FALL 2011 MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:

ELLIOT MAKER, Senior-Soccer

* All-New England

* All-State

* Class A Co-Player of the Year

* SMAA Offensive Player of the Year

* SMAA All-Star, first-team

* Western A regional all-star

Elliot Maker might be young according to the calendar, but the 17-year-old plays well beyond his years.

Maker was simply one of the state’s (and region’s) best players this fall and helped Cheverus reach the semifinals for the first time since 2004.

For his consistency, scoring touch, devotion to the sport and ability to come up huge time and again, Elliot Maker is The Forecaster’s choice for Cheverus’ Fall 2011 Male Athlete of the Year.

Maker lives in Naples and didn’t come to Cheverus until his junior year, transferring from Lake Region. While honing his skills with the five-time state champion Seacoast premier team, Maker has become a household name for local high school fans. He had 18 goals and 10 assists as a junior and this year, his highlights were plentiful.

Maker scored three times in a season-opening win over Sanford, added three more against Biddeford and Noble, giving him nine goals in just three games. Maker scored both goals in a win over eventual Class A champion Windham, had three versus Kennebunk, delivered the winner versus Westbrook, had a goal and assisted on the winner against Massabesic and closed the regular year with two-goal games against Deering, Bonny Eagle and Gorham.

Cheverus opened the playoffs with a 2-0 preliminary round win over Deering as Maker not surprisingly had both tallies. The Stags made their season in the quarterfinals when they avenged recent playoff agony and a heartbreaking overtime loss from earlier this year by upsetting defending regional champion Portland, 3-1, as Maker’s two goals set the pace. The run finally ended with a one-goal loss at Windham in the semifinals, but Maker finished with 33 goals and 12 assists, giving him 61 goals and 28 assists for his career.

Following the season, Maker was honored as an all-star in every way possible, from the conference to New England level. He’s also been named to the USL National Select Team for the 1994 boys’ division.

Maker’s philosophy is simple, he loves scoring goals and hates losing. He’s the boys’ basketball team manager, a member of Key Club and Model U.N. and volunteers at a local soup kitchen.

Maker plans to attend Phillips Andover for a personal growth year next year, then has his sights set on playing Division I soccer.

Don’t bet against him. Elliot Maker, Cheverus’ Fall 2011 Male Athlete of the Year, is an unstoppable force who’s only going to get better.

Coach Bill LeBlanc’s comment: “Elliot’s a tremendous athlete and works hard year-round. He was a huge boost for our program. He carried us from an offensive standpoint. He’ll end up playing Division I after he preps. It’s been fun having him here. We’ll miss him.”

2011 winner: Peter Gwilym (Football)

2009 winner: Peter Gwilym (Football)

2008 winner: Jack Terwilliger (Cross country)

2007 winner: Galen Munroe (Soccer)

2006 winner: Andrew Pochebit (Football)

2005 winner: Anthony Ardito (Golf)

2004 winner: Max Molleo (Soccer)

FALL 2011 FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:

SARAH LAQUERRE, Senior-Field hockey

* All-State

* SMAA All-Star, first-team

The Cheverus field hockey team has been as exciting as any the past four seasons, which not coincidentally corresponds with the time Sarah LaQuerre has been with the program.

While the Stags weren’t able to match the magic of 2010, when they made an unexpected run to the state final, they were very good again this autumn and LaQuerre was the player that opposing coaches worried about first.

For her skill, leadership and willingness to help her teammates improve their games, Sarah LaQuerre is The Forecaster’s choice for Cheverus’ Fall 2011 Female Athlete of the Year.

LaQuerre is from Old Orchard Beach and started playing field hockey in the seventh grade. She played ice hockey from a young age, so field hockey came easily. She played four years of varsity and made her mark as a freshman, scoring the game winner as the Stags shocked Sanford in the playoffs. She had her share of pivotal goals in the 2010 run and stole the show on several occasions this fall.

LaQuerre had a goal in a season-opening victory at Thornton Academy, scored three times to help beat Windham, had two goals against Biddeford, two versus Bonny Eagle in a rematch of last year’s regional final, scored twice against Portland, once against Scarborough and had a pair versus McAuley.

Cheverus wound up winning 12 games, far more than expected, but hopes of another thrilling playoff jaunt were dashed by Westbrook on penalty corners in the quarterfinals.

Regardless, LaQuerre finished the season with 14 goals, giving her 37 for her career. She’s a multiple all-conference and all-state selection and has been the team’s captain for two years.

LaQuerre, who also plays ice hockey and lacrosse for Cheverus, as well as with two premier field hockey teams and one premier ice hockey squad, is a financial advisor for the Model UN and is going to the national conference in New York City in March. She wants to play field hockey and/or ice hockey and study education in college. She’s still in the decision process.

A unique and memorable player won’t be in a Stags uniform next season, but will be sorely missed. Sarah LaQuerre, Cheverus’ Fall 2011 Female Athlete of the Year, was a shining star and helped her program to greatness.

Coach Amy McMullin’s comment: “Sarah was everything to our team. Not just as a player, but with her leadership. She works with every player. She’s like having another coach on the field. She’s so passionate. She’s always brings us a lot of drive and determination.”

2011 winner: Emily Sawchuck (Field hockey)

2009 winner: Emily Durgin (Cross country)

2008 winner: Bethany Schleh (Field hockey)

2007 winner: Elizabeth Somma (Soccer)

2006 winner: Elise Roux (Soccer)

2005 winner: Meaghan Mingo (Soccer)

2004 winner: Lauren Metevier (Soccer)

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