The Club, located on the Old Route 26 (Centennial Springs Road) is part of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, an organization dedicated to helping the local community. Many of the efforts of the club include raising funds to help such charities as Camp Sunshine, the Fight Against Cancer, and the Ronald McDonald House, as well as local organizations like the Gray and New Gloucester fire and rescue departments, the Gray and New Gloucester libraries and Opportunity Farm. More than $20,000 was given out last year to national, state and local causes.

All registration and medical forms are available on the Patriot Grandstand Club Web site, www.gngfootball.org. All required forms and fees must be turned in by the first day of practice in order for players to participate.

For Joe, this summer will be a time to continue working and saving money - adding to the scholarship dollars he received from Opportunity Farm for his college education. Joe is working as a summer counselor at the Lewiston YMCA's Camp Connor where he will begin pursuing his dream of being a teacher.

THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO VOLUNTEERED AT THE 2ND ANNUAL PINELAND TRAIL CHALLENGE BBQ. WE ALL HAD A GREAT TIME!

Start Over

Youth Football Press Release: The Patriot Grandstand Club, sponsors of Gray – New Gloucester Patriots football, is bringing youth tackle football to our area this fall. According to Club president Barney Stilphen, the continued improvement of the Gray – New Gloucester interscholastic teams depends upon introducing football to younger athletes. “Football is a game of skill that is developed through time and experience,” Stilphen says. “The earlier an athlete is introduced to football, the more effective he will be at the high school level.” The Club will begin its foray into youth football with a team open to fifth and sixth grade boys and girls. In future years, the Club hopes to add teams for even younger players. The young Patriots will compete in the Maine Youth Football League, which is made up of teams from Portland, South Portland, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Cumberland, Lisbon, and Rockland. According to middle school coach Terry Bowen, the 5th/6th grade team will begin practicing in mid-August and will likely practice five evenings a week until Labor Day. After Labor Day, practices will drop to three evenings per week. Games will be scheduled for either Saturdays or Sundays from mid-September through early November. Registration Night for the youth team is Tuesday, June 12th from 5:30 to 8:30 in the Dunn School cafeteria. Parents will need to bring their child’s birth certificate, health insurance information, and evidence of a physical exam within the last two years. A printable brochure and all necessary forms can also be downloaded from the Club’s website, www.gngfootball.org. The 2007 registration fee is $100. The Club will provide all equipment except cleats. The Patriot Grandstand Club is also sponsoring a football camp for incoming 5th and 6th graders this summer. The camp will be held from 1:30 to 3:00 pm on July 9th through July 13th at Gray – New Gloucester High School. The cost is $25, and each participant will receive a t shirt. Download Youth Football Brochure Here Congratulations to our GNG Patriots Football Players who also participate in outdoor track. Photos from the 1st meet below. Congratulations to the following 2007 High School Award Recipients: Western Maine Conference Citizenship Award - Sam Christy American Citizenship Award 9th Grade - Nate Parker American Citizenship Award 10th Grade - Scott Albert American Citizenship Award 11th Grade - Jon Preble State Math Team Member - Jon Preble Oakhurst Dairy H.S. Senior of the Week Congratulations to Joe Menard #52 who was chosen as Oakhurst Dairy's athlete of the week. Joe will be attending Husson College after graduation. Congratulations to our H.S. players on the 3rd Quarter Honor Roll Senior: Sam Christy Junior: Jon Preble - **High Honors** Sophomore: Scott Albert Sophomore: Jeremy Klar Sophomore:Cory Rucker Freshman: Nathan Parker Freshman: Nathan Rowe Congratulations to our M.S. players on the 3rd Quarter Honor Roll Robbie Sutherland 8th Grade **High Honors** Heath Martel 8th Grade Honors Aaron Boulos 7th Grade **High Honors** Alex Gaskell #99 7th Grade **High Honors** Patrick Haley 7th Grade **High Honors** Dalton Myers 7th Grade **High Honors** Colbey Bowen 7th Grade Honors Roman Latno 7th Grade Honors Parker Dunn 7th Grade Honors Average Austen Keenan 7th Grade Honors Average Jordan Rouillard 7th Grade Honors Average Randall Stephens 7th Grade Honors Average WHERE ARE THEY NOW ? updated April 2007 If you have news about previous GNG Patriots football players, email rgarcia@gngfootball.org 2005 team/2006 graduates: #63 Chris Bagley is attending the University of Maine Orono #47 Matt Brookes #87 Alex Drew is also attending the University of Maine Orono #50 Cory Googins attends the Maine Maritime Academy and is a member of the Men's Cross Country team. #58 Chad Kelsey attends Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY and plays Outside Linebacker for the Rensselaer Engineers #57 Wil Kramlich attends Westfield State College in Westfield, Massachusetts #30 Mike Thomas 2004 team/2005 graduates: #77 Josh Amergian #86 Air Force Airman Philip Scott Bolduc has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas #7 Mark Brookes #49 Jamie Hatheway #69 Gary Pulcifor 2003 team/2004 graduates: #53 Andrew Stout #97 Ben Christy plays Outside Linebacker and Defensive Tackle for the University of Maine's Tackle Football Club, part of the Northeast Independent Football League (NIFL), a "AA" Semi-Pro division league #23 Chris Porter #99 Darren Whitman #8 Jason Lavigne #46 Joey Drew #30 Lance Cpl. Stuart Dipaolo is stationed in Okinawa, Japan as an automotive organizational mechanic with 3rd Materiel Readiness Battalion #81 Seth Harrington #50 Mike Higgins Oakhurst H.S. Senior of the Week Congratulations to Peter DeJager #88 who was chosen as Oakhurst Dairy's athlete of the week. GNG Patriots Football Player selected as Lobster Bowl All-Star Gray-New Gloucester senior, Eric Doyle, will be one of 44 West players to play in the 2007 Shriner's Lobster Bowl. Doyle is the latest Patriot senior chosen to represent the GNG Football Program at the all-star football game. Last year, Chad Kelsey played in the offensive line for the West. Shriners from the Kora Temple Shrine will hold the 18th annual Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic on July 27, 2007 at Waterhouse Field in Biddeford at 7:30 P.M. More than 800,000 children have been helped by the Shriners Hospitals for Children, which is a network of 22 pediatric hospitals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico that provide specialized care for orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. All services are provided at no charge. The Lobster Bowl is the only Kora sponsored hospital fundraiser where 100% on net proceeds from the game goes to support Shriners Hospitals for Children. Over $313,000 has been raised during the past 17 games. To purchase general admission ($7) or reserved seating ($10) tickets, Click HERE Oakhurst H.S. Senior of the Week Congratulations to Sam Christy #10 who was chosen as Oakhurst Dairy's athlete of the week. Sam will be attending the University of Maine this fall. The Monument March 29, 2007: Patriot Grandstand Club annual meeting, April 10 The Patriot Grandstand Club, sponsor of Gray-New Gloucester Patriots Football, will be holding its annual meeting on Tuesday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Gray-New Gloucester 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 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 either be a parent of an active football player in good standing, or a parent of an athlete who will be new to the football program for the 2007 season. Anyone interested in Gray-New gloucester Patriots Football is invited to attend this annual meeting. The club is always looking for volunteers to plan and staff fund-raising events and to participate in a variety of other club activities. For more information, contact Anne Rowe, Treasurer at abrowe@maine.rr.com or 657-4056. From Jenny Sherwood, Secretary, Patriot Grandstand Club: I just wanted to let you all know that Anne (Rowe) did a phenomenal job of presenting our program to the Board of Education last night at a workshop. She put together an amazing power point presentation that explained the costs to run our program, the amount of fund-raising that we have done, comparison of price per player with other sports, how other schools fund their football programs and the amount of overall funding for sports at GNG in comparison to other schools. She also showed how much the general boosters have made for all sports at the snack shack during football games. As always, her attention to detail and thoroughness were demonstrated. She did a professional presentation and many board members commented and thanked her. Geoff (Robbins) was there to represent all sports, but also demonstrated full support for the football program answering any questions the board members had. The school board has very tough decisions to make as many departments have requests that they must prioritize and they are reviewing the total cost to run our school system, the amount of money they will receive from the state, and the amount of money they must ask the taxpayer for, but you should all know we were represented superbly! They will now consider through on going workshops what requests will move forward in the budget. I am sure Anne and Geoff will keep us all posted. What can you do? Appreciate any school board member, no matter what items move forward, they all have a good cause for some child in our community. Be sure and go out to cast your vote to pass the school budget. Due to personal reasons and effective immediately, Barney Stilphen has decided to resign as co-President and board member of the Patriot Grandstand Club. As you all know, Barney has been an extraordinary leader and supporter of our program. He has devoted countless hours to our organization and has been one of the pillars that keep our program up and running. From his famous fishing derby to bottle drives to cookouts to painting fields to going to court, Barney has done it all. I will sure miss seeing him around our club events and meetings. Please join me in wishing Barney well in his future and if you see him out and about, please be sure to thank him for being such a wonderful and caring neighbor and for helping start a truly outstanding program for our children. Will Garcia Patriot Grandstand Club helps out a player and his family As you may know, the rental home of one of our high school football players, Matt Tilly, was destroyed by fire last week. The family lost all of their belongings. The Red Cross only was able to provide them with $800 and three nights’ stay in a motel. The GNG Athletic Boosters and the Patriot Grandstand Club have both voted to give them a donation. If anyone is interested in supplementing the football donation, I’m more than willing to collect the funds and present them to the family. Also, this will allow your contribution to be tax deductible. If you want to make a donation to Matt and his family in this fashion, please make your check payable to The Patriot Grandstand Club and send it to P.O. Box 909 in Gray. I’ll prepare a card that lists the names of all contributors. Thanks for supporting our team members. Anne Rowe Congratulations to Freshman football player #49 Mike DeJager who was awarded the Coach's Award for GNG High