Head Coach Hank Girardin gives last words of advice to the 8 seniors who will graduate in June 2007. The seniors will play their last Varsity game of the 2006 season tonight.
 Click here for more flag football photos.
If you have news about previous GNG Patriots football players, email Regina
2005 team/2006 graduates:
2004 team/2005 graduates:
2003 team/2004 graduates:
Congratulations to the following players for 2006 awards:
JV Coaches Award - Ryan Blenk
Congratulations to the following players for their academic achievements Nov. 2006
11/22/2006 The Monument - By Carl PepinBeal selected as conference all-star Shane Beal of the Gray-New Gloucester football team was selected to this year's Campbell Conference All-Star football team. The Patriots senior helped his team win four of it's last six games to finish with a 4-5 record. Beal was a running back on offense and a corner back on defense. Beal was the spark plug offensively for the Patriots. He had over 240 yards rushing and three touchdowns in the mid-season win over Lake Region. He added two more scores and more than 200 yards rushing in a win one week later against Falmouth. And he helped the Patriots to back-to-back wins in weeks eight and nine of the regular season with impressive back-to-back performances out of the backfield. He rushed for over 130 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Fryeburg and followed that up with a 135-yard night with another two scores in the win over Poland that closed out the season.
Bolduc beats basic
Air Force Airman Philip S. Bolduc has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Phil and Pat Bolduc of Woodman Road, New Gloucester, and a 2005 graduate of Gray-New Gloucester High School. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.  
Congratulations to Oakhurst High School Senior of the week, #67 Travis Horr
November 2, 2006 The Monument
Patriot gridders trounce Poland, win "Shaker Chair" By Anne Rowe, Contributing writer
The Gray-New Gloucester Patriots ended their season Friday night with an impressive win against the Poland Knights.
The Gray-New Gloucester/Poland Rivalry has been dubbed, “The Battle for Shaker Hill,” and the Patriots took possession of the game trophy, a miniature Shaker chair. In the first quarter, Freshman Taylor Valente ran 55 yards for a touchdown on the Patriots’ first possession. Poland also scored a touchdown in the first quarter, making the score Poland 7, Gray-New Gloucester 6. In the second quarter, sophomore Nick Audet scored a 25-yard touchdown an d Taylor Valente rushed for the two-point conversion. Audet scored again several minutes later on a 12-yard run. At halftime, the score was Gray-New Gloucester 20, Poland 7. In the third quarter, senior Shane Beal ran 5 yards for another Patriot touchdown, and senior Joe Menard kicked the extra point. In the fourth quarter, Beal scored a 23-yard touchdown, and Valente also scored again on a 40-yard run after intercepting a Poland pass. Poland scored one more touchdown late in the fourth quarter. The final score was Gray-New Gloucester 39, Poland 15. Shane Beal ran for 138 yards in the game, and Taylor Valente ran for 150 yards. At the end of the game, Gray-New Gloucester Athletic Director Geoff Robbins presented the Shaker chair to the Patriots players and the Patriots coaches, Hank Girardin, Mike Lance, John Reidy, and Mike Fullerton. The Patriots, in only their second year of varsity play, ended the season with a record of 4 wins, 5 losses.
 Above, No. 35 Nick Audet runs for his second touchdown of the night. Below, No 30 Taylor Valente runs for a first down.  Below, No. 10 Sam Christy tosses the ball to #24 Casey Kramlich. 
10/28/2006
to the families of three of our seniors:
Barbara, Steven, Ben, and Sam Christy –
The Christy family has supported the club participating in and helping to organize many fundraising events over the past four years. Mrs. Christy and her son, Ben, were instrumental in the start up of the football program at GNG. Ben attended many informational meetings to gain parent interest in the community. Barbara Christy has served as a board member since 2003. She was a member of the board during our first two years, during which, we raised $50,000 in start up costs. Sam is probably best known to most of you as the quarterback of our team, and one of the team captains, but he is best known to the club for cutting bags and bags and bags of potatoes in the middle of the night for our hunter’s breakfast and returning at 4am!
