2009 Spring Male Athlete of the Year:

GREG ORDWAY, Senior-Lacrosse
* WMC All-Conference, honorable mention

* Senior All-Star

* Boosters’ Pride and Character Award winner

While the Freeport boys’ lacrosse program doesn’t have the numbers or some of the inherent advantages of its neighboring powers, it always seems to find a way to produce a solid season.

The 2009 Falcons were no exception as they surged late, made the playoffs, upset No. 2-ranked Mt. Blue, then gave North Yarmouth Academy fits in a semifinal round loss.

Freeport had several solid players on its roster, but Greg Ordway was the one that was most consistent. His love for the sport was evident and while his numbers weren’t overwhelming, he managed to come up big at critical times.

For making the most of his senior season and for reminding everyone that his program is one worth keeping an eye on, Greg Ordway gets The Forecaster’s nod as Freeport’s 2009 Spring Male Athlete of the Year.

Ordway grew up in Freeport and started playing lacrosse in middle school. He played two years of soccer and two years of high school football in the fall, but really impressed with the lacrosse team in the spring.

Ordway’s fourth year of varsity was memorable. While other players scored more goals, he did a little of everything. Ordway’s top offensive highlight came in a win over Gorham when he had the decisive goal, but he did things behind the scenes all year that led to success.

When all was said and done, Ordway had 10 goals, 11 assists and 73 ground balls.

Off the field, Ordway helped the transition of Geoff Arris as first-year head coach and worked tirelessly with younger players. He clearly enjoys the game.

Ordway played indoor lacrosse in the winter, is competing in Wednesday and Sunday night lacrosse this summer and will play at Wentworth College next year, his top choice, where he plans to study interior design.

The Falcons once again saved their best for last this season. A big reason for the team’s success was Greg Ordway, Freeport’s 2009 Spring Male Athlete of the Year, who did whatever was necessary to ensure a happy ending.

Coach Geoff Arris’ comment: “Coaching Greg was an honor. He made things really easy for me. He was my most consistent player. He constantly gave all he had, in games, practices and off the field. He’s an extremely coachable and likable kid. Greg will make a name for himself and be remembered wherever he goes.”

2008 winner: Parker Chipman (Track)

2007 winner: Luke Charest (Lacrosse)

2006 winner: Kelso Davis (Lacrosse)

2005 winner: Tim Gray (Lacrosse)

2004 winner: Kelso Davis (Lacrosse)

2003 winner: Tyler Allen (Baseball)

2002 winner: Ben Grant (Baseball)

2009 Spring Female Athlete of the Year:

KRISTEN POULIN, Senior-Track

* WMC Scholar Athlete

* Finish Line Award winner

* US Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award winner

Anyone who thinks track and field excellence only comes from years and years of hard work, never met Kristen Poulin.

While she might not have shown up and simply run faster than everyone this spring, she came close as her first year in the sport yielded countless highlights.

Poulin wondered how fast she could run and discovered that there were few who could keep up with her during a memorable campaign that culminated with a strong showing at the state meet.

For becoming so good, so quickly, for immersing herself in a new sport, for giving her all every time out and for suggesting the the years to come might be even greater, Kristen Poulin is The Forecaster’s selection as Freeport’s 2009 Spring Female Athlete of the Year.

Poulin grew up in Freeport playing soccer, basketball and lacrosse. She always was fast and was prompted by friends to try track and field, but didn’t give in until her senior year, where she dazzled.

Poulin wanted to try a new sport and made an immediate impact, posting solid times in the 100, 200, 400 and 4×100 relay during the regular season.

In the postseason, Poulin was sixth in the 100 at the Western Maine Conference meet and turned it up a notch at the Class C state meet, June 6. There, Poulin came in second in the 100 and fourth in the 200. Her recipe for success was simple.

“I ran as fast I could,” Poulin said. “I didn’t have training. I didn’t even have (starter) blocks at first.”

Poulin also was part of National Honor Society, was her class’ Vice President, mentored incoming freshmen, volunteered with elementary school students and helps with youth basketball. She’s playing premier soccer this summer and will attend Bates College in the fall, her first choice, where she plans to play soccer, and yes, run track, maybe even indoor track as well. She’s undecided on a major.

That’s OK. Rest assured that when she decides, it will be something memorable. Kristen Poulin, Freeport’s 2009 Spring Female Athlete of the Year, took a most unorthodox path to success this season. She has much triumph in her future.

Coach Brian Berkemeyer’s comment: “Kristen is a great athlete. This was her first year running track and she came with the curiosity of how fast she could run. She would always do the extra lap or extra sprint, knowing it was the last one that made the workout. She makes coaching a joy. She has a lot of raw talent. She will only get faster and stronger in college.”

2008 winner; Andrea Goodrich (Track)

2007 winner: Molly Lincoln (Lacrosse)

2006 winner: Amber Klages (Lacrosse)

2005 winner: Cassandra Dyer (Softball)

2004 winner: Logan Crane (Track)

2003 winner: Molly Charest (Lacrosse)

2002 winner: Kerry Blenk (Softball)

Ordway
Poulin

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Sports editor’s note: 

As usual, selecting the top male and female spring athletes from each school was a challenge, more so in some cases than in others. While coaches and athletic directors were consulted, the ultimate decision was mine, based on seeing all or part of 91 sporting events since mid-April. The following athletes weren’t always the most prolific performers or even necessarily in the spotlight, but I feel that each of them helped elevate their respective teams to greatness.
Congratulations to all of the winners!