(Ed. Note: We recapped the basketball season last week)

Mother Nature was kind to us this winter. The local sports action was a pleasure as well.

Portland-area athletes turned heads on the ice, track, wrestling mat, slopes, trails and in the pool.

Before we move on to what might actually be an early spring, here’s one last look back at and tribute to the stars of winter.

Winter 2011-12 city of Portland team state champions

Deering Rams boys’ basketball, Class A
McAuley Lions, girls’ basketball, Class A

Winter 2011-12 city of Portland individual state champions

Indoor track

Fiona Hendry, Cheverus, Class A girls’ mile
Fiona Hendry, Cheverus, Class A girls’ two-mile
Jared Bell, Deering, Class A boys’ shot put

Swimming

Trebor Lawton, Cheverus, Class A boys’ 200 individual medley
Trebor Lawton, Cheverus, Class A boys’ 100 backstroke
Eric Delmonte, Deering, Class A boys’ 100 breaststroke
Genevieve Worthley, Deering, Class A girls’ 200 IM
Genevieve Worthley, Deering, Class A girls’ 100 breaststroke
Amelia Deady, Waynflete, Class B girls’ 200 freestyle
Amelia Deady, Waynflete, Class B girls’ 500 freestyle
Colby Harvey, Waynflete, Class B girls’ 100 butterfly

Wrestling

Iain Whitis, Cheverus, Class A, 120 pounds

Michael’s top five stories

5) Cheverus wrestler wins state title

Cheverus didn’t field a wrestling team this winter, but junior Iain Whitis still made his presence felt. After training with Deering during the regular season, Whitis proved to be the best grappler in the 120-pound weight class, winning a Class A state championship. Whitis’ triumph allowed the Stags to tie for 13th as a “team.”

4) Cheverus boys’ hockey continues resurgence

After missing the playoffs for three straight seasons, the Cheverus boys’ hockey team reached the postseason a year ago under coach Dan Lucas. This winter, the Stags continued their climb up the ladder, winning 13 games and earning a home playoff contest. While Cheverus was upset by Marshwood/Traip in the quarterfinals, it looks like the Stags will be a serious contender for the foreseeable future.

3) Best season ever for Portland girls’ hockey

The Portland girls’ hockey team hadn’t made much noise in its history, but this winter, the Bulldogs lit the lamp with regularity and won more games than they ever had before. The dominance of Raechel Allen and her veteran teammates was bolstered by the addition of transfers Gabi Cardona and Kylie Dalbec. Portland wound up 9-9 and almost had a winning regular season record, but lost in overtime to eventual state champion Greely in the finale. The Bulldogs then competed in and won their first ever postseason contest, eliminating rival Cheverus in the West Region quarterfinals. The run finally ended with a loss to Falmouth in the semifinals, but coach Courtney Rideout has this program on the map.

2) Deering falls one point shy of track state title

The Deering boys’ indoor track team wasn’t expected to be in position to win the Class A state championship this winter, but with one relay (the 800) remaining Feb. 20, the Rams had the lead and simply had to avoid a disqualification to take their first title in eight seasons. Disaster ensued as indeed, Deering disqualified and Scarborough pounced and won the title by a single point. It was a tough pill to swallow for a valiant team which had made great strides. The Rams will be back with a vengeance to try again next winter.

1) City swimmers excel at states

The Class A and B championships wound up being an opportunity for the entire state to witness the dominance of city swimmers and divers. Cheverus’ Trebor Lawton won the boys’ 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke and was named Performer of the Class A Meet. Deering’s Eric Delmonte was also a champion (in the breaststroke). On the girls’ side, Deering’s Genevieve Worthley turned heads like no other, taking the IM and breaststroke (in state record time) in being named Performer of the Meet. In Class B, the Waynflete girls, in just their second varsity season, placed third as a team, while two individuals took home titles. Amelia Deady won both the 200 and 500 freestyle, while Colby Harvey set a new record in the 100 butterfly. Not. Too. Shabby.

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

Sidebar Elements

---

Portland senior Kylie Dalbec helped the Bulldogs girls’ ice hockey team to its best season to date.

McAuley’s Taxia Arabatzis was one of many strong runners in the city this winter.

Waynflete’s Colby Harvey was a record-setter in the pool this season.

Copy the Story Link