Laverdiere

Laverdiere

Langenbach

Langenbach

MALE:

LUKE LAVERDIERE, Junior-Cross country

• Class B individual state champion

• Foot Locker Regional qualifier

• New England meet qualifier

• All-state

• WMC All-Conference, first-team

Laverdiere enjoyed a nearly flawless season, even by his lofty standards, and he continued to cement his name as one of the state’s best runners, one whose legend is only going to grow.

Laverdiere started running in the fourth grade and played many sports at a young age, but by high school, he focused strictly on running and made an immediate impact.

As a freshman in cross country, Laverdiere was fourth at regionals and seventh at states. He came in fourth in the two-mile indoors and fourth in the two-mile in the outdoor season. Laverdiere was 11th in the state in cross country as a sophomore, then won the mile indoors and both the 800 and the mile outdoors.

This fall, Laverdiere took it to another level, winning his first cross country crown. Laverdiere finished first in every regular season race, including the Festival of Champions (15 minutes, 33.84 seconds). He didn’t run at the Western Maine Conference championship meet, but was first at the Class B South regional championship (in 16:13.34) and won the Class B individual title with a time of 15:49.59, helping the Clippers place fourth as a team. Laverdiere went on to post the 38th-best time (16:35.3) at the Foot Locker Northeast regional meet in New York to cap his stellar season.

“I had a better mindset this year,” Laverdiere said. “I was more confident. I enjoyed helping my team.”

Laverdiere also belongs to Yarmouth’s Student Senate, is a Clipper Buddy and started a political club. He wants to run at the Division I level in college and will have a lot of schools hoping he’ll suit up for them.

First though, he has what promises to be successful indoor and outdoor track seasons, followed by one more year of cross country dominance. Luke Laverdiere, Yarmouth’s Fall Male Athlete of the Year, has made a name for himself not just in Maine, but at a national level and we haven’t heard the last of his dominance.

Coach Bob Morse’s comment: “Luke always has a game plan. He knows that his success for the fall begins in June. He’s able to log a lot of miles under his running shoes during the summer and therefore build a solid running base. When cross country season begins, Luke brings inspiration and enthusiasm to his coaches, as well as the team. Luke has learned how to set and obtain his goals. I’ve truly enjoyed working with Luke this