School Winter Track by Coach Fancher. Keep up the great work Mike! Congratulations to Senior football player #89 Will Rowe who was this week's Oakhurst Dairy H.S. Senior Athlete of the week. Will reported that he'll be attending Maine Maritime Academy this fall and that his favorite subject is physics. Good luck Will! 2007 Ice Fishing Derby Photos Start Over GNG Football Patriots Fishing Derby Results by Anne Rowe The Gray-New Gloucester Patriots Football Program held their fourth annual ice fishing derby on Upper and Middle Range Ponds on Saturday, February 10th. The derby was also a Department of Inland Fisheries' Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs ³Learn To Fish² day. About 325 participants took part in the event. First prize in the Adult Division was awarded to Butch Davenport of Auburn for a 5 pound 7.5 ounce togue. Second prize was won by Todd Boothby of Steep Falls for a 5 pound, 4.5 ounce togue. Third place went to Eric Ray of New Gloucester for a 4 pound, 11.5 ounce brown trout. First prize in the Youth Division was awarded to three-year-old Griffin Buckwalter of New Gloucester for a 3 pound, 2 ounce smallmouth bass. Second prize was won by Alex Page from Bath for a 3 pound largemouth bass. Third place went to Matt Berube of Auburn for a 2 pound, 1.5 ounce smallmouth bass. Daniel Dunnells of Parsonfield won $227.50 in the Derby 50/50 raffle drawing. Mr. Dunnells also won $225 of car care products in a second Derby raffle. Derby participants took home 60 door prizes valued at over $1,500. The Gray-New Gloucester Patriots Football program would like to thank all our derby sponsors and participants for their continuing support. Major Sponsors: Knowles Industrial Services, Gorham The Telephone Guys, Buxton Pine Tree Networks, New Gloucester FET, Inc., Scarborough TD Banknorth, Portland Bluestone Rock Quarry, Cape Elizabeth The Boulos Company, Portland Mailings Unlimited, Portland Jeff Preble Concrete, Gray Bill Dodge Auto Group, Westbrook The Flying Lobster Restaurant, Poland Door Prize Sponsors: Tailgate Bar & Grill, Gray Manely Men Haircuts, Gray Skillins Greenhouses, Cumberland Touchstone Bodyworks, Gray The Village Kitchen, Poland Mario’s Pizza, New Gloucester Allen Farms, Cumberland Portland Sea Dogs, Portland Brian Pasanen Flies, Gray Peter DeJager Bulb Company, South Hamilton, Mass Dry Mills Store, Gray Portland Pirates, Portland Poland Store & Grill, Poland Whip’s Right Time Café, Portland Mooney’s Bait Shop, New Gloucester Dag’s Bait Shop, Auburn Stone’s Pet Supply Outlet, Lewiston Thank you to the moms who baked so many yummy goodies for the Bake Sale. High School 2nd Quarter Honor Roll - Congratulations to the following players for their academic achievements:   Seniors: Sam Christy Travis Horr Will Rowe   Juniors: Jon Preble   Sophomores: Scott Albert Casey Kramlich Ben Randall Tom Rich Cory Rucker   Freshman: Ryan Blenk Nate Parker Taylor Valente THE LURE OF ICE FISHING By JUSTIN ELLIS, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Thursday, February 15, 2007   February in Maine means consistently cold temperatures, thick ice and ice fishing. The month of February is a busy one for ice fishing on Maine's lakes and ponds, with derbies and tournaments scheduled around the state. There's no better example than the Sebago Lake area, where ice fishing shacks dot Lower Bay, Jordan Bay and Moose Pond. The annual free ice fishing days are this weekend throughout the state. On Saturday and Sunday anyone, with the exception of people with suspended licenses, can get out and fish. The Otisfield Volunteer Firefighter Association has a tournament scheduled this weekend on Pleasant Lake and Thompson Lake. On Sunday, the Denmark Lions Club is hosting its fishing derby on Moose Pond. On Feb. 23, the Sebago Lake Rotary Club Derbyfest is scheduled to take place on Sebago Lake. Tom Noonan, the organizer of Derbyfest, said the event typically draws between 4,000 and 5,000 people on Jordan Bay and throughout Sebago Lake. Noonan said the event has become a family activity since it started as a fundraiser in 2001. The derby will be accompanied by Maine Winterfest, which will take place at Point Sebago Resort in Casco. Though they have added new events each year, Noonan said the biggest draw continues to be fishing. "It has always been a family pastime," he said. On Feb. 10, more than 300 people took part in the Gray-New Gloucester Patriots Football Program's annual ice fishing derby on Upper and Middle Range ponds. Barney Stilphen, an organizer of the derby, said this year's derby included an educational event for kids called "Hooked on Fishing -- Not on Drugs." The program, created by the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, is designed to get kids interested in fishing at an early age, Stilphen said. Stilphen said it's also a way for families to spend time with each other. "It gives them an opportunity to go fishing and gets them out of the house," he said. Jason Luce of the Maine Warden Service said the most important thing for people to remember is to check ice conditions before they go out. Ice must be at least 2 inches thick for one person on foot and up to 15 inches for a heavy truck, he said. Luce said recent cold weather is firming up ice, but people should always use caution and make sure someone else knows where they are going. "Most people take the extra time to check up before they go out," he said. "Most pay attention to everything and are going out to have a good time." HS Football Players in Winter Sports Excellent job staying in shape for the upcoming football season! January Winter Track Results: Jan 5, 2007 GNG vs York, Freeport, Traip Academy, North Yarmouth Academy, Wells & Sacopee Valley Sr. Shot Put - 1st Will Rowe, 6th Chase Hill Jr. Shot Put - 2nd Travis Horr Jr. High Jump - 5th Mike DeJager Jr. 800 Relay - 1st Mike DeJager & Zeth Horr Jr. 55 Hurdles - 3rd Nate Rowe Pole Vault - 2nd Mike DeJager Jan 12, 2007 GNG vs Wells, North Yarmouth Academy, Traip Academy, Freeport, York & Cape Elizabeth Pole Vault - 5th Mike DeJager Sr. Shot Put - 4th Will Rowe Jr. Shot Put - 2nd Zeth Horr Jr. 800 Relay - 4th Mike DeJager & Zeth Horr Jr. 55 Hurdles - 3rd Nate Rowe, 6th Scott Albert Jan 19, 2007 GNG vs Traip Academy, Freeport, Falmouth & Wells Pole Vault 2nd - Mike DeJager Sr. Shot Put - 1st Will Rowe Jr. Shot Put - 2nd Zeth Horr 5th Joey Cleaves Jr. 800 Relay - 2nd Mike DeJager & Zeth Horr Jr. 55 Hurdles - 1st Nate Rowe, 4th Scott Albert Basketball: Taylor Valente, Nate Parker & Nick Audet; Nick is averaging 4.5 points per game. Congratulations everyone on your hard work! 2006 SEASON 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. The seniors take their last lap around the field and will play their last High School Varsity football game tonight. WHERE ARE THEY NOW ? updated April 2007 If you have news about previous GNG Patriots football players, email rgarcia@gngfootball.org 2005 team/2006 graduates: #63 Chris Bagley is attending the University of Maine Orono #47 Matt Brookes #87 Alex Drew is also attending the University of Maine Orono #50 Cory Googins attends the Maine Maritime Academy and is a member of the Men's Cross Country team. #58 Chad Kelsey attends Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY and plays Outside Linebacker for the Rensselaer Engineers #57 Wil Kramlich attends Westfield State College in Westfield, Massachusetts #30 Mike Thomas 2004 team/2005 graduates: #77 Josh Amergian #86 Air Force Airman Philip Scott Bolduc has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas #7 Mark Brookes #49 Jamie Hatheway #69 Gary Pulcifor 2003 team/2004 graduates: #53 Andrew Stout #97 Ben Christy plays Outside Linebacker and Defensive Tackle for the University of Maine's Tackle Football Club, part of the Northeast Independent Football League (NIFL), a "AA" Semi-Pro division league #23 Chris Porter #99 Darren Whitman #8 Jason Lavigne #46 Joey Drew #30 Lance Cpl. Stuart Dipaolo is stationed in Okinawa, Japan as an automotive organizational mechanic with 3rd Materiel Readiness Battalion #81 Seth Harrington #50 Mike Higgins Congratulations to the following players for their academic achievements Nov. 2006 Seniors: High Honors Will Rowe Honors Sam Christy   Juniors: Honors Jon Preble   Sophomores: Honors Scott Albert Honors Jeremy Klar Honors Casey Kramlich Honors Tom Rich Honors Cory Rucker Honors Lenny Sherwood   Freshman: Honors Ryan Blenk Honors Eric Fotter Honors Nate Parker Honors Taylor Valente After regular football season, the players and a few brave fathers played flag football on Sunday mornings at the H.S. field. More Flag Football Photos Congratulations to the following players for 2006 awards: JV Coaches Award - Ryan Blenk JV Most Improved Award - Scott Albert Varsity Coaches Award - Taylor Valente Varsity Most Improved Award - Brent Sawyer Varsity Offense Player of the Year Award - Shane Beal Varsity Defgense Player of the Year Award - Eric Doyle Congratulations to you all!! 11/22/2006 The Monument - By Carl Pepin Beal 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 2006 SENIORS ! Congratulations to Oakhurst High School Senior of the week, #67 Travis Horr Travis plans to go on to college after the Marines. On June 26, 2007 he will go into basic training. 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 The Patriot Grandstand Club would like to take a moment to show our appreciation 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 – Mr. and Mrs. Rowe have supported the club with significant financial donations. Anne Rowe has served as a board member since 2004. She was also a member of the board during the start up of our program. Her financial background helped us to project and plan for the increased costs as we moved into our first varsity year. Her vision of football at GNG continues to inspire all of us as we work hard to improve the program every year. Her photography in the local papers and on our website is expert quality. Anne is available to parents and coaches on a daily basis and serves as a tremendous stabilizing member of our club. Will and Nate have been a tremendous help at every fundraising event. Will is also a team captain, but keeps us all warm annually at the fishing derby by keeping fresh coffee brewed. Danny Rowe can be seen everywhere from inside the bottle barn box reaching those last bottles to selling you a 50/50 ticket tonight. Regina and Will Garcia and Peter and Mike DeJager – Almost every parent, at one time, asks “Who does your website?” The answer is Regina Garcia. Regina has spent countless hours creating and updating our wonderful website at www.gngfootball.org. She is also the graphics department as well as the team seamstress. Will Garcia has served as the club’s co-president during our first two years as a varsity program. Most of his relentless work is done behind the scenes painting fields on the weekends or evenings, shopping for groceries for fundraising events, and in the bleachers videotaping. Regina and Will have made significant financial contributions to the program that have been matched by their employer, Verizon through The Verizon Foundation. Pete and Mike DeJager have also been a tremendous help at fundraising events and their dad, Peter DeJager has helped sponsor the program and fishing derby annually. We can’t forget Maddy, Sydney, and Ashley, the triplets who have entertained us all on a regular basis. 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 #30 running back Taylor Valente pushes through the Mountain Valley defense. 