MALE:

JAKE TOMKINSON, Senior-Soccer

• SMAA all-star, first-team

• SMAA All-Academic team

Tomkinson made so many clutch saves during a high school career which culminated which a second straight stirring playoff run.

Tomkinson, who started playing soccer at a young age, came to Cheverus as a freshman and after overcoming an injury he suffered sophomore year, he moved into the full-time varsity goalkeeping position as a junior, where he immediately led the Stags to an improbable state championship, coming up huge time and again during a magical playoff run.

This fall, Tomkinson allowed just 16 goals in 18 games and had nine shutouts as Cheverus again saved its best for last, rising again from the No. 7 seed to win a preliminary round playoff game, springing quarterfinal and semifinal round upsets, then finally meeting its match in Scarborough, which ended the Stags’ run with a 2-0 decision in the regional final.

“Things have just clicked for us in the playoffs,” Tomkinson said. “Our defense is always good.”

Tomkinson, who started playing goalie in the fourth grade, embraced being the last line of defense.

“On the field, I’m competitive,” Tomkinson said. “I hate when the ball goes in the net and I love it when I make a great save.”

Tomkinson plays basketball and club soccer, is also a member of National Honor Society, Key Club and Robotics at Cheverus and takes part in Maine Youth Leadership. He hopes to play soccer in college and is currently weighing his options.

Jake Tomkinson, Cheverus’ Fall Male Athlete of the Year, was the winning option in goal for two years running. He helped lead the Stags to glory and won’t soon be forgotten.

Coach Colin Minte’s comment: “Jake was a huge part of our run last year and having him back gave the team a lot of confidence. He came up big throughout the season in some critical games and was a vital part of our run to the regional finals. He excelled at shot-stopping and his athletic ability on crosses helped us handle the many long throw-ins and set pieces we faced. He was a great leader and communicator and will certainly be missed next year.”

Prior winners:

2014 Joe Fitzpatrick (football)

2013 Joe Fitzpatrick (football)

2012 Donald Goodrich (football)

2011 Elliot Maker (soccer)

2010 Peter Gwilym (football)

2009 Peter Gwilym (football)

2008 Jack Terwilliger (cross country)

2007 Galen Munroe (soccer)

2006 Andrew Pochebit (football)

2005 Anthony Ardito (golf)

2004 Max Molleo (soccer)

FEMALE:

BECCA ARCHER, Senior-Field hockey

• SMAA All-Star, honorable mention

• Captain

Archer had an unmatched nose for the goal and capped her standout Cheverus career by leading the Stags on a memorable run to the regional final.

Archer started playing field hockey in middle school in Gray and joined the Cheverus varsity as a sophomore, where she quickly became adept at scoring key goals at big times. She played an even bigger role as a junior and her senior season was a series of highlights.

Archer started her season in style by scoring in overtime to give the Stags a win over Westbrook. She scored twice in a victory over South Portland, had a goal and an assist on the deciding goal in overtime of a win at Thornton Academy, scored twice against Noble, rattled the cage twice more in a victory over Portland, had two goals in a win at Deering, had two goals, including the winner in OT, at Bonny Eagle, then capped her stellar campaign with two more goals in a victory over Biddeford in the finale. 

Cheverus earned the top seed for the Class A South playoffs and after outlasting Westbrook in penalty corners in the quarterfinals, Archer had a goal in regulation and the winner in the fifth round of penalty corners to beat Sanford in the semifinals. Archer then scored one final goal, the lone tally the Stags could muster, in a loss to Thornton Academy in the regional final.

“I loved field hockey since day one,” Archer said. “I ran that first suicide (drill) like it was the last thing I was going to do. I’m always very competitive. I don’t accept being anything but first. I had an amazing senior year. It was an amazing season. I couldn’t have asked for a better team. I have no regrets.”

Archer also runs the distance in indoor track, plays goalie in lacrosse and plays field hockey year-round with the Coastal premier team. She belongs to Key Club, Student Life, fundraises for Breast Cancer Awareness, is a coach for Girls on the Run, runs half-marathons and is Miss Greater Portland Outstanding Teen.

Archer wants to play field hockey in college and is considering her options. She plans to study law and wants to become a lobbyist.

Becca Archer, Cheverus’ Fall Female Athlete of the Year, earned all the good things that came her way. She was a dynamic player for an exciting team and saved her best for last.

Coach Amy Ashley’s comment: “Becca loves to score. That’s her thing. If the ball’s around the goal, Becca will put it in. That’s her strength. She stepped up and was the spark we needed. I’m very proud of her.”

Prior winners:

2014 Abby Goodrich (soccer)

2013 Elyse Caiazzo (field hockey)

2012 Staci Swallow (field hockey)

2011 Sarah LaQuerre (field hockey)

2010 Emily Sawchuck (field hockey)

2009 Emily Durgin (cross country)

2008 Bethany Schleh (field hockey)

2007 Elizabeth Somma (soccer)

2006 Elise Roux (soccer)

2005 Meaghan Mingo (soccer)

2004 Lauren Metevier (soccer)

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.

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