2009 Spring Male Athlete of the Year:

BRANDON THOMPSON, Sophomore-Tennis

* WMC All-Conference, first team

* State singles finalist

When you do it right from the get-go, you might as well keep the good times rolling.

That very succinctly describes the still young high school career of Waynflete boys’ tennis standout Brandon Thompson.

As a freshman, Thompson played first singles, was at his best in the big matches, advanced deep into the singles tournament, led the Flyers to a Class C state championship and was chosen Waynflete’s Spring Male Athlete of the Year.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

In 2009, Thompson again excelled at first singles, reached the state singles final, helped Waynflete win the team title and got The Forecaster’s attention yet again.

In light of his stellar play, especially in the biggest matches, his love for the sport and widely recognized sportsmanship, Brandon Thompson is a repeat choice as Waynflete’s Spring Male Athlete of the Year.

Thompson lives in Lewiston and spends time in Freeport during the summer. He started playing tennis at age eight and upon his arrival at Waynflete as a freshman, stole the show.

This year was simply more of the same. Thompson rolled through the regular season competition, even though it consisted of some of the finest players in the state. He called Greely’s Tom Dillman his toughest foe, but he beat him, 6-3, 6-1, and conquered every other league challenge.

Thompson made it to the singles final before finally being outsted by three-time champion Mike Hill of Mt. Ararat.

In the playoffs, Thompson didn’t play in the quarterfinals against St. Dom’s, then lost only four games as Waynflete won its next three matches to take the title.

Thompson, who participates in Waynflete’s Buddy Lunch program at Reiche, not only wants to help the Flyers win another championship next spring, but hopes to get over the hump and capture the singles crown.

With two years of high school competition remaining, it’s clear he’s yet to reach his peak, a scary proposition for the rest of the state. Brandon Thompson, Waynflete’s 2009 Spring Male Athlete of the Year, has been the epitome of consistency and excellence during his time in green and white and isn’t even close to being done yet.

Coach Jeff Madore’s comment: “Brandon is an exceptional player and an exceptional person. He sets a great example with his skills, work ethic and impeccable sportsmanship. He shows genuine respect for teammates and opponents, always commenting about how well others played.”

2008 winner: Brandon Thompson (tennis)

2007 winner: David Cutler (lacrosse)

2006 winner: Ben Whipple (tennis)

2005 winner: Reid McMullan (lacrosse)

2004 winner: Matt Lacasse (track)

2009 Spring Female Athlete of the Year:

CHRISTINE ORDWAY, Senior-Tennis

*State singles champion

*WMC All-Conference, first team

*Senior Scholar Athlete

Christine Ordway capped her high school career the way it began, on top.

A state singles champion as a freshman and sophomore, Ordway returned to the pinnacle this season, proving once and for all that she was one of the finest girls’ tennis players in recent memory.

Despite battling some of the best players in the state, Ordway rarely broke a sweat while leading Waynflete to another fine season.

She won decisively every time she took the court, but remained mentally tough, a fine teammate and sportswoman.

For her dominance, and even more importantly, her demeanor and character, Christine Ordway is The Forecaster’s choice once again as Waynflete’s 2009 Spring Female Athlete of the Year.

Ordway grew up in Falmouth, has been a Waynflete lifer and has excelled at tennis since the age of 10. She didn’t lose a regular season or postseason match and was only bested once in high school, by Scarborough’s Camille Jania in the 2008 singles championship match.

This year, Ordway regained the singles crown, beating Kasia Jania in a hard-fought, three-set final. She also cruised past all comers in the regular season and during Waynflete’s playoff run (which ended in the semifinals with a loss to Winthrop).

Ordway, who also volunteered during her high school years, plans to play in some tournaments this summer, then will attend Cornell University in the fall. She is undecided on a major and hopes to play both singles and doubles in college.

Whatever she does, she’ll do it very, very well. One of the finest girls’ tennis players in recent memory exceeded the hype and ended her high school career in fine form. Christine Ordway, Waynflete’s 2009 Spring Female Athlete of the Year, will long be a standard-bearer for excellence.

Coach Linda Cohen’s comment: “I have had the pleasure of watching Christine play for a mere two years, but it was enough to know that she possesses what it takes to excel. She always brought her ‘A’ game. She was an asset to the team not just because of her skills as a tennis player, but also as a fine young lady who was willing to help her teammates. Her shoes will not be easily filled.”

2008 winner; Laura Armstrong (lacrosse)

2007 winner: Christine Ordway (tennis)

2006 winner: Christine Ordway (tennis)

2005 winner: Gretchen Koch (lacrosse)

2004 winner: Lily Hoffman (lacrosse)

Thompson
Ordway

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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!

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