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. We would like to thank the following parents, players and siblings 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. Scott Albert Julie, Elizabeth, and Nick Audet Mary and Ryan Blenk Kelley and Colby Bowen Linda and Lucas Chase Barbara Christy Joey Cleaves John and Ryan Cogswell Pete and Mike DeJager Derrick Down Karen and Eric Fotter Regina and Will Garcia Coach Hank Girardin Steve, Cathy, and Ben Grannell         Lisa and Roman Latno Heath Martell Trevor McCutcheon Joe Menard Jeff and Jon Preble Jordan Rouillard Corey Rucker Brent Sawyer Jenny and Lenny Sherwood Tyler and Marianne Snow Barney and James Stilphen Anne, Nate, Will and Danny Rowe Maureen Tibbetts David Whitney Thank you to the following sponsors for sponsoring GNG football players: Sponsors for Dalton Myers: Robert S. Morris, Auburn Claire & Ron Morris, Auburn Carolyn & Donald Myers Sr., Cumberland Beverly Morris, Auburn Olga & Gerald Myers, Gray Sponsors for Mitchell and Randall Stephens: Katherine Stephens, Raymond Holly & Mike Stephens, Gray David & Sheryl Wilbur, Gray Sponsors for Cody Snyder: MSEA-SEIU members Sponsors for Heath Martell: Mary Conroy, Portland Bruce Martell, Saco Judy Azevedo, Milford, MA Sponsors for Nate Fogg: Tri Tank Welding & Fabrication, Westbrook Ken Fogg, Raymond Katrina & Randel Hale, Standish Suzanne O'donnell & Jeff Verrill, Saco Sponsors for Chris Mitaly Dale & Ann Johnson, Belchertown, MA LouDonna Johnson, Keene, NH 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 THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS OF OUR 4TH ANNUAL PATRIOT GRANDSTAND CLUB FALL CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT: BILL DODGE AUTO GROUP GEORGE "DO DO" BROCKMAN'S FREEPORT BOAT OUTLET JEFF PREBLE CONCRETE KNOWLES INDUSTRIAL SERVICES GROUP MAILINGS UNLIMITED UPSTAIRS COMPUTERS 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! Thank you players & siblings: Scott Albert, Nick Audet, Mike & Pete DeJager, Nate Fogg, Jeremy Klar, Nate, Will & Danny Rowe, Cody Snyder, Lenny Sherwood, James Stilphen, Tyler Snow, Eric Fotter Thank you parents: Julie Audet, Karen Fotter, Will & Regina Garcia, Shannon Klar, Anne Rowe, Jenny Sherwood, Barney Stilphen, Marianne Snow, Stephen Fogg. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CLASS OF 2006 GNG PATRIOTS FOOTBALL PLAYERS: * Graduated with Honors ** Graduated with High Honors & in the Top 10% of the Class of 2006 Left to Right: Will Kramlich** (#57), Chad Kelsey** (#58), Chris Bagley* (#63), Alex Drew* (#87), Cory Googins** (#50), Mike Thomas*(#30) and Matt Brookes (#47). We wish you every success! 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: Stephen and Cathy Grannell Shannon Klar Mary and Eliza Blenk Mark Lambert Karen Fotter Peter Hill Susan Parker Julie and Elizabeth Audet Tammy McGrath Barney Stilphen Anne and Danny Rowe Will and Regina Garcia Barbara Christy Jenny Sherwood Alma Cleaves 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 HIGH HONORS: CHASE HILL   HIGH SCHOOL HONORS: CHAD KELSEY WILL KRAMLICH  WILL ROWE CHRIS BAGLEY CORY GOOGINS SAM CHRISTY JEREMY KLAR   MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS: ERIC CLANCY WILL DANIELI HEATH MARTEL BRENT MAURICE TAYLOR VALENTE 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: Matt Brookes & Father, Alex Drew & Father John, Alex Receiving Award From Coach Fancher Corey Googins & Father Ted, Chad Kelsey & Track Coach Lowell Fancher, Wil Kramlich & Parents Dave And Debra 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 Greg Massey of poland won 1st prize with a 9 pound, 1 ounce togue. Steve Lothrop of Portland won 2nd prize with a 7 pound, 14.5 ounce togue. Greg St.Hilare of Turner had a 3 pound, 14 ounce small mouth bass and dustin hayward of North Yarmouth had a 3 pound 6.5 ounce large mouth bass. The youth division winners were Jonathan Emerson of Durham with a 2 pound, 10 ounce large mouth bass, and Kiley Mains of Durham with a 1 pound, 13.4 ounce large mouth bass. Congratulations to everyone! 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: Lisa Mallia, Patriot Grandstand Club, WalMart of Windham Door Prizes: Portland Sea Dogs, Portland Pirates, Peter DeJager Bulb Company (S. Hamilton, MA), FET, Inc., Bill Dodge, Manely Men Haircuts (Gray), Skillin's Greenhouses, Whip's Right Time Cafe (Portland), Mario's (New Gloucester), Gray House of Pizza, Allen's Farm Store (Cumberland), Supreme Pizza (Portland), Brian Pasenan (Gray), Jess 'n Nics (Gray), Dry Mills Store (Gray), Village Kitchen (Poland), True Value Hardware (Gray) Volunteers/Help: Barney Stilphen (Ice Fishing Derby Organizer & Learn to Fish Instructor), Emily Jones, Maine Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs Coordinator, Larry Caruso, Mooney's Bait Shop, Dag's Bait Shop, Allen's Farm Store, The Flying Lobster, Scott Bartlett (FET vice president), Anne Rowe, Will Garcia & Jenny Sherwood Concessions: Carol Perk, JPD Distributors, Gray Marketplace, Regina Garcia 2005 SEASON Thank you GNG Football Cheerleaders for your hard work in 2005! Dec. 1, 2005, The Monument Newspaper At Work: In the quiet and peaceful setting of Gray's Touchstone Bodyworks Kelly Packevics enjoys a facial from Tammy McGrath, LMT. Tammy McGrath is a trustee and one of the founding members of the Patriot Grandstand Club, the non-profit charitable organization that brought football to Gray - New Gloucerster middle and High schools in 2003. The club continues to sponsor the football program, now entering it's 4th season. Nov 10, 2005 The Monument News Patriots Football season ends Above, MS v. Yarmouth- #40 Brent Maurice just gets off the punt. All three Patriot football teams wound up the season on a high note. On Saturday, October 29, the Varsity Patriots took on the Poland Varsity Knights in Poland. The Patriots were missing several key players due to injury, including their starting quarterback Sam Christy, but GNG and Poland seemed evenly matched and the score was close up until the last few minutes of the game. The final score was Poland 13, Patriots 0. Although the Varsity team didn't win any games this season, their young players gained valuable experience and look forward to using their improved skills in the 2006 season. On Monday, October 31, the Junior Varsity Patriots played Poland's Junior Varsity Knights. The Patriots dominated the game, and won with a final score of 16 to 0. The Junior Varsity team ended the season with a record of 2 wins, 5 losses, and 1 tie. The Middle School Patriots won their last two games of the season, ending with a record of 5 wins and 2 losses. On October 27, the Middle School Patriots beat the Old Orchard Beach Seagulls by a score of 20 to 12. The GNG touchdowns were scored by Nate Rowe (2) and Taylor Valente. On November 3, the Middle School Patriots beat the Yarmouth Clippers by a score of 14 to 6. Both GNG touchdowns were scored by Fred Reed. Above, GNG Varsity v. Poland- #86 Quarterback Lincoln Kimball passes the ball while #56 Eric Doyle blocks. Above, The Middle School team celebrates after the win over OOB. Above, GNG Varsity v. Poland- Head Coach Hank Girardin talks to the offense GNG Patriots Football Roundup Oct. 27, 2005 The Monument News The GNG Middle School Patriots took on the Falmouth Middle School Yachtsmen on Thursday, October 20th at our home field. The Patriots scored three touchdowns, one by Taylor Valente and two by Trevor McCutcheon. The final score was Falmouth 32, GNG 22. On Friday, October 21st, the GNG Varsity Patriots played the Fryeburg Varsity Raiders. Before the game, the GNG Athletics Booster Club presented sweatshirts to each of the team's seniors. Also, the GNG Patriot Grandstand Club and the GNG Athletics Department presented the Fryeburg football team with a donation to help replace the football equipment that Fryeburg Academy lost in a recent fire. The final game score was Fryeburg 36, GNG 0. On Monday, October 24th, the GNG Junior Varsity Patriots took on the Fryeburg Junior Varsity Raiders in Fryeburg. The final score was Fryeburg 14, GNG 0. Pictures: The GNG Cheerleaders perform at half-time. Seniors - The GNG Patriots seniors received their senior sweatshirts from the GNG Athletics Boosters Club. From left to right are #30 Mike Thomas with parents Wanda and Jeff Thomas of Gray; #53 Chris Bagley with parents Mike and Ann Bagley of New Gloucester; #87 Alex Drew with mother Debra Drew of Gray; #47 Matt Brookes and father of New Gloucester; #50 Cory Googins with parents Ted and Mary Googins of Gray; #57 Wil Kramlich with parents Dave and Debra Kramlich of Raymond; and #58 Chad Kelsey with parents Brian and Kathryn Kelsey of Gray. #81 Josh Dumaine punts the ball. Photos by Anne Rowe Patriots Seniors The seven GNG Patriots seniors took their last lap around the home football field on Friday, October 28th. Their last varsity game was played on Saturday against the Poland Knights. Above: The GNG Booster Club presented the seniors with sweatshirts at the last home game against the Fryeburg Raiders. Oct. 21, 2005, The Gray News Hunter's breakfast served The Patriot Grandstand Club will serve a hunter's breakfast on Saturday, October 29, from (yawn) 4:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the American Legion Hall, Route 100, Gray. You can stoke up on eggs, sausage, bacon, homefries, pancakes and lots and lots of good hot coffee. And the cost? A mere $5 for adults and $3 for children. You don't even have to be a hunter to get in on this bargain! Oct. 21, 2005, The Gray News Last home football game tonight The Gray-New Gloucester High School Patriots football team will close out its first varsity season at home this Friday, October 21, at 7:00 P.M. The young squad takes on Fryeburg Academy, looking for its first victory. Next week the Patriots play the final game of the year at Poland at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 29. Oct. 20, 2005, The Monument Newspaper Patriots Football Above, The GNG JV defense wraps up the Cape runner. Photo by Anne Rowe Rain dampens Patriots All three Gray- New Gloucester Patriots football teams faced the Cape Elizabeth Capers last week. On Thursday, October 13th, the GNG Middle School Patriots fought a hard battle against the Middle School Capers in Cape Elizabeth. Each team scored two touchdowns, but Cape made one two-point conversion to take the lead. GNG barely missed a field goal at the end of the game. The final score was Cape 14, GNG 12. The GNG touchdowns were scored by Nate Rowe and Mike DeJager. On Saturday, October 15th, the GNG Varsity Patriots and the Cape Varisty Capers sloshed through a game in torrential rains. The final score was Cape 40, GNG 6. GNG's touchdown was scored by Matt Brookes. On Monday, October 17th, the GNG Junior Varisty Patriots tooks on the Cape Junior Varsity Capers. The final score was Cape 17, GNG 6. GNG's touchdown was scored on an interception by Casey Kramlich. Above, Varsity #35 Nick Audet carries the ball Photo by Anne Rowe Oct. 13, 2005, The Monument Newspaper Touchdown! Photo by Will Rowe Above, #49 Mike DeJager runs for a touchdown. The GNG Middle School Patriots played their third game of the season on Thursday, October 6. They beat the Cumberland Colts 38 - 0. Trevor McCutcheon scored three touchdowns, while Fred Reid, Taylor Valente, and Mike DeJager each scored one. The Middle School Patriots now have a winning streak of nine games going back to the second game of the 2004 season. On Friday night the GNG Varsity Patriots played a home game against the Wells Warriors. The final score was Wells 37, GNG 0. On Monday, the GNG Junior Varsity Patriots played the Old Orchard Beach Seagulls. The final score was Old Orchard Beach 20, GNG 6. Below - GNG defense recovers a Wells fumble. Photo by Anne Rowe Oct 6, 2005 The Monument News GNG Patriots Football The