FALL 2011 MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:

TIM LAVALLEE, Senior-Soccer

* All-State

* Western A regional all-star

* Senior All-Star

* WMC Class B All-Star, first-team

* WMC All-Academic team

Tim Lavallee is best known for his lacrosse prowess, which will send him to Providence College.

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But you can argue that his play on the pitch is equally dominant.

Lavallee was once again the focal point for opposing defenses, who only occasionally were able to slow him down as Lavallee tickled the twine with abandon and led Cape Elizabeth back to the postseason this autumn.

For his willingness to do whatever it takes to be successful and for delivering big goals time and again, even though the other team knew what was coming, Tim Lavallee is The Forecaster’s choice for Cape Elizabeth’s Fall 2011 Male Athlete of the Year.

Lavallee grew up in Cape Elizabeth and while lacrosse has been his top sport, he made his mark in the autumn and he had many top moments this season.

Lavallee had a goal to help the Capers beat defending Class B champion Yarmouth in the opener, handing the Clippers their first loss since 2009. He a goal and two assists in a win over Greely, scored the first goal in a victory over Fryeburg, had two goals against Gray-New Gloucester, scored his team’s lone goal in a tie versus York, had two goals in a second win over Greely and struck twice again in a regular season-ending tie at Falmouth.

In a preliminary round playoff win over Kennebunk, Lavallee scored twice, giving him 15 goals for the season and 25 for his career, which ties him for 10th all-time in this storied program.

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The Capers were eliminated at eventual state champion Windham in the quarterfinals.

Lavallee plays squash and basketball recreationally in the winter, then will look to win a final lacrosse championship in the spring (he played a huge role on a titlist his sophomore season). He’s also a musician, playing the piano and drums.

Lavallee was looking at several schools, but had Providence at the top of the list. He plans to study business.

While his soccer career is likely over, Tim Lavallee, Cape Elizabeth’s Fall 2011 Male Athlete of the Year, was pretty amazing at his “second” sport.

Coach Ben Raymond’s comment: “Timmy’s been a huge part of our program for four years. He played almost every position on the field and did them all very well. He always did whatever the team needed. This year, we needed him to score and that’s what he did. He’s an incredibly hard worker and a good leader. He was tops on the team in every fitness activity and was extremely well respected by teammates, opponents and other coaches. He’s a great young man who we’ll miss greatly. He’ll be very successful in college.”

2010 winner: Jack Queeney (Soccer)

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2009 winner; Ezra Wolfinger (Football)

2008 winner: Nate Lavallee (Football)

2007 winner: Jim Bump (Football)

2006 winner: Graham Egan (Cross country)

2005 winner: Mike Kertes (Football)

2004 winner: Ron Kelton (Golf)

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2003 winner: Elliot Cohen (Football)

2002 winner: David Croft (Soccer)

2001 winner: Jeff Hodge (Soccer)

FALL 2011 FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:

MELANIE VANGEL, Sophomore-Soccer

* All-New England

* All-State

* Western A regional all-star

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* WMC Class A all-star, first team

Heading into the 2011 season, there were rumblings that a special girls’ soccer player had arrived at Cape Elizabeth. One who would affect the balance of power in the Western Maine Conference and Western Class A.

As it turned out, the advance reports didn’t do Melanie Vangel justice.

Vangel was a human highlight reel from start to finish this fall and even though she was marked as closely as anyone in state, consistently delivered, helping the Capers produce a much better than expected campaign.

For being so skilled and tenacious and fitting right in to help her team do great things, Melanie Vangel is The Forecaster’s choice for Cape Elizabeth’s Fall 2011 Female Athlete of the Year.

Vangel grew up in Rhode Island, moved to Camden for middle school and arrived at Cape Elizabeth this fall, where she immediately elevated her team with her scoring.

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In the opener, Vangel had three goals to help beat Yarmouth. She then had three the next game versus Wells and scored the tying goal in a victory over York. Vangel had a goal in a tie versus defending Class B champion Falmouth, scored twice to help the Capers beat Greely, then, after missing a pair of games with an ankle injury, had a goal and an assist against Gray-New Gloucester. She finished up the regular season with two goals against Poland, three versus Waynflete and had the lone goal in a second win over Greely.

In the playoffs, Cape Elizabeth survived Deering in the quarterfinals as Vangel saved the day with a tying goal late in regulation before striking again as the Capers advanced on penalty kicks. Cape Elizabeth then had defending Class A champion Scarborough on the ropes in the semifinals, but the Red Storm tied things up late and won in double overtime.

Vangel ended with 20 goals and five assists and was honored at the conference, regional, state and New England levels for her excellence.

“It was a really fun and successful season,” Vangel said. “I made a lot of friends. It was a very united team.”

Vangel plays for the Phoenix U-17 premier team and may play basketball this winter. She hopes to play soccer in college and will certainly have a lot of schools clamoring for her services.

She certainly arrived on the scene with a splash, scoring goals with abandon. Melanie Vangel, Cape Elizabeth’s Fall 2011 Female Athlete of the Year, is a shining star on the soccer field.

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Coach Luke Krawczyk’s comment: “Mel had a really positive effect on the team this year. She has a great personality on and off the field and blended in with all her new teammates. She has a real desire to win and play in every game. She never gives up and played through injuries that would stop most people. She wants to score goals whether it be in practice or a game. All of the above has made her a great addition to an already great bunch of girls. She, as the rest of the team, has been a pleasure to work with and I hope she continues to develop as a player and a person over the next few years.”

2010 winner: Karyn Barrett (Soccer)

2009 winner; Karyn Barrett (Soccer)

2008 winner: Emily Attwood (Cross country)

2007 winner: Emily Attwood (Cross country)

2006 winner: Marla Houghton (Soccer)

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2005 winner: Dana Riker (Soccer)

2004 winner: Elise Moody-Roberts (Cross country)

2003 winner: Elise Moody-Roberts (Cross country)

2002 winner: Clare Egan (Cross country)

2001 winner: Addie Rintel (Field hockey)

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