2011 Spring Male Athlete of the Year:

RYAN SALERNO, Junior—Baseball

* WMC Class C Player of the Year

* WMC Class C All-Star, first-team

Every coach longs for an ace pitcher that consistently goes out and mows down the competition.

Every coach also craves a hitter that reaches base and has some pop.

First-year NYA coach Dick Kinsman had those two things wrapped up in one this spring in the form of Ryan Salerno, who was so good on the mound and at the plate that he was named the best player in the conference in his class.

For helping his team make it back to the playoffs, for being so good at everything and for hinting at more glory to come, Ryan Salerno gets The Forecaster’s nod as North Yarmouth Academy’s Spring 2011 Male Athlete of the Year.

Salerno’s first athletic love is hockey. He started playing baseball at the age of 10 in Brunswick and began pitching in middle school. After spending his freshman and sophomore years at Brunswick High, Salerno came to NYA originally for hockey, but has certainly made an impact on the diamond.

This spring, Salerno got things started with a one-hitter and nine strikeouts in a win over Sacopee, a game which also saw him get four hits and drive in two runs. Salerno threw a four-hitter with eight strikeouts against Old Orchard Beach, had a pair of RBI in a win over Traip, delivered three hits with two RBI versus Waynflete, doubled and homered against Richmond, hit a grand slam versus Sacopee, threw a three-hitter against Waynflete and had a pair of hits against Western B power Yarmouth.

For the season, Salerno was a perfect 5-0 on the mound with a 2.99 ERA, batted .463, slugged .751 and had four home runs and 24 RBI.

“I was surprised at how well we did,” Salerno said. “Next year, I hope we go deeper into the playoffs.”

Salerno is playing American Legion ball in Brunswick this summer. He also plays soccer at NYA in the fall. He wants to play baseball in college and is looking at NESCAC schools. He’s interested in studying law.

He was judge, jury and executioner this season on the diamond. Ryan Salerno, NYA’s Spring 2011 Male Athlete of the Year, did it all and did it very well.

Coach Dick Kinsman’s comment: “Ryan had a remarkable year for a junior. He was the catalyst for the team..”

2010 winner: Henry Sterling (Track)

2009 winner: Sam Fear (Track)

2008 winner: Henry Gleason (Lacrosse)

2007 winner: Than Wellin (Lacrosse)

2006 winner: Michael Moody (Track)

2005 winner: Peter Gerrity (Lacrosse)

2004 winner: Brian Chin (Track)

2003 winner: Matt Curran (Baseball)

2002 winner: Matt Fortin (Track)

2011 Spring Female Athlete of the Year:

KATIE CAWLEY, Senior—Lacrosse

* Coaches’ Award winner

Katie Cawley had to overcome a lot this spring.

She missed a few games due to a head injury and had to unexpectedly become a team leader late in the season when several teammates were suspended.

She managed to rise to the occasion, make her mark and help the defending Class B state champion Panthers stay on track for another trip to regional final.

For being a steady contributor and for playing a big role amid turmoil, Katie Cawley is The Forecaster’s choice for North Yarmouth Academy’s Spring 2011 Female Athlete of the Year.

Cawley started at NYA in the sixth grade and has taken part in field hockey, basketball and lacrosse. Her first varsity season resulted in a state title and this past campaign was certainly eventful.

Cawley had a goal in an early loss to Yarmouth, scored another in a win at Brunswick and scored at Falmouth, where she suffered a concussion. Upon her return, Cawley suddenly became a team leader after many teammates were forced to sit out for two weeks after attending a post-Prom party.

“I had to step up,” said Cawley. “I was the oldest player.”

Cawley scored three times in a loss to Cape Elizabeth and NYA finished 4-8, but still made the playoffs. After downing Gardiner in the Eastern B semifinals, the Panthers met eventual champion Yarmouth in the regional final and gave the Clippers fits before suffering a one-goal defeat. Cawley scored late in the first half to give her team a 3-0 lead, but the Panthers couldn’t hold on.

In all, Cawley had 11 goals and two assists in 10 games played.

Cawley volunteers with toddlers, is a member of Kiva Club (which makes loans to people in third World countries) and will be the editor of the yearbook next year. She wants to play lacrosse and possibly field hockey in college and is currently in the selection process. Both of her parents are doctors and she may follow in their footsteps.

Whatever comes her way, expect her to be up for the challenge. Katie Cawley, NYA’s Spring 2011 Female Athlete of the Year, answered the bell and proved to be a great team leader.

Coach Julia Sterling’s comment: “Katie received the Coaches’ award this season for her positive energy, hard work and a continuous effort to be the best player. She is such an unselfish player and when asked to play in any JV game, she was delighted. Her smile and cheery disposition kept all of us in great spirits.”

2010 winner: Courtney Dumont (Lacrosse)

2009 winner: Thu-Trang Ho (Tennis)

2008 winner; Kayte Demont (Track)

2007 winner: Erin Lachance (Lacrosse)

2006 winner: Meghan Meintel (Lacrosse)

2005 winner: Molly Moss (Lacrosse)

2004 winner: Kristen Lothes (Tennis)

2003 winner: Jenny Kendall (Tennis)

2002 winner: Emma Harper (Track)

Sidebar Elements

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Salerno

Cawley