Varsity and Junior Varsity Patriot teams faced Falmouth over the week-end. On Friday night, the Varsity Patriots lost to the Yachtsmen 20 to 7. In that game, the Patriot touchdown was scored on an interception by Travis Horr. On Monday, the Junior Varsity Patriots beat the Yachtsmen 14 to 0. The two touchdowns were scored by Josh Dumaine and Kris Foster. The pictures are: Varsity 2 - #22 Josh Shobert runs with the ball JV 3 - #24 Quarterback Casey Kramlich hands off to #7 Joe Billings. Sep 22, 2005 The Monument News GNG 2005 Homecoming Friday night" Football game vs. Lake Region, 7 pm Bonfire immediately after the football game. Snacks and activities! Sep 15, 2005 The Monument News GNG Patriots Football roundup The GNG Patriots Football Varsity and the Junior Varsity teams played the York Wildcats this past week. On Friday night, the Varsity Patriots played in York. The final score was York 28, GNG 0. On Monday afternoon, the Junior Varisty Patriots played York's JV team here in Gray. The final score was a tie, GNG 28, York 28. The GNG Varsity defense lines up against York's offense. Junior Varsity #35 Nick Audet carries the ball. Sep. 9, 2005, Gray News Nick Audet made an 18-yard run to put Gray-New Gloucester on the scoreboard at the Patriot's season-opening game last Friday. Playing in their first-ever varsity game after two seasons of club ball, the Patriots lost 54-8 to visiting Greely in a game under the lights at GNG High School. The Patriots relied on many second-string players, with several key players sidelined due to academic ineligibility. Governor John Baldacci made the official coin toss to start the game. The varsity squad travels to York for a 7 P.M. game today, with the JV Patriots hosting York at 4 P.M. on Monday. Middle school football begins Sept. 15 in a home game at 4 P.M. against Fryeburg. New Patriots football Head Coach Hank Girardin talks to players at halftime. (Photo staff) Sep 2, 2005, Gray News The Gray-New Gloucester High School football Patriots are scheduled to open their first season in varsity play tonight with a 7 P.M.home game against Greely. Governor John Baldacci is scheduled to perform the coin toss as the school and community celebrate this milestone. The Patriots shutout Freeport, 30-0, in an exhibition game last week. After two years playing a junior varsity schedule, the Patriots join the Western Maine Class B Campbell Conference. The Patriot Grandstand Club, sponsor of the GNG football program, is expecting a large fan turnout for this important game. The High School team has a strong squad this year, with many stand-out players returning from last season. Seven seniors, ten juniors, five sophomores, and 14 freshmen are playing on the squad. The team will be led by a new head coach this year, Hank Girardin, of Gray. Girardin played football at the University of Connecticut and has 11 years' coaching experience in Winslow and Lewiston. He teaches history in the Lewiston school system. Returning as an assistant coach is John Reidy, who played football at Assumption College and currently plays for the Central Maine Shockers, a semi-pro football team based in Lewiston. Reidy is a social worker at GNG High School. Mike Fullerton joins the Patriots as an assistant coach this year. He played football for the University of Maine and previously coached at Windham. He is a health teacher at GNG Middle School. The Middle School Patriots enter 2005 coming off an execellent 6-1 season. The roster is full again this year, with 17 eighth graders and 15 seventh graders. The Middle School Patriots will be led by head coach Scott Flagg, who was the squad's assistant coach last year. Flagg lives in Gray and works at the Collaborative School in New Gloucester. Seth Thompson joins the Patriots as assistant coach this year. He also works at the Collaborative School and played football at Bates College. The varsity Patriots will play an eight-game schedule this year, with Friday night home games Sept 2 vs. Greely, Sept. 23 vs. Lake Region, Oct. 7 vs. Wells, and Oct. 21 vs. Fryeburg. The junior varsity Patriots will play a nine-game schedule, with home games played Monday afternoons at 4 P.M. The middle school Patriots will play a seven-game schedule, with home games Thursday afternoons at 4 P.M.. Sep. 1, 2005 The Monument News Patriot Football Home opener this Friday, Governor Baldacci to throw coin The GNG Football Patriots will open their season, their first as a varsity program, this Friday, September 2nd, with a 7 p.m. home game against Greely. After two years playing a junior varsity schedule, the Patriots will play in the Western Maine Class B Campbell Conference this season. Governor John Baldacci is scheduled to perform the coin toss as we celebrate this milestone for our schools and our communities. The Patriot Grandstand Club, sponsor of the GNG football program, is expecting a large fan turnout for this important game. The High School team has a strong squad this year, with many stand-out players returning from last season. The team is comprised of 7 seniors, 10 juniors, 5 sophomores, and 14 freshmen. The GNG high school team will be led by a new head coach this year, Hank Girardin, of Gray. Girardin played football at the University of Connecticut and has 11 years' coaching experience in Winslow and Lewiston. Girardin teaches history in the Lewiston school system. Returning as an assistant coach is John Reidy, who played football at Assumption College and currently plays for the Central Maine Shockers, a semi-pro football team based in Lewiston. Reidy is a social worker at GNG High School. Mike Fullerton joins the Patriots as an assistant coach this year. Fullerton played football for the University of Maine and previously coached at Windham. Fullerton is a health teacher at GNG Middle School. The Middle School Patriots enter 2005 coming off an excellent 6 win, 1 loss 2004 season. The roster is full again this year, with 17 eighth graders and 15 seventh graders. The Middle School team will be led by head coach Scott Flagg, who was the squad's assistant coach last year. Flagg lives in Gray and works at the Collaborative School in New Gloucester. Seth Thompson joins the Patriots as assistant coach this year. Thompson also works at the Collaborative School and played football at Bates College. The varsity Patriots will play an eight-game schedule this year, with four home Friday night games on September 2nd vs. Greely, September 23rd vs. Lake Region, October 7th vs. Wells, and October 21st vs. Fryeburg. The junior varsity Patriots will play a nine-game schedule, with home games being played on Monday afternoons at 4:00. The Middle School Patriots will play a seven-game schedule, with home games being played on Thursday afternoons at 4 p.m. The Patriot Grandstand Club and GNG Athletics hope that the Gray and New Gloucester communities will support our teams and attend their games. July 14, 2005, New Gloucester News Ink Cartridge/Cell Phone Fundraiser - Staff Does your company use an inkjet or laser printer? Do you at home? Do you have a cell phone or two lying around that you've been meaning to get rid of and just haven't gotten to it? The Gray-New Gloucester Football Program has begun its Ink Cartridge (inkjet or laser)/Cell Phone Recycling Fundraiser, and we would love to collect yours! Please see our web site at GNGFootball.org or call or e-mail Tammy (831-4182 or GNGFootball@aol.com) for a list of eligible cartridges and cell phones, or to arrange pickup. Contours Express in Gray Plaza has also kindly allowed us to place a drop-box at their facility, should you be in the area and wish to drop yours off. This is an easy, environmentally responsible way to help local kids stay involved in a worthwhile program, so please call today! July 14, 2005, The Gray News Ink Cartridge/Cell Phone Fundraiser - Staff Does your company use an inkjet or laser printer? Do you at home? Do you have a cell phone or two lying around that you've been meaning to get rid of and just haven't gotten to it? The Gray-New Gloucester Football Program has begun its Ink Cartridge (inkjet or laser)/Cell Phone Recycling Fundraiser, and we would love to collect yours! Please see our web site at GNGFootball.org or call or e-mail Tammy (831-4182 or GNGFootball@aol.com) for a list of eligible cartridges and cell phones, or to arrange pickup. Contours Express in Gray Plaza has also kindly allowed us to place a drop-box at their facility, should you be in the area and wish to drop yours off. This is an easy, environmentally responsible way to help local kids stay involved in a worthwhile program, so please call today! July 1, 2005, The Gray News Grandstand Club kicks off fundraising - Staff The Patriot Grandstand Club, which brought football to Gray-New Gloucester High and Middle Schools, is seeking financial support for another year. The Club raises funds from player registrations, game admission fees, Patriot merchandise, and corporate, private and public fundraising. New facilities, including bleachers and a public address system, are needed, and the Club would like to start planning a youth football program as well as a peewee league. To do that, your help is needed. The Club is seeking gifts of cash, corporate sponsorships and donations of merchandise and gift certificates for future events. All donations, large or small, support the program 100%, and are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law; the Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For information, ask any member of the Patriot Grandstand Club, or write P.O. Box 909, Gray, Maine 04039 May 21, 2005 The Monument News Ink Cartridge/Cell Phone Recycling Fundraiser Do you have used ink cartridges or cell phones that you're planning on throwing away? The Gray-New Gloucester Patriot Football Program has begun its Ink Cartridge (inkjet or laser) / Cell Phone Recycling Fundraiser and we would love to collect yours! Please see our web site at GNGFootball.org or call or email Tammy (831-4182 or GNGFootball@aol.com) for a list of eligible cartridges and cell phones, or to arrange pick-up. Contours Express, located in Gray Plaza, and the New Gloucester News, located downstairs at the New Gloucester Library, have also kindly allowed us to place a drop-box at their facilities should you be in the area and wish to drop yours off. This is an easy, environmentally responsible way to help local kids by supporting a worthwhile program, so please call today! Portland Press Herald May 19, 2005 Community Profile: Arthur "Buddy" Stilphen, Co-President, Patriot Grandstand Club Photo by Anne Rowe BARNEY STILPHEN Q: What is your background A: I grew up in Portland, specifically the Nason's Corner area, and I went to Deering High School. I got married and moved to the Gray-New Gloucester area in 1987. We have a daughter, 25, and two sons, 17 and 12. I am a supervisor for the specialty contractor, Knowles Industrial Services Corp., and have worked for them since 1987. Knowles restores buildings and dams all over New England. Q: What is the Patriot Grandstand Club and how did it get started? A:The Patriot Grandstand Club is a charitable corporation organized in April 2003 to bring youth football to Gray-New Gloucester High School and Middle School. The club's goal is to enable young athletes to enjoy the game of football while promoting good sportsmanship, teamwork, physical fitness, strong academic achievement and self-confidence. Q: Did any particular situation or event lead you to undertake this role? A:I have a great passion for football. I absolutely love the game and have been a huge fan since grade school. Football was a "big deal" in my neighborhood, and there were