Anne, Stephen, Will, Nate, and Danny Rowe –
Regina and Will Garcia and Peter and Mike DeJager – The Rowes and the Garcias have to stick around a few more years as Nate Rowe and Mike DeJager are just freshman, but we will certainly miss the Christys. These three families have demonstrated, through personal sacrifices, the love of the game of football and given up to 75 students a year an opportunity to play. The Patriot Grandstand Club salutes you!
October 5, 2006 The Monument Winners Again!Another Patriot Win! By Anne Rowe, Contributing writer
 All those who thought the nail-biting victory over Lake Region two weekends ago was a fluke, question no more.The Gray-New Gloucester Patriots football team earned an easy win over the Falmouth Yachtsmen last weekend. Up next: Wells Warriors. The Gray-New Gloucester Patriots won their second football game of the season last Friday night at the home game against the Falmouth Yachtsmen. The Yachtsmen scored early in the first quarter to take an 8-0 lead. In the second quarter, the Patriots scored a touchdown on a 30-yard run by freshman Taylor Valente, with a two-point conversion by senior Shane Beal. Later in the second quarter, Gray-New Gloucester scored its second touchdown on a 45-yard run by Beal, with an extra point kick by senior Jow Menard. At half time, the Patriots led the Yachtsmen by a score of 15-8. Neither team scored in the third quarter, but in the fourth quarter Beal scored again on a 68-yard run and Joe Menard kicked another extra point. The final score was Gray-New Gloucester 22, Falmouth 8. Three New England Patriots cheerleaders appeared at Friday's game and signed autographs and posed for pictures to raise money for the Gray-New Gloucester football program. An autographed game shirt from New England Patriot Troy Brown, which was donated to the club by TD Banknorth. The winner of the raffle was Lisa Mallia of Gray.
The Patriots' next game is Friday against the Wells Warriors in Wells. The next home game is Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. against the Cape Elizabeth Capers.
 No. 10 Sam Christy holds the ball for No. 52 Joe Menard's extra point kick.  No. 30 Taylor Valente carries the ball.  No. 10 Quarterback Sam Christy hands off to No. 23 Shane Beal with blocking from No. 46 Zach Parker.  New England Patriots Cheerleaders pose with (three of the four) GNG coaches Mike Lance, Hank Girardin and Mike Fullerton.
September 29, 2006 Portland Press Herald Player of the week: Shane Beal Shane Beal, Gray-New Gloucester: Beal scored three TDs and finished with 245 yards rushing as the Patriots edged Lake Region 21-20 for the program´s first on-field win.
September 29, 2006 The Gray News More than a game, more than cheerleaders - Staff Friday's Gray-New Gloucester High School home football game has a late attraction. You could win a football autographed by New England Patriot great Troy Brown, donated by TD BankNorth. And if you do win, you'll get the ball directly from the hands of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders. Even if the G-NGHS Patriots weren't coming off their first win ever, this would be a game worth going to! The fun begins at 5:45 P.M. September 29 at the High School.
