Spring Athletes of the Year: Freeport Falcons

Spring 2010 Male Athlete of the Year:

HANS POPE, Junior—Lacrosse

If you appreciate seeing hard work rewarded, watch Hans Pope on the lacrosse field.

While he wasn’t his team’s most prolific scorer, he was a huge reason Freeport enjoyed one of its finest seasons to date.

Pope did the dirty work, winning faceoffs and ground balls and was selfless, setting up teammates up for goals, but he could also finish the job. Coming late to the sport, he’s always working to hone his skills. His energy and attitude are what coaches dream of, and best of all, Pope’s time in a Falcons uniform isn’t finished.

For being such a productive and team-oriented standout, Hans Pope is The Forecaster’s choice for Freeport’s Spring 2010 Male Athlete of the Year.

Pope has a unique collect of athletic skills. He’s a defender in soccer in the fall, runs 5Ks and is a martial arts aficionado, something he credits for his lacrosse success.

Pope didn’t even start playing the sport until high school, but has quickly become a top midfielder and faceoff specialist. He played offense and defense and rarely left the field, even taking part in man-up and man-down situations.

In just his second varsity season, Pope finished with 15 goals, 10 assists and won 78 ground balls, often off draw wins, which then set up the offense.

His offensive highlights included two goals and two assists in a win over Lake Region, and setting up the overtime game-winner in Freeport’s most exciting victory, a 14-13 home win over Greely. Pope and his teammates hoped to play in a first-ever regional final, but instead suffered an agonizing overtime loss at St. Dom’s in the Eastern B semifinals.

Pope plays year-round with Maine Premier Lacrosse. He would like play in college and has begun the process of selecting a school.

If he continues his impressive upward track, his senior season promises to be something special. Hans Pope, Freeport’s Spring 2010 Male Athlete of the Year, already has quite the resume, but isn’t close to being finished.

Coach Geoff Arris’ comment: “In only his second season playing, Hans is clearly the most improved player on our squad. He’s probably one of the hardest workers I’ve coached or played with. He does it all for us. He’s an animal on ground balls. He’s the guy we look to get team fired up and bring it to the next level. His love of the game is very apparent. It’s a real joy as a coach to see his dedication and work ethic. I’m extremely proud of him.”

2009 winner: Greg Ordway (Lacrosse)

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)

Spring 2010 Female Athlete of the Year:

LUCY WHITACRE, Senior—Lacrosse

* WMC All-Conference, second team

* Senior All-Star

* Team captain

Freeport’s girls’ lacrosse team wasn’t able to make it to the postseason this spring, but the Falcons were competitive from start to finish.

A team with several strong athletes, the Falcons got a superb effort this year from senior Lucy Whitacre, who was a top scoring threat and a team leader, qualities which earned her postseason acclaim.

Here’s some more. For showing myriad skills and helping her team make life difficult for the opposition, for being willing to do different things on the field and for being a strong team leader, Lucy Whitacre is The Forecaster’s choice for Freeport’s Spring 2010 Female Athlete of the Year.

Whitacre came to Freeport in the sixth grade, which is when she started to play lacrosse. She played four years on the varsity team at midfield and attack. This spring, Whitacre had two goals against eventual state champion North Yarmouth Academy, two in a win over Fryeburg, four in a victory over Camden, two in a win over Lincoln, three in a loss to Wells and two goals and two assists in her final game, a win over Fryeburg.

Through it all, her size, skill and athleticism were almost impossible for the opposition to match up with, while her willingness to help her teammates and flexibility made her a coach’s wish come true.

Whitacre made the all-conference team and took part in the Senior All-Star Game.

She also played basketball at Freeport, was a member of Student Council and National Honor Society and is very fond of art. Next year, Whitacre will attend Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. She’s undecided on a major.

Whatever she chooses, her future is very bright. Lucy Whitacre, Freeport’s Spring 2010 Female Athlete of the Year, won’t be easy to replace, on the field or off.

Coach Karin Kurry’s comment: “Lucy has been a pleasure. She’s a really nice kid who’s always willing to try new things. She really became more of a defensive presence even though she’s an offensive leader. As a captain, she helped the young kids feel like part of the team.”

2009 winner: Kristen Poulin (Track)

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)

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