always kids around to get a game going. We played every chance we could, mostly at the old Chapman School field, where Breakwater School is now located, and a lot of kids and parents went to the area football games on Saturdays. Of course, I watch all the college and professional games on TV. My two sons also lve football. Needless to say, I was willing to help in any way I could to get a football program up and running in Gray-New Gloucester. Q:In general, what does your position involve? A: This season I am co-president of the Patriot Grandstand Club. Our other co-president is Will Garcia of New Gloucester. We run the club's board meetings, meet with vendors regarding football equipment, organize and participate in fund-raising events and game day activities. We stay in contact with other board members, the school's athletic director, and our football parents and players. This past football season, i helped line the fields prior to each game, and then helped set up the field and run the chains on game day. This past February, I organized the club's annual ice-fishing derby, which was our most successful fund-raising event of the year. Q:What are the challenges? A:The major challenge for the Patriot Grandstand Club is the need to continually raise funds for the program. GNG football is affiliated with, but not funded by, the Gray-New Glocuester School District. The cost to run our program is over $20,000 per year, and only part of this is recouped by registration fees.Each year we have to pay for a head coach and assistant coaches, referees, sheriffs, clock keepers, bus travel to away games, uniforms, equipment and equipment reconditioning. The club is dedicated to keeping registration fees as low as possible so that any student interested in playing football will have the opportunity. Another major challenge is to get parents involved in the club's activities. Today, many families have two working parents, and it's difficult for them to make time in their busy schedules to dedicate to our football program. Q:Any fun or unusual aspects to your work? A:I really enjoy interacting with parents and, of course, our terrific football players. I also enjoy organizing fundraising events. Q:What are the negatives? A:Participating in the Patriot Grandstand Club, especially as an officer, is very time-consuming. We are busiest during football season, specifically August through November, but the board meets all year long, and we hold some type of our fundraising event almost every month. Sometimes the demands of the club conflict with my work schedule, and I can't devote as much time to the program as I would like. Another difficulty is getting people and businesses to believe that you are representing a charitable organization and not trying to scam them. Q:How does GNG Football impact the community? A:The introduction of football to the Gray-New Gloucester communities has been phenominal. A big impact is the games! There is unbelievable enthusiasm at our home games, and we generally have a terrific turnout of people-young and old. people in Gray and new Gloucester grew up together, and I hear a lot of comments like, "I wish they had football when I went to school." Feeling the enthusiasm from the players and the community makes me proud of all we have accomplished. On the otherhand, I have to admit that our football program has put one more financial burden on area businesses, which are deluged with requests for donationd from so many charitabke endeavors, such as Project Graduation, sports teams, scouting, etc. Some businesses have been donating to the same sport team for so long that it's difficult for us to get our foot in the door. Q:What about the players? How do they participate? A:The players can only participate in the club's activities during certain times of the year according to the Maine Principal Association's rules. They are limited to helping out during football season and in the summer. Last summer the players participated in a car wash, and during football season they sold raffle ticketsfor the club's "12 Days of Christmas" raffle, where we gave away $500.00 per day for the first 12 days of December. Q:What are soem of the past and future events planned as fund-raising efforts? A:In the past year, the club has sponsored a spaghetti supper, a yard sale/car wash, a golf tournament, a New England Patriots ticket raffle, a "12 Days of Christmas" raffle and an ice fishing derby. We have also sold refreshments at teo Gray Parks & Recreation Department events. Our fund-raisers for the next year are being planned right now and will certainly include our annual golf and ice fishing derbies. The club has a fantastic web site: www.gngfootball.org, which includes a calendar that will list upcoming fund-raisers as soon as details are finalized. Q:What might be the next step for the teams? A:The 2005 season will be our first year playing varsity football in the Western Maine Class-B Campbell Conference. For the first time, we will field both varsity and junior varsity football teams. Q:Do you have any advice for someone considering this type of volunteer work? A:Any type of volunteer work requires getting out and making yourself known in the community. You should visit as many businesses as possible, and don't be shy about asking for donations. Get as many people involved as possible. And don't get frustrated. You'll know it's all worthwhile when you team runs onto the football field on opening day. Q:What else would be interesting to know about you? A:I just completed the instructor course for "Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs." Basically, it promotes family togetherness through fishing. I also like to collect rocks. My wife, as well as all three of our children, like rocks. I don't know why, we just like them. If it's interesting looking to us, we bring it home. May 3, 2005 Freshman Orientation was Tuesday, May 3rd. Bernie Audet and Will Garcia of The Patriot Grandstand Club, boosters for the GNG Patriots Football Program, at the football display table at freshman orientation night at the High School. Jenny Sherwood (L), of the Patriot Grandstand Club at freshman orientation night. Photos by Anne Rowe Our football players had another great track meet on 5/5 vs. Old Orchard Beach and Fryeburg. In the triple jump, Scott Bolduc came in first. In the shot put, Chad Kelsey came in first and Scott Bolduc came in fourth. In the discus, Chad Kelsey came in second and Scott Bolduc came in fourth. In the javelin, Sam Christy came in second and Will Rowe came in third. In the high jump, Alex Drew came in third. May 2, 2005 The GNG boys spring outdoor track team placed first in their meet with North Yarmouth Academy, Lake Region, and Greely last Friday, April 29th. Several GNG football players had outstanding performances. In the javelin, Corey Googins came in second, Will Rowe came in fourth, and Sam Christy came in fifth. In the triple jump, Scott Bolduc came in third. In the 100 yard dash, Mark Brookes came in second. In the long jump, Mark Brookes came in second. In the discus, Chad Kelsey came in second and Scott Bolduc came in fourth. In the shot put, Chad Kelsey came in first and Scott Bolduc came in third. Will Rowe throws shot put Chad Kelsey gets ready to throw shot put Chase Hill warms up for the javelin throw Sam Christy & Chase Hill warm up for the javelin throw Peter Hazlett practices baseball Chad Kelsey and Will Rowe wait to throw the discus Scott Bolduc watches Will Rowe throw the discus Will Rowe gets ready to throw the javelin while Travis Horr films and Mark Brookes looks on Chase Hill warms up on javelin Will Rowe throws the javeline Mark Brookes takes the baton in the 4 X 100 relay Travis Horr wraps up filming for Video Tech class Photos by Anne Rowe Several GNG Patriots football players also play baseball Zack Parker practices baseball Josh Dumaine practices baseball Photos by Anne Rowe Mar. 25, 2005, The Gray News Second-grader Jacob Austin demonstrates his "Baking soda and vinegar experiment" to evaluator Chad Kelsey at the Russell School science fair last Saturday. Kelsey was one of ten students from Gray-New Gloucester High School who helped evaluate this year's (Photo Nathan Tsukroff, 2005-03-25) Jan. 20, 2005 The Monument News 2nd Annual Ice Fishing Derby: GNG Patriot Football is holding its 2nd Annual Ice Fishing Derby on February 5th, 2005 on Middle and Upper Range Ponds in Poland. Tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under, with a family maximum of $15. Tickets are available at Dag's Bait Shop in Auburn, Mooney's Bait Shop in New Gloucester, and Allen's Country Store in Cumberland. On the day of the derby, tickets will be available at the Flying Lobster on Middle Range Pond and at the boat ramp on Upper Range Pond. For more information, call Barney Stilphen at 657-5400. Proceeds will benefit the Gray-New Gloucester High School and Middle School football programs. Jan 13, 2005 The Monument News 2nd Annual Ice Fishing Derby: GNG Patriot Football is holding its 2nd Annual Ice Fishing Derby on February 5th, 2005 on Middle and Upper Range Ponds in Poland. Fishing starts 1/2 hour before sunrise and ends at 4 pm. The weigh-in station is located at the Flying Lobster Restaurant on Route 26 at the end of Middle Range Pond. 1st prize is an LL Bean 3-person Ice Shelter, 2nd prize is $150, and 3rd prize is $100. For children 12 and under, 1st prize is $50. There will door prizes drawn throughout the day. Tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under, with a family maximum of $15. Tickets are available at Dag's Bait Shop in Auburn, Mooney's Bait Shop in New Gloucester, and Allen's Country Store in Cumberland. On the day of the derby, tickets will be available at the Flying Lobster on Middle Range Pond and at the boat ramp on Upper Range Pond. For more information, please contact Barney Stilphen at 657-5400. Proceeds will benefit the Gray-New Gloucester High School and Middle School football programs. Jan 6, 2005 The Year in Review The Monument News GNG Football The high school football team played their first game Monday, Sept. 6th, against Fryeburg Academy. Thanks to a band of dedicated and hard-working parents and community members, GNG now has a football team at the Middle School and the High School, where before there had been only a dream. 