September 28, 2006 The Monument Breakthrough Victory - Patrios football notches first-ever win By Anne Rowe, Special Contributor The Gray-New Gloucester Patriots won their first varsity football game in the team's two-year history last Friday night against the Lake Region Lakers. In the first half, the Lakers scored twice and Gray-New Gloucester scored once on a touchdown run by senior Shane Beal and an extra point kick by senior Joe Menard. At half-time, the score was Lake Region 12, Gray-New Gloucester 7. In the third quarter, Shane Beal scored another touchdown for Gray-New Gloucester on a 95-yard run from scrimmage. The extra point attempt was blocked, making the score Gray-New Gloucester 13, Lake Region 12 after three quarters. Lake Region got into the endzone again early in the fourth quarter, but Gray-New gloucester answered with a touchdown of its own on a 15-yqard run by Shane Beal. Beal also scored a two-point conversion, bringing the score to Gray-New Gloucester 21, Lake Region 20. The Lakers took the ball down the field on their next possession but fumbled on the 1-yard line. The fumble was recovered by freshman, Taylor Valente. Lake Region was able to stop the Patriots on their next drive, but a 50-yard punt by Gray-New Gloucester senior Will Rowe forced the Lakers to go to their passing game. With a little over a minute to play, the Laker's quarterbacl threw a pass which was intercepted by Shane Beal, allowing the Patriots to clinch a 21-20 victory. The Patriots amassed more than 300 yards of total offense in the game. Senior running back Shane Beal gained 245 yards, scored three touchdowns and a two-point conversion, and made one interception. Senior Will Rowe recovered two fumbles, and senior Zach Parker and freshman Taylor Valente each recovered one. Sophomore Casey Kramlich also made one interception. The Patriots' next game is this Friday, Sept. 29 at home against the Falmouth Yachtsmen. Three New England Patriots Cheerleaders will attend the Sept. 29 game and will be signing autographs and posing for pictures. All proceeds will go toward the Gray-New gloucester football program. The Patriots Cheerleaders appearance is sponsored by Gray Supermarket, Athlete Success, Gray Physical Therapy, Bruns Borthers, Jess 'n Nic's and The Hearth Doctor.  Gray New-Gloucester High School's fledgling football program scored a nail-biting 21-20 victory last Friday night against Lake Region. Here, No. 23 Shane Beal breaks out with the blocking assistance of No. 10 Sam Christy. The victory was the first-ever for the Patriots which is in its second year of interscholastic play.  #10 Quarterback Sam Christy throws a pass as #23 Shane Beal blocks  Gray-New Gloucester scores a two-point conversion  #35 Taylor Valente carries the ball with blocking help from #46 Zack Parker, #56 Eric Doyle, and #89 Will Rowe.
September 21, 2006 The Monument
Patriots buried under Mountain Valley avalanche By Anne Rowe, Special Contributor The Gray-New Gloucester Patriots football team took on the Mountain Valley Falcons last Friday before a very large Homecoming crowd. The Patriots' offense moved the ball well but ultimately the team wasn't able to score against the more experienced Falcons defense. The final score was Mountain Valley 42, Gray-New Gloucester 0. During halftime of the game, John Rand of the Rand Insurance Agency in Gray, presented the Patriot Grandstand Club with a $600 donation from Allstate Insurance. This Friday the Patriots take on the Lake Region Lakers in Naples. The Patriots' next home game is Sept. 29 against the Falmouth Yachtsmen. Three New England Patriots Cheerleaders will attend the Sept. 29th game and will be signing autographs and posing for pictures. All proceeds will go toward the Gray-New Gloucester football program. The Patriots Cheerleaders appearance is sponsored by Gray Supermarket, Athlete Success, Gray Physical Therapy, Bruns Brothers, Jess 'n Nics, and The Hearth Doctor.
