournaments for the fall; the proceeds will go to fund the teams. They are also holding several drawings throughout the summer for Seadog tickets for anyone donating $20 or more. For more information about these events either contact Geoff Robbins at the high school or send an e-mail to GNGFootball@aol.com.
Jul. 10, 2003, The Monument
 Photo by Wanda Thomas The GNG Patriot football team doing practice sprint relays. Here, the Middle school and High school football team at their weekly workouts. The picture was taken at the athletic fields at the high school. The man in the picture is assistant coach John Reidy.
May 08, 2003, The Monument News
Meeting for Gray-New Gloucester football: The Patriots Grandstand Club will hold a meeting of the membership on Tuesday, May 13 from 6 to 8 pm to form committees and discuss fund raising in preparation for the football season this fall at Gray-New Gloucester High and Middle Schools. The group met on April 29 with Coach Mike Ouellette and Athletic director Jeff Robbins to elect officers. Jenny Sherwood and Tammy McGrath were elected Co-Presidents, Peter Hazlett Vice President, Donna Dee Secretary, Barbara Christy Treasurer, and Joline Paquette Trustee. The May 13 meeting is extremely important for all parents of students interested in football. Donations to the program should be made to "The Patriots Grandstand Club, Gray-New Gloucester High School, Attn Jeff Robbins, Athletic Director, Libby Hill Road, Gray, Maine 04039."
Nov. 28, 2002, The Monument
Football program starting in Gray-New Gloucester
BY CHUCK MAHALERIS New Gloucester- Mike Ouellette lined up his shot at last Wednesday’s MSAD #15 Board of Directors Meeting and hopes he nailed a field goal in his bid to bring football to Gray-New Gloucester High School next Fall. Ouelette, who was representing the Lewiston/Auburn Youth Football program non-profit organization, presented an overall football program package that if allowed to drive forward would see as many as 90 high school players and 40 cheerleaders suited up next Fall between two teams. Besides Board of Directors approval, Ouellette and the Patriot Grandstand Club, a nonprofit he intends to incorporate, need to tackle a significant fundraising challenge. He estimated that his group would need to raise between $13,000 and $50,000 between now and June to fund the first year of the program and $15,000 each year thereafter to continue the program. The more they raise, the more training equipment they will be able to purchase. "We are not here to get any money from you," Ouellette told the directors. He plans to raise these funds through admission fees, youth activity participation fees, concession sales, beanos, golf tournaments, raffles, and direct solicitation of businesses and individuals complete with a football-theme sign marking fundraising levels displayed in downtown Gray. Ouellette said that the costs to start up the program include protective gear for the players, uniforms, goal post, line markers, blocking sleds, transportation for "away" games, pay for coaches and referees, lighting, and insurance. The youth would play four "home" games at the high school’s soccer field which would be converted to a dual-use field and four "away" games. Ouellette is looking for approval from the board for the use of the school name and mascot, the use of practice space and time in the weight room, the use of the game field and potentially financial support in the future. If the board does not give its support at its December 4 meeting, the organization could go to the towns directly and request to organize under their auspices. Superintendent of Schools Michael L. Wood said that if the board approves the program it should fall under the management of the Athletic Director Geoff Robbins and the coaching staff would need to fall under collective bargaining and contractual requirements the school district is bound by. "If it has our name on it, it should meet our standards," Robbins said during the meeting. Wood agreed and said "Part of using our name heightens our liability even if we don’t put a dime into it." Board member Dan Maquire expressed concern during the meeting. "I think we need to grow any of the booster programs purposefully." He doubted that if the schools could raise an additional $50,000 from the community during these fiscal times that the best use of those dollars would be spent on football. Board member Carmel Morin was more direct in his criticism. "It is a very expensive program. You have to do a lot more persuasion for me to support it."
Nov. 08, 2002, The Gray News
Football At G-NGHS? Amie Miklovich Gray-New Gloucester - Touchdown! Or is it an illusion? Students at Gray-New Gloucester High School have been wondering whether the rumors about a coming football team are true. The costs of insurance and appropriate facilities have prevented the high school from having a team, but who knows what the future will bring. Will a field, equipment, and insurance magically appear to make every G-NG football fan's dreams come true? In an interview with Geoff Robbins, the school's new athletic director, the new A.D. gave this reporter a closer view into this fact or fiction question. When asked if the rumor of a football team for the high school was true, he said, "Yes, it's true... We're looking into the possibility of a 50/50 chance for next year at best." Robbins said that in the future the school could have a team, even if we didn't get one next year. He was also asked why we haven't had a team before. While he wasn't completely sure, he did say that the most likely reason was funding. Mr. Robbins believes that we would be able to find enough players for a competitive team. He commented that many individuals have already shown interest in Coaching and helping with the team, even people from outside the school district. In today's market, the cost of equipment is approximately $300 per player. Considering that there are eleven players on the field, not counting how many are sitting the bench, that is a bundle of money to raise. Robbins was not sure on the costs of insurance and fields. "To play football, we must have a field," Mr. Robbins said. "For games, we would play on the soccer fields, and practices would be held on the field behind the high school's track." Football fields require over one hundred twenty yards from end to end. Since the soccer fields are 120 yards long they would be the most practical.
Nov. 08, 2002, The Gray News
Gray-New Gloucester Football: Ellen Forbes High school football is an American past time, enjoyed by students and teachers alike. So, where is Gray- New Gloucester High School's football team? Within the past few years, students have heard hopeful rumors about having a football team. When asked about this rumor, Mr. Robbins, the high school's Athletic Director replied, "That's exactly what it is, it's just a rumor." According to Robbins, the investigation of forming a football team has only just begun and there are still no definite plans. As of now, if the school has the opportunity to welcome a football team into our school it will. Having a football team would be an excellent outlet for school spirit. Football is a high school tradition. Teenagers like to go and hang out with their friends and watch the game. Having a football team means more of an opportunity to be a part of our school and community, without watching the same old thing time and again. So, what is the difference between football and any other traditional sport, such as baseball or basketball? Well for one thing, communities rally around football and it would give thirty or so kids something to do, that's for sure. I believe our school can rise to the challenge and responsibility of a football team. Let's hope the kick-off is sooner than later!
Nov. 08, 2002, The Gray News
Robyn And Tricia's Question Of The Month Robyn Bowden and Patricia Berry "How would you feel if G-NGHS was to get a football team?" Seniors: Nathan McNally- "It would be fun because this school needs a character builder." Anna Tidwell-"I think it would be great because we would feel like a real school." Juniors: Ellen Forbes-"I think it is a good idea because it seems that every other school has a football team but ours." Joe Ridley- "I would like it because it would be fun to play." Sophomores: Amber Liberty-"I think we need a football team because there are a lot of kids interested in the sport." Josh Amergian- "It would be excellent because then I could play." Freshmen: Matt Brooks-"I think it is needed because kids that played in Middle School would want to continue when they got into High School." Abby Maddock-"I think we should because that way the students and community could get more involved." Teachers: Ms. Adler- "I think it would take away from funding for the already existing sports." Mr. Richards- "It would be a good thing for the school, however, I don't know how the school would be able to pay for it."
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