2004 SEASON Dec. 3, 2004, The Gray News The Patriot Grandstand Club, sponsor of Gray-New Gloucester Patriot Football, has reached its startup goal of $50,000 in donations to establish and support a football program in SAD #15. These start-up funds were used to purchase uniforms, protective gear, and field equipment for 55 players at the high school level and 30 players at the middle school level. G-NG Patriot Football is a self-supporting program and will continue to need the public's support to cover the teams' costs as we grow and improve. The Club wishes to thank all those who have supported our teams the past two years, and look forward to your continued support into the future. Football: L-R: Anne Rowe, Secretary; Barbara Christy, Treasurer; Shannon Klar, Trustee; Lisa Latno, Trustee; Jenny Sherwood, Co-President; and Barney Stilphen, Vice President. Absent from photo is Tammy McGrath, Co-President (Photo staff) Dec. 2, 2004, The Monument GNG football program reaches start-up goal. The Patriot Grandstand Club, sponsor of GNG Patriot Football, has reached its start-up goal of $50,000 in donations to establish and support a football program in SAD #15. These start-up funds were used to purchase uniforms, protective gear, and field equipment for 55 players at the high school level and 30 players at the middle school level. GNG Patriot Football is a self-supporting program and will continue to need the public’s support to cover the teams’ costs as we grow and improve. The Club wishes to thank all those who have supported our teams the past two years, and look forward to your continued support into the future. In picture, from left to right: Anne Rowe, Secretary; Barbara Christy, Treasurer; Shannon Klar, Trustee; Lisa Latno, Trustee; Jenny Sherwood, Co-President; Barney Stilphen, Vice President. Absent from photo is Tammy McGrath, Co-President. Nov. 19, 2004, The Gray News The Gray-New Gloucester High School Patriots football team celebrated their season with a banquet at Cole Farms on November 13th. The team played a junior varsity schedule in both 2003 and 2004, preparing to move into the Class B West Campbell Conference next year. The players voted quarterback Sam Christy, sophomore, the offensive player of the year and linebacker Mike Thomas, junior, the defensive player of the year. The coach also honored Mike Thomas with the Braveheart award for outstanding dedication and leadership. Christy is the son of Steve and Barbara Christy of Gray. Thomas is the son of Jeff and Wanda Thomas of New Gloucester. Sam Christy (left) and Mike Thomas Oct 21, 2004 The Monument News GNG Football News The Middle School football team won its fourth straight game on October 14th. They beat Cape Elizabeth 34 to 8. Here, #40 Lucas Chase is running with the ball while #34 Nathan Rowe and #36 Nick Audet block. Thanks for your continued support. Check out our web site www.gngfootball.org for more info about the teams. Oct. 22, 2004, The Gray News Patriots Quarterback Sam Christy hands off to Shane Beal, while Chad Kelsey (58), Chris Bagley (63) and Mike Thomas (35) block. Photo by Anne Rowe Oct. 14, 2004, The Monument Homecoming 2004 The Thundering Hordes...GNG Patriots Oct. 12, 2004, The Gray News (Photo staff) Patriots Football Seniors were awarded their sweatshirts: L-R, Josh Amergian, Gary Pulcifer, Jamie Hathaway, Mark Brookes, Scott Bolduc. The Gray/New Gloucester High School football team lost to the Poland Knights in their hard-fought home opener. The home team played a great first half. The defense put the first points on the board in the first quarter when linebacker Mike Thomas stripped the ball from the Poland quarterback as he was trying to get it out of his own end zone. Defensive end Will Rowe fell on the loose ball, resulting in a G-NG touchdown. Next, running back Josh Shobert ran the ball in for the 2 point conversion. In the second quarter, Shobert put another 6 on the scoreboard while executing a sweep. Halfback Sam Forbes followed up with 2 points on the conversion play. G-NG led at the half, 16-12. The Poland team shut down the G-NG offense in the 2nd half, while the defense gave up 14 points. Final score was 16 - 26. Other noteworthy plays that occurred during the game were turned in by Josh Shobert, who recovered a Poland fumble on a kickoff return effort, and defensive lineman Josh Watson and linebacker Mike Thomas both sacked the quarterback. The game was attended by an enthusiastic crowd of both G-NG and Poland fans, the estimated attendance was 600 people. Don Beal was the winner of the 50/50 raffle; he very generously returned his winnings to Patriots Grandstand Club which helps fund the middle and high school football teams. Oct. 12, 2004, The Gray News Grandstand Club golf tourney success Wanda Thomas The golf tournament held by the Patriots Grandstand Club on September 26 at the Foxridge Golf Club in Auburn was a great success. Proceeds support Gray-New Gloucester school football. The combination of perfect fall weather, on a picture perfect course, manned by a friendly staff, made for a good day all around. The competition was close among the teams that participated. The winners were the four-man team of Dave Denbow, Bob Ritchie, Josh Boulanger and Fred Parkhurst, with a score of 61. Closest-to-pin prizes were won by Ray Bell at hole #2 (he left it 16'4" from the hole) and by Ray Leclair at hole #13, with only 11' 10" left to the cup. At hole #16, Fred Parkhurst and Will Perusse both won health club memberships by getting the ball to within 17'6" and 27" of the cup respectively. Dave Brochue and Josh Boulanger showed their power off the tees by winning the longest drive contests. The Grandstand club would like to thank the area businesses who helped make the tournament a financial success. Each company was recognized by a sign at a tee. The hole-in-one sponsors were Bill Dodge Auto Group and Painting Plus. Holes were also sponsored by Morrone Associates, Inc., Knowles Industrial Services, Morin Brick Company, Greg's Auto Body & Sales, Bruns Brothers Process Equipment, Lifetime Muffler & Brake Shop, Gray Physical Therapy and Insurance Innovations, Inc. Thanks also go out the volunteers who helped organize and run the event: Jenny Sherwood, Barbara Christy, Cathy Hill, Tammy McGrath, Anne Rowe and Wanda Thomas. Oct. 08, 2004, The Gray News G-NG football team wins to even record Wanda Thomas The Gray-New Gloucester Patriots football team defeated the Monmouth Mustangs 35-0, making the Patriots 2 - 2 for the season. In the 1st quarter, pulling guard Chris Bagley blocked for running back Josh Schubert as he ran in for a touchdown during the Patriots' first scoring drive. The Mustangs were shook up on their own first drive when the G-NG defense caused them to fumble deep in Patriot territory. G-NG capitalized on the turnover when quarterback Mark Brooks put 8 points on the scoreboard as he ran in for a touchdown, then repeated for the 2 point conversion. The Patriots' defense overwhelmed the Monmouth offense again, causing another fumble. The 1st quarter ended with the home team leading 22-0 as the quarterback completed a pass to wide receiver Alex Drew in the end zone. Running back Sam Forbes then ran it in for the 2 point conversion. Defensive end Zach Parker ended the half on a positive note as he got a sack. His father, Skip Parker, won the 50/50 raffle during half time. Zach continued the good night for the Parkers in the 3rd quarter when he recovered a blocked punt attempt by Monmouth. Reserve quarterback Sam Christy scored the Patriots' fourth touchdown; he followed that up with another 6 points in the 4th quarter. Kicker Wil Kramlich put it through the goal posts for the extra point completing the Patriots' 35-0 win over Monmouth. Pictures of all the games can be seen at the official G-NG football web site www.gngfootball.org. The next home game is Tuesday October 12 at 7:00 P.M.; the Patriots will be hosting Cape Elizabeth. Oct. 07, 2004, The Monument GNG Football Team Wins The GNG Patriots football team defeated the Monmouth Mustangs 35-0, making them 2 - 2 for the season. In the 1st quarter pulling guard Chris Bagley blocked for running back Josh Schubert as he ran in for a touchdown during the Patriot's first scoring drive. The Mustangs were shook up on their first drive when the GNG defense caused them to fumble deep in Patriot territory. GNG capitalized on the turnover when quarterback Mark Brooks put 8 points on the scoreboard as he ran in for a touchdown then repeated for the 2 point conversion. The Patriot's defense overwhelmed the Monmouth offense again causing another fumble. The 1st quarter ended with the home team leading 22 - 0 as the quarterback completed a pass to wide receiver Alex Drew in the end zone. Running back Sam Forbes then ran it in for the 2 point conversion. Defensive end Zach Parker ended the half on a positive note as he got a sack, his father Skip Parker won the 50/50 raffle during half time. Zach continued the good night for the Parkers in the 3rd quarter when he recovered a blocked punt attempt by Monmouth. Reserve quarterback Sam Christy scored the Patriot's fourth touchdown; he followed that up with another 6 points in the 4th quarter. Kicker Wil Kramlich put it through the goal posts for the extra point completing the Patriot's 35 - 0 win over Monmouth. Pictures of all the games can be seen at the official GNG football web site www.gngfootball.org. The next home game is Tuesday October 12 at 7:00 pm, the Patriots will be hosting Cape Elizabeth. Oct. 1, 2004 The Gray News The Gray/New Gloucester High School football team lost to the Poland Knights in their hard-fought home opener. The home team played a great first half. The defense put the first points on the board in the first quarter when linebacker Mike Thomas stripped the ball from the Poland quarterback as he was trying to get it out of his own end zone. Defensive end Will Rowe fell on the loose ball, resulting in a G-NG touchdown. Next, running back Josh Shobert ran the ball in for the 2 point conversion. In the second quarter, Shobert put another 6 on the scoreboard while executing a sweep. Halfback Sam Forbes followed up with 2 points on the conversion play. G-NG led at the half, 16-12. The Poland team shut down the G-NG offense in the 2nd half, while the defense gave up 14 points. Final score was 16 - 26. Other noteworthy plays that occurred during the game were turned in by Josh Shobert, who recovered a Poland fumble on a kickoff return effort, and defensive lineman Josh Watson and linebacker Mike Thomas both sacked the quarterback. The game was attended by an enthusiastic crowd of both G-NG and Poland fans, the estimated attendance was 600 people. Don Beal was the winner of the 50/50 raffle; he very generously returned his winnings to Patriots Grandstand Club which helps fund the middle and high school football teams. Oct. 01, 2004, The Gray News Grandstand Club golf tourney success Wanda Thomas The golf tournament held by the Patriots Grandstand Club on September 26 at the Foxridge Golf Club in Auburn was a great success. Proceeds support Gray-New Gloucester school football. The combination of perfect fall weather, on a picture perfect course, manned by a friendly staff, made for a good day all around. The competition was close among the teams that participated. The winners were the four-man team of Dave Denbow, Bob Ritchie, Josh Boulanger and Fred Parkhurst, with a score of 61. Closest-to-pin prizes were won by Ray Bell at hole #2 (he left it 16'4" from the hole) and by Ray Leclair at hole #13, with only 11' 10" left to the cup. At hole #16, Fred Parkhurst and Will Perusse both won health club memberships by getting the ball to within 17'6" and 27" of the cup respectively. Dave Brochue and Josh Boulanger showed their power off the tees by winning the longest drive contests. The Grandstand club would like to thank the area businesses who helped make the tournament a financial success. Each company was recognized by a sign at a tee. The hole-in-one sponsors were Bill Dodge Auto Group and Painting Plus. Holes were also sponsored by Morrone Associates, Inc., Knowles Industrial Services, Morin Brick Company, Greg's Auto Body & Sales, Bruns Brothers Process Equipment, Lifetime Muffler & Brake Shop, Gray Physical Therapy and Insurance Innovations, Inc. Thanks also go out the volunteers who helped organize and run the event: Jenny Sherwood, Barbara Christy, Cathy Hill, Tammy McGrath, Anne Rowe and Wanda Thomas. Sep 16, 2004 The Monument News The Twelve Days Of Christmas Raffle The Patriots Grandstand Club is sponsoring a raffle to help raise funds for the football program. Participants have the opportunity to win $500 a day for the first 12 days of December. A limited amount of tickets will be sold from Sept. 14th until Nov. 1st. The tickets will be sold for $20 each, $6,000 in prize money will be awarded. A drawing will be held daily where a $500 prize will be given away for 12 days total. Winners names will be added back into the drawing so one ticket