 The Patriot Grandstand Club President Barney Stilphen accepts a $600 donation from Allstate Insurance from John Rand of the Rand Insurance Agency in Gray. Photo courtesy of Anne Rowe
 #23 running back Shane Beal takes the handoff from #34 quarterback Nate Rowe. Photo courtesy of Anne Rowe
September 19, 2006 The Gray News Patriots break a bad habit Staff The Gray-New Gloucester High School Patriots won their first varsity football game in the team's brief two-year history last Friday night against the Lake Region Lakers. In the first half, the Lakers scored twice and G-NG scored once on a touchdown run by senior Shane Beal-you'll hear that name again-and an extra-point kick by senior Joe Menard. At halftime, the score was Lake Region 12, G-NG 7. But in the third quarter, Beal scored another touchdown for G-NG on a 95-yard run from scrimmage. The extra-point attempt was blocked, making the score G-NG 13, Lake Region 12, after three quarters. Lake Region got into the end zone again early in the fourth quarter, but G-NG answered with a touchdown of its own on a 15-yard run by Beal. Beal also scored a two-point conversion, bringing the score to G-NG 21, Lake Region 20. The Lakers took the ball down the field on their next possession, but fumbled on their 1-yard line. The fumble was recovered by G-NG freshman Taylor Valente. Lake Region was able to stop the Patriots on their next drive, but a 50-yard punt by GNG senior Will Rowe forced the Lakers to go to their passing game. With a little over a minute to play, the Lakers' quarterback threw a long pass which was picked off by Beal, allowing the Patriots to clinch a 21-20 victory. The Patriots piled up over 300 yards of total offense in the game, mostly due to Beal, who gained 245 yards, scored 3 touchdowns and a two-point conversion, and made one interception. Senior Will Rowe recovered 2 fumbles, and senior Zach Parker and freshman Taylor Valente each recovered one. Sophomore Casey Kramlich also made an interception. The Patriots' next game is this Friday, September 29, at home against the Falmouth Yachtsmen. Three New England Patriots Cheerleaders will attend the September 29th game and will be signing autographs and posing for pictures. All proceeds will go toward the G-NG football program. The Patriots Cheerleaders' appearance is sponsored by Gray Supermarket, Athlete Success, Gray Physical Therapy, Bruns Brothers, Jess 'n Nic's, and The Hearth Doctor. 
Shane Beal as he appeared most of the game-with LR tacklers trailing (Photo staff)
September 19, 2006 The Gray News More than a game, more than cheerleaders Staff Friday's Gray-New Gloucester High School home football game has a late attraction. You could win a football game shirt autographed by New England Patriot great Troy Brown, donated by TD BankNorth. And if you do win, you'll get the ball directly from the hands of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders. Even if the G-NGHS Patriots weren't coming off their first win ever, this would be a game worth going to! The fun begins at 5:45 P.M. September 29 at the High School.
September 14, 2006 The Monument Patriots lose to York, Homecoming next weekend. The Gray-New Gloucester Patriots football team lost to the York Wildcats in their home opener this past Friday night before a large crowd. The Wildcats, who lost to the Brewer Witches in the State Class B title game last year, are considered one of the best teams in Class B again in 2006. Before the game, the Gray Fire Department color guard presented the flag for the playing of the national anthem, and the crowd observed a moment of silence for the late Gray Fire Chief Jon Barton. The Patriots scored two touchdowns in the game, both by senior running back Shane Beal. The final score was York 42, Gray 12. The Patriots’ next home game is this Friday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. against the Mountain Valley Falcons, marking the beginning of Homecoming weekend.
 #30 Taylor Valente tackles the York runner while #74 Lucas Chase assists.  #23 Shane Beal runs for a touchdown.  Patriots Cheerleaders perform at half-time.  The Gray Fire Department color Guard presents the flag.  #52 Joe Menard kicks off for the Patriots.
September 7, 2006 The Monument Patriots show well in Sept. 1 opener The Gray-New Gloucester High School football Patriots had a strong showing in their opening game against the Greely Rangers last Friday night in Cumberland. The Patriots’ 45-man roster, depleted by 15 players due to injury and academic ineligibility, was still able to score three touchdowns against the more experienced Greely team. All three touchdowns were scored by senior running back, Shane Beal, with one two-point conversion scored by sophomore running back Casey Kramlich. The final score was Greely 32, GNG 20. The Patriots’ home opener is this Friday, September 8, at 7 P.M. against the York Wildcats.
 #23 running back Shane Beal receives the handoff from #34 quarterback Nate Rowe
 #89 Will Rowe punts the ball for Gray-New Gloucester
 #30 running back Taylor Valente receives the handoff from #34 quarterback Nate Rowe  #24 running back Casey Kramlich scores a 2-point conversion
  Fire Chief Jon E. Barton, 6/20/1935 - 8/10/2006. An honor guard marched ceremoneously at the Patriots vs York varsity football game on Friday, September 8 and a moment of silence was observed in his memory. 
for your hard work at the bottle drive collecting and sorting bottles and cans. Some people whose houses the players stopped at didn't have cans & bottles to donate and gave cash contributions for a total of $95. As many of you saw, Barney & James Stilphen drove off in a very full flatbed, followed by a procession of four pickups and a trailer that were equally full. They came back with $1078! Thank you everyone for cleaning up so quickly and to Jeff and Jon Preble for taking all of the trash to the dump after a hard days' work.
Sponsors for Dalton Myers:
Sponsors for Mitchell and Randall Stephens:
Sponsors for Cody Snyder:
Sponsors for Heath Martell:
Sponsors for Nate Fogg:
Sponsors for Chris Mitaly
From The Gray News: September 1, 2006 G-NG football squad routs Freeport in scrimmage by Ray Clark and Nathan Tsukroff What does a coach do when his starting quarterback goes down with an injury?
Well, what Gray-New Gloucester High School coach Hank Girardin does is hand off the ball to freshman Nate Rowe. Then he stands back and watches the youngster lead his team to a solid 36-8 win over Freeport high in a preseason scrimmage. And two more freshman running backs carried the scoring load: Trevor McCutcheon, scored three touchdowns and Taylor Valente drove into the end zone twice.  Photo above: Freshman quarterback Nate Rowe hands off to senior fullback Zach Parker in last week's defeat of Freeport Nate Tsukroff Photograph
PATRIOT GRANDSTAND CLUB FALL CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT:
We would also like to thank parents, players, coaches, and school members who helped at the golf tournament this weekend as well as everyone who got hole sponsors, made signs, made ad forms, bought supplies, sponsored teams, and did advertising:
Lisa Rucker and Corey Rucker, Geoff Robbins, Coach Girardin, Barbara Christy, Barney Stilphen, Will Garcia and Regina Garcia, Jenny Sherwood, Steve and Tammy Lauritsen, Jeff Preble, Anne Rowe, Lisa Malia
THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO HELPED WITH THE POST 4TH OF JULY BOTTLE DRIVE
The Patriot Grandstand Club held the first after-the-fourth-of-July bottle drive which will probably be an annual event due to the huge success. Each vehicle made 2 rounds in different neighborhoods as the back of pickups and minivans were packed full and overflowing after only 1 trip each. If we had more players and parents, we could have covered much, much more of Gray & New Gloucester and may have been able to triple or even quadruple what we were able to collect. Thank you very much to the following players, siblings and parents who collected $750.00 worth of bottles and cash donations from people who didn't have any bottles for the drive, but donated cash!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CLASS OF 2006 GNG PATRIOTS FOOTBALL PLAYERS:  ** Graduated with High Honors & in the Top 10% of the Class of 2006
Left to Right: The following local Scholarships were also received: Chad Kelsey: National Semiconductor Technology Achievement Award, Charles F. Barker Memorial Scholarship, Mary Higgins Scholarship Fund, Gray Grange #14 Scholarship Chris Bagley: Hancock Lumber Scholarship Cory Googins: Adam Worth Sherlock Scholarship, Brian E. Nugent Memorial Scholarship, Mary Higgins Scholarship Fund, Western Maine Conference Awards Matt Brooks: Opportunity Farm for Boys & Girls Will Kramlich: Sons of American Legion Post #86 Scholarship Congratulations to you all!
THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO HELPED WITH THE BBQ AT THE 25K & 50K TRAIL RACE AT THE YMCA AT PINELAND
The Patriot Grandstand Club held a BBQ for runners, their families, volunteers and spectators at the First Annual Pineland Farms 25K and 50K Trail Challenge on May 27th. The race was sponsored by the YMCA at Pineland Farms, the Maine Running Company, Pineland Farms, the Maine Track Club & the Road Runners club of America. A portion of the proceeds from the race entries were donated to the YMCA at Pineland Farms to help local children attend a ten-week YMCA summer camp. All of the runners were just terrific in their efforts and ran during a beautiful 79-degree day . The entire day was a huge success and we thank Phil Dirusso and the YMCA at Pineland for giving us the opportunity to be a part of this great event! We look forward to next year's race. Thank you parents & siblings:
The Gray News - June 16, 2006
Boosters name top student-athletes of the year for scholastic achievement, leadership and athletics: Junior Class - William Rowe Senior Class - Chad Kelsey
CORY GOOGINS WINS CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Western Maine Conference sponsors an awards banquet to honor students from each school in the conference. Those schools are asked to select two graduating seniors to be honored. Cory Googins, along with Amanda Barton, were selected for their overall contributions to their school in academics, athletics, leadership and extracurricular activities, as well as for their attitudes and consideration of others. CONGRATULATIONS!