gives multiple chances to win. The tickets will be sold by all players and will be sold at home games while they last. Sep. 30, 2004, The Monument This picture is of the winning team from the golf tournament sponsored by the Patriots Grand stand club. It took place at the Foxridge golf club in Auburn on September 26. The names of the winners are Josh Boulanger, Bob Ritchie, Dave Denlow, and Fred Parkhurst. The Picture was taken by Jeff Thomas. Note: names not necessarily in the order of players pictured. Sep. 23, 2004, The Monument Photo by Anne Rowe Monday night's home game of the GNG Patriots football team vs. Poland. Poland won 26 to 16. Here, GNG defense is lined up against Poland's offense. Sep. 17, 2004, The Gray News The Gray-New Gloucester High School football team played its first game of the season on Monday, September 6, against Fryeburg Academy. coach Mike Ouellette and John Reedy led the team to a 34 - 22 victory. The G-NGHS Patriots scored 5 touchdowns and completed the 2-point conversion twice. The conversions were made by Adam Ridley and quarterback Sam Christy, who led a steady offense. Scott Bolduc ran in for a touchdown, while Michael Thomas and Shane Beal scored 2 touchdowns each, also by pounding the ball into the end zone. The defense, after a shaky start, had a solid finish by not allowing Fryeburg to score in the second half. Chris Bagley led the way by sacking the quarterback twice to shut down the opposing team's final scoring opportunities. It was an exciting game for those fans who made the trip. The home opener for the team will be on Monday, September 20, at 7:00 P.M. against the Poland Knights. The gate opens at 6:00 P.M., and tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. The Grandstand Club will be selling sweatshirts and seat cushions and running a 50/50 raffle. Refreshments will be available. Sep. 16, 2004, The Monument Photo by Anne Rowe The High School Patriots' first game on Monday, September 6th against the Fryeburg Raiders in Fryeburg. GNG won 34 to 22. Here, Quarterback Sam Christy #10 hands off to Running Back Mike Thomas #35 while Will Rowe #89 blocks. GNG Football The high school football team played their first game Monday, Sept. 6th, against Fryeburg Academy. Coaches Mike Ouellette and John Reedy led the team to a 34 - 22 victory .The GNG Patriots scored 5 touchdowns and completed the 2 point conversion twice. The conversions were made by Adam Ridley and quarterback Sam Christy, who led a steady offense. Scott Bolduc ran in for a touchdown while Michael Thomas and Shane Beal scored 2 touchdowns each, by also pounding the ball into the end zone. The defense after a shaky start had a solid finish by not allowing Fryeburg to score in the 2nd half. Chris Bagley led the way by sacking the quarterback twice to shut down the opposing team's final scoring opportunities. It was an exciting game for those fans who made the trip. Football Home Opener GNG PATRIOTS vs. Poland Knights Monday, September 20th at 7:00 pm (gate opens at 6:00pm.). $5 - adults / $3 - student For Sale: sweatshirts and seat cushions. 50/50 raffle, refreshments Photo by Anne Rowe Assistant Coach Scott Flagg runs warm-up drills with the Middle School Patriots football players. The Middle School began practicing on August 30th, and have 29 seventh and eighth graders on the team this year. Their first game is September 16th at Fryeburg. Middle School Football Schedule 9/16 @Fryeburg 4:00 pm. 9/22 Lake Region 4:00 pm. 9/30 @Yarmouth 4:00 pm. 10/7 @Cumberland 4:00 pm. 10/14 Cape Elizabeth 4:00 pm. 10/21 @Falmouth 4:00 pm. 10/28 Old Orchard Beach 4:00 pm. Sep 9, 2004 Golf Tournament: The Gray/New Gloucester football teams are sponsoring a golf tournament to benefit the football program. It will be held ,Sunday Sept. 26th, at the Foxridge golf course in Auburn. Registration starts at 10:00 am. with a shotgun start at 11:00 am.The fee is $75 this includes the greens fee, golf cart and a backyard barbeque. There will be prizes for longest drive and closest to the pin. There will also be 4 chances to win a $5,000 hole-in-one prize. Call Wanda Thomas at 926-3104 for a registration form. Sep. 03, 2004, The Gray News Gray-New Gloucester is playing only its second season of football, after a proud 5-5 showing last year as a young club team made up mainly of freshmen and sophomores. As with several other schools in the area, Gray-New Gloucester will see a second season as a club before joining the ranks next year as a full-fledged member of the Campbell Conference. "We're looking forward to this coming year. We have a good team and plenty of prospects" among the players, head Coach Mike Ouellette said. Ouellette has two backfields that he uses all the time, and said he didn't want to single out any players. "We prefer a team focus," he explained, noting that he rotates players in "so everybody gets the experience." Poland will be a good rival with a strong squad this year, Ouellette believes. Of course, "any team that we take on is going to be a challenge for us. We're still new to the game and don't have the experience that other programs do,' he said. With the younger players moving up, Ouellette expects to give opponents a run for their money, and "hopefully we'll come out on top!" Ouellette sees assistant Coach John Reidy as "my right hand," and Reidy's work with the defense will be an important part of the team's success this year. Ouellette was instrumental in bringing football to the high school. He helped start a program at Poland High School, then answered the call at Gray-New Gloucester. The entire program is paid for through donations and fundraisers by parents of the players. New uniforms and practice equipment were purchased last year, perhaps the largest investment the team will make, but replacements and upgrades will be important as the years go on. The Patriots open their season on Monday at Fryeburg in a 3 P.M. matchup, hosting Poland in their first home stand at 7 P.M. on September 20 under the lights. Sep. 03, 2004, The Gray News Gray-New Gloucester football will be kicking off soon! Check out the football web site, www.gngfootball.org for more information and pictures, and check the special Fall Sports Preview section in today's Gray News for the full schedule. The Patriot Grandstand Club congratulates Peter DeJager, winner of the New England Patriots preseason game tickets. Thanks go out to all those who helped make this fund raising event a success. The football team is also sponsoring a golf tournament on Sunday, September 26, at the Foxridge golf course in Auburn at 11:00 A.M.. Contact Wanda at 926-3104 for more information. Sep. 03, 2004, The Gray News Peter DeJager (Photo Staff, 2004-09-03) Peter DeJager scrambles through a slalom course behind Gray-New Gloucester High School as the Varsity Football team works on conditioning for its season. The Patriots will play as a club team again in their second year of competition. Sep. 02, 2004, The monument News Photo by Anne Rowe Gray-New Gloucester Patriots Football Head Coach Mike Ouellette and Assistant Coach John Reidy talking to the players during a scrimmage with Cape Elizabeth on August 21st. Gray-New Gloucester Patriots Football Schedule Sept. 6: Fryeburg 3:00 pm. away Sept. 13: Mountain Valley 4:00 pm. away Sept. 20: Poland 7:00 pm. home Sept. 27: Falmouth 7:00 pm. home OCT. 4: Lake Region 4:00 pm. away Oct. 12: Cape Elizabeth 7:00 pm. home Oct. 18: Poland 3:30 pm. away Oct .27: Yarmouth 7:00 pm. home Nov. 1: Gorham 3:00 pm. away Check out the football web site, www.gngfootball.org for more information and pictures. The Patriot's Grandstand Club congratulates Peter DeJager, the winner of the New England Patriots preseason game tickets. Thanks go out to all those who helped make this fund raising event a success. The football team is also sponsoring a golf tournament on Sunday Sept. 26th at the Foxridge golf course in Auburn at 11:00am. Contact Wanda at 926-3104 for more information. Aug. 19, 2004, The Monument News GNG Football raffle- New England Patriots Ticket Raffle The GNG football teams are raffling 4 tickets to a New England Patriots preseason game. The tickets are for the September 2nd game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The raffle tickets are $10 for 1 chance to win or $25 for 3 chances to win. Tickets can be purchased by contacting either Jenny at 871 - 3932 or Tammy at 831 - 4182. The drawing will be on August 27th. Bottle Barn The Patriots Grandstand Club has a designated box at the Bottle Barn, 59 Portland Rd. Gray, where bottles can be donated to help fund the GNG High School and Middle School football teams. This is an easy way to support the teams. Aug 12, 2004 The Monument News Golf Tournament The GNG Patriot Grandstand Club invites you to join us for our Fall Classic Golf Tournament on Sunday September 26th at the Foxrigde Golf Club. The tournament will feature an 11:00 am shotgun start, four player scramble format, followed by a backyard barbeque.The proceeds of this event will benefit the GNG high school and middle school football programs. The entry fee is $75 per person which will include the greens fee, cart and barbeque. Call Wanda Thomas at 926-3104 for a registration information. Aug. 06, 2004, The Gray News Coach Becky Norton Patriot Cheerleaders kick it up in Bangor (Photo Becky Norton) Patriot Cheerleaders Twenty-three Gray-New Gloucester High School cheerleaders, along with Coach April Stansfield and I, enjoyed a humid week at the National Cheerleaders Association Cheering Camp held at Husson College, Bangor, July 19-22. The squad included Shelley DiTomaso, Lyndsey Kadziauskas, Rachel MacDonald, Alyssa Norton, Meagan Pelletier, Jill Briggs, Danielle Carr, Mallory Emmertz, Victoria Hartig, Bria Pollard, Courtney Colbath, Tia DiMauro, Maggie Enright, Gina Ferri, Jess Fochler, Renee MacDonald, Nicole Marden, Becky Randall, Ashleigh Foster, Alicia Grant, Allie McCleary, Julie Pelletier and Jenna Tayman. The G-NGHS team was awarded the Director's Trophy by the camp director for the best-behaved team. (Yes, parents, these really were your kids!) The team also received a stunt-smart award and an "excellence in jumps" award, as well as a spirit stick. Eight of the cheerleaders were nominated to try out for the All-American team because of their proficiency in certain disciplines: Lyndsey Kadziauskas, motion technique; Danielle Car, stunting; Jill Briggs, Tia DiMauro, Rachel MacDonald, Alyssa Norton, Mallory Emmertz and Bria Pollard, jumps. Kadziauskas, DiMauro and Pollard all made All-Americans. Special congratulations go to Alyssa Norton, for receiving the highest score at the camp and being named NCA Top All-American out of the 230 cheerleaders attending camp. Way to go, Alyssa! Many thanks to Pam Hartig, of Ultimate Hair+Tanning, in Raymond, for letting us hold a car wash/yard sale at her business. We'd also like to thank the following businesses, who helped us with our camp fundraising this year: Mark Pollard Electrical, Bruns Brothers, Spring Meadows, Dry Mills Store, Scissor Hands, Cole Farms, Jess n' Nick's, The LadySlipper and Whitney Tree Service. Thank you to all the parents for being so supportive and helping me in the many ways you do. And thank you to those who supported us by buying raffle tickets, attending our adult dance, helping or donating to the Patriots' Shamrock Cheering Competition and by letting us wash your cars! We appreciate all the encouragement. We're looking forward to a successful 2004-2005 school year. See you at the football games! Jul 29, 2004 The Monument News SAD 15 News Attention High School Fall Athletes The fall season starts August 16th. Practices are mandatory. A reminder that all required paperwork must be turned in to participate, including medical information form and a recent physical (within the last 2 years.) Also there is a $15 participation fee, payable to MSAD #15. Payments may be sent or brought to the athletic office at the high school. Football: 7:30-10 a.m. and 2:30-5 p.m. Jul 8, 2004 The Monument News Football Yard Sale The Patriots Grandstand Club is holding a yard sale and car wash on Saturday, July 10th, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the American Legion Hall on Rt. 100 in Gray. The proceeds will help fund the GNG football teams. Jun. 17, 2004, The monument Photo by Anne Rowe The Patriots Grandstand club would like to thank the following people and businesses for recent work done to improve the playing fields at the middle and high schools. Thanks to S&J Trucking, B&R Excavation and Rick Marston Trucking for use of equipment to haul and spread loam. Thanks to Gendron & Gendron and RJ Grondin & Sons for the donation of loam. Thanks to the people who volunteered their time and effort to spreading the loam, Mike Ouellette, Barney Stilphen, Anne, Will and Nate Rowe, Lenny Sherwood and Josh Dumaine. Jun 10, 2004 The Monument News Football Yard Sale: The Patriots Grandstand Club is having yard sale at the high school on Saturday June 19th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you would like to donate items for sale drop them off at the high school between 8:00 am and 9:00 am the morning of the sale. The proceeds from the sale will be used to help fund the 2004 football season. The rain date for this event is June 26th. NOTE: A fall sport information night is being held at the high school on June 14th. Anyone interested in playing football next fall should attend with a parent. June 4, 2004 The Gray News The Patriots Grandstand Club is having yard sale at Gray-New Gloucester High School on Saturday, June 19, from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. If you would like to donate items for sale, please drop them off at the High School between 8:00 A.M. and 9:00 A.M. the morning of the sale. The proceeds from the sale will be used to help fund the 2004 football season. The rain date for this event is June 26. NOTE:A fall sport information night is being held at the High School on June 14. Anyone interested in playing football next fall should attend with a parent. Jun 3, 2004 The Monument News Football Yard Sale: The Patriots Grandstand Club is having yard sale at the high school on Saturday June 19th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you would like to donate items for sale drop them off at the high school between 8:00 am and 9:00 am the morning of the sale. The proceeds from the sale will be used to help fund the 2004 football season. The rain date for this event is June 26th. NOTE: A fall sport information night is being held at the high school on June 14th. Anyone interested in playing football next fall should attend with a parent. May 27, 2004 The Monument News Yard Sale To Benefit GNG Football The Patriots Grandstand club is sponsoring a yard sale on June16 at the high school to help raise money for the upcoming football season. We are looking for people to donate items for us to sell that day. Anyone wishing to donate yard sale goods can contact Tammy McGrath at 926-4440 or Jenny Sherwood at 657-2717. Apr 8, 2004 The Monument Spaghetti Supper, Saturday April 17th, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall / Gray. $5/ adult $3/ child $15/ family. Tickets available at the door. Sponsored by the Patriots Grandstand Club. Proceeds to benefit GNG Football. Mar. 25, 2004, The Monument GNG Football Update: The Patriots Grandstand Club will be having their annual board meeting to elect new members. The meeting will be March 30th at 6:30 pm in the high school library. A spaghetti supper is being planned for April 17th. More information about this event will be given in the near future. The Bottle Barn is still accepting bottle donation to benefit the football program. We thank you for helping to support us in this way. The Prom Fashion show was a fun night, thanks go out to David's Bridal, Mr. Tux, Special Effects Salon and Day Spa, LadySlipper Flowers and Jane Seavey of MaryKay Cosmetic. Janice Ferri won the raffle for the free limo ride. Mar. 4, 2004 The Monument News Pre-Prom Fashion Show: The Patriot Grandstand Club is planning a Pre-Prom Fashion Show for Saturday, March 13th, 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the high school's West Gym . David's Bridal and Mr. Tux will be providing formalwear. Jane Seavey of Mary Kay Cosmetics will be providing make up for our models; stylists Renee Woodley, Tammy Colbath and Simone Barcia of Special Effects Salon & Day Spa will provide hairstyling for our models; the Ladyslipper Flower Shop will be providing flowers for the show. There will be a raffle to win a limousine ride to the prom as well! Please visit the website at www.gngfootball.org for more info. Feb. 26, 2004, The monument Patriot Grandstand Club Ice-Fishing Tournament and Fashion Show- The Patriot Grandstand Club is having an ice-fishing tournament on Saturday, February 28th at Sabbathday Lake (Route 26, beach side). Registration starts at 6:00 a.m. at the Sabbathday Grange Hall. The tournament starts at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. The fee is $10.00/ person or $15.00/ family. Tickets may be purchased at Gray True-Value, Mooney's Bait Shop and Dry Mills Store. Lunch and refreshments will be available at the Sabbathday Grange. Sponsored by FET. Proceeds will support the GNG football program. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest (heaviest) fish: First place is $100.00. Second place is $75.00. Third place is $50.00 and a $25.00 savings bond will be awarded to the junior (under 12) participant catching the biggest fish. There will also be door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. To pre-register or for more information, contact Barney Stilphen at 657-5400, or visit the GNG football website at www.gngfootball.org. The storm date is February 29. The Grandstand Club is also planning a Pre-Prom Fashion Show for March 13th. David's Bridal and Mr. Tux will be providing formalwear. We need (GNG High School) Student models for the show! If you are interested, please go to the office at the high school for more information and to sign-up. Jane Seavey of Mary Kay will be providing make up for our models; representatives from a local florist and limousine service will also be at the show. Please visit our website at www.gngfootball.org for more info! Feb. 12, 2004, The Monument News Patriot Grandstand Club Ice-Fishing Tournament - The Patriot Grandstand Club is sponsoring an ice-fishing tournament on Saturday, February 28th at Sabbathday Lake (Route 26, beach side). Registration starts at 6 a.m. at the Sabbathday Grange Hall. The tournament starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. The fee is $10.00 per person or $15.00 per family. Tickets may be purchased at Gray Tru-Value, Mooney's Bait Shop and Dry Mills Store. Lunch and refreshments will be available at the Sabbathday Grange. Proceeds will support the GNG football program. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest (heaviest) fish: First place is $100. Second place is $75.00. Third place is $50.00 and a $25.00 savings bond will be awarded to the junior (under 12) participant catching the biggest fish. There will also be door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. To pre-register or for more information, contact Barney Stilphen at 657-5400, or visit the GNG football website at www.gngfootball.org. The storm date is February 29. The Grandstand Club is also planning a prom fashion show for March and a spaghetti dinner, tentatively for April. Watch for more information about these events. Patriot Grandstand Club Ice-Fishing Tournament - The Patriot Grandstand Club is sponsoring an ice-fishing tournament on Saturday, February 28th at Sabbathday Lake (Route 26, beach side). Registration starts at 6:00 a.m. at the Sabbathday Grange Hall. The tournament starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. The fee is $10.00 per person or $15.00 per family. Tickets may be purchased at Gray Tru-Value, Mooney's Bait Shop and Dry Mills Store. Lunch and refreshments will be available at the Sabbathday Grange. Proceeds will support the GNG football program. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest (heaviest) fish: First place is $100. Second place is $75.00. Third place is $50.00 and a $25.00 savings bond will be awarded to the junior (under 12) participant catching the biggest fish. There will also be door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. To pre-register or for more information, contact Barney Stilphen at 657-5400, or visit the GNG football website at www.gngfootball.org. The storm date is February 29. The Grandstand Club is also planning a prom fashion show for March and a spaghetti dinner, tentatively for April. Watch for more information about these event. Jan 29, 2004 The Monument News Ice Fishing Tournament Gray--The Patriots Grandstand Club is sponsoring an ice fishing tournament on Saturday, Feb.28 at Sabbathday Lake (Rt. 26, beach side) Registration starts at 6:00 am. The tournament starts at 7:00am. and ends at 3:30pm. The fee is $10 per person or $15 per family; the proceeds will support GNG football. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish, 1st place is $100, 2nd place is $75, 3rd place is $50 and $25 savings bond will be awarded to the junior (under 12) participant catching the biggest fish. There will also be door prizes and a 50\50 raffle. To pre-register or for more information contact Barney Stilphen 657-5400, or go to GNG football web sight, wwwgngfootball.org. The storm date is Feb 29th. The grandstand club is also planning a prom fashion show for sometime in March and a spaghetti dinner is tentatively being planned for April. Watch for more information about these events. Mark February 7th on your calendar! That's the day that the Patriot Cheerleaders are competing for the State Championship at the Augusta Civic Center. That's right! On January 24th the Patriot Cheerleaders placed 4th at the Western Maine Regional Competition held in Augusta. Their cleanest, sharpest routine of this year earned them a score of 131.1--their best score this season. Thirteen Class B teams competed and our Cheerleaders proved that practice, determination, and enthusiasm will carry you through. Competitive cheerleading requires strength training, dance, tumbling, precise motion, and so much more. Their focus on execution once again showed that smaller squads can still place well. The Patriot Cheer Fans aren't always the largest group (hint hint), but certainly have enormous enthusiasm and excellent voice projection. It's always pleasing to see Mr. Penna and Mr. Robbins showing their support. On February 1st the Patriot Cheerleaders will compete at Marshwood High School in the Cheers From the Heart competition. This annual competition benefits local charities. The next time you see a Patriot Cheerleader or Coach Becky Norton, whose selfless devotion helps drive the squad, say "Hey, good luck and great job!" All the cheer Moms and Dads are very proud of the excellent job their daughters did. Join them in their support! 2003 SEASON 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. 9/15 @ Falmouth 4:00pm 9/22 @York 4:00pm 9/29 home Fryeburg 6:00pm 10/13 home Poland 6:00pm 10/20 @ Poland 1:00pm 10/27 home MTN Valley 4:00pm 11/3 home Falmouth 4:00pm 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."