COLLEGE BOUND
Congratulations to Chad Kelsey who will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute School of Engineering in Troy, N.Y. this fall. We wish him all the best as he will be playing football for the RPI Engineers now.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PLAYERS ON THE TRACK TEAM
 WILL ROWE, THROWING THE JAVELIN. Congratulations to alex drew, who placed 1st in the high jump (12' 0"), chad kelsey, who placed 1st in shot put (41' 5 1/4"), and 2nd in discus (116' 0") and to will rowe who placed 3rd in javelin (130' 10") and 3rd in shot put (36' 71/2")
GNG PATRIOTS HONOR ROLL
Congratulations to the following gng patriots football players for their academic achievements:
High School Player Science Fair Evaluator
Thanks to Chase Hill, along with several other HS students, for being project evaluators at the Russel School science fair. The K through 2nd graders had some impressive, educational and entertaining displays for their parents and teachers. 
March 17, 2006 The Gray News
Grandstand Club ready for some football The Patriot Grandstand Club will be holding its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 28, at 6:30 P.M., in the Gray-New Gloucester High School cafeteria. The business of the meeting will include, but not be limited to, annual reports from current officers, election of officers for the next fiscal year and amendments to the Club's bylaws. The Patriot Grandstand Club is a nonprofit, charitable organization which sponsors Patriots Football at G-NG High School and G-NG Middle School. The Club's goal is to enable our young athletes to enjoy the game of football, while promoting good sportsmanship, teamwork, physical fitness, strong academic achievement and self-confidence. The Club is seeking nominations for the following offices: at least one President, at least one Vice-President, one Secretary, one Treasurer, and at least two Trustees. Each position is for a one-year term and is a member of the Club's Board of Directors. Candidates must be either a) a parent or legal guardian of an active football player in good standing, or b) a parent or legal guardian of an athlete who will be new to the football program for the 2006 season. Anyone interested in G-NG Patriots Football is invited to attend this Annual Meeting. The Club is always looking for volunteers to plan and staff fundraising events and to participate in a variety of other Club activities. For more information, feel free to contact Anne Rowe, Treasurer, at abrowe@maine.rr.com or by phone at 657-4056.
Patriots Football Players at the Winter Sports Awards Banquet
Congratulations To Our Players For Their Participation In Winter Sports. Photos Below:
Congratulations To Chad Kelsey (#58) Who Was Selected To Play In The 17th Annual Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic On July 28th, 2006 At Waterhouse Field In Biddeford.
Kora Temple In Lewiston Sponsors The Annual Maine Shrine Lobster Classic All-Star High School Football Game Which Features Recently Graduated Top Senior Football Players From Around Maine In An East Vs. West Game. The Lobster Bowl Is A Fundraiser For The Shriners Children's Hospitals. All Of The Proceeds From The Game Will Benefit The Shriners Hospital For Crippled Children In Springfield, Mass. Last Year, Players And Cheerleaders Raised Over $61,000.00 Which Was A New Record. Since 1922, The Shriners Have Helped Children Based Purely On Medical Need And Nothing Else. The Shriners Hospital's Outreach Clinics Come To Maine Three Times A Year And Their Specialists Treat Kids From All Over The World Free Of Charge.
LOCAL HEROES
Congratulations to Alex Drew, who took first place in the conference meet last weekend and congratulations to Chad Kelsey, who took 3rd place in the senior division shot put. Photo by John Jensenius
Mar 16, 2006 The Monument News Football goals The Patriot Grandstand Club will be holding its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 28th at 6:30 pm in the GNG High School cafeteria. The business of the annual meeting will include, but not be limited to, annual reports from the current officers, election of officers for the next fiscal year, and amendments to the Bylaws. The Patriot Grandstand Club is a nonprofit, charitable organization which sponsors Patriots Football at GNG High School and GNG Middle School. The Club's goal is to enable our young athletes to enjoy the game of football, while promoting good sportsmanship, teamwork, physical fitness, strong academic achievement, and self-confidence. The Club is seeking nominations for the following offices: at least one President, at least one Vice-President, one Secretary, one Treasurer, and at least two Trustees. Each position has a one year term and is a member of the Club's Board of Directors. Candidates must be either a) a parent or legal guardian of an active football player in good standing, or b) a parent or legal guardian of an athlete who will be new to the football program for the 2006 season. Anyone interested in GNG Patriots Football is invited to attend. The Club is always looking for volunteers to plan and staff fundraising events and to participate in a variety of other Club activities. For more information, e-mail Anne Rowe, Treasurer, at abrowe@maine.rr.com or by phone at 657-4056.
Feb. 10, 2006, The Gray News
Fishing through the ice... for footballs? Nathan Tsukroff
Mike DeJager and Nate Rowe, both of NewGgloucester, set out traps. DeJager played Tight End and Tackle for the Middle School this year, while Rowe player Corner and Running Back (Nathan Tsukroff photograph) Local football was on the minds of fishermen and -women last Saturday, as nearly 200 people competed in the Patriot Grandstand Club's third annual ice-fishing derby on Middle and Upper Range Ponds in Poland. Benefiting the football programs at Gray-New Gloucester High and Middle Schools, along with the local division of "Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs", the tournament drew competitors from throughout the area, with many coming from Poland and New Gloucester. Greg Massey, of Mechanic Falls, last year's second-place winner, took top honors this time around with a 9-pound, 1-ounce lake trout, or togue, measuring just over 30 inches. He walked away with the grand prize, a three-man ice fishing shelter. Steve Lothrop, of Portland, was close behind, with a 7-pound, 14-1/2-ounce lake trout; this one measured about 30 inches, too. Both fish were caught in Middle Range Pond. Massey's was the first fish of the day. He brought it in about 8 A.M. Greg St. Hilaire took third place with a smallmouth bass that weighed in at just under four pounds. Dustin Hayward's 3-pound, 6-1/2-ounce largemouth bass captured fourth place. In the children's division, winners included Evan Emerson with a 2-pound, 1-ounce largemouth bass and Kylie Maines with a 1-pound, 13-ounce largemouth. Ice Forty door prizes worth about $800 were given away. This was also a "Learn to Fish" day from Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs. Grandstand Club member Barney Stilphen, now certified as an Instructor, led the class, teaching youngsters about fishing laws, ice safety and successful fishing techniques. A year ago, with colder weather, nearly 350 competed in the Grandstand Club's event. The warm weather this winter has scared away fishermen throughout southern Maine, and may wash out some upcoming ice-fishing tournaments if larger lakes in the area, like Sebago, don't freeze solidly. Maine and New Hampshire have published guides to ice safety, and recommend looking for bluish ice that is at least four to six inches thick to support people and their gear. Ice travelers should check thickness with an ice axe or auger from the shore out to their destinations. If the ice at the shoreline is cracked or squishy, stay off. Watch out for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and dark ice are other signs of weak spots. A fishing license is required in Maine for residents over 16, although exceptions are made for disabled veterans and handicapped persons. Nonresidents over 12 must get a license.
2006 ICE FISHING DERBY
PHOTOS by ANNE ROWE
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE 2006 ICE FISHING DERBY
Cash Sponsors:
Knowles Industrial Services, Pine Tree Telephone, FET, Inc., The Telephone Guys, Lynn's Southside Pizzeria
Derby Prizes:
Door Prizes:
Volunteers/Help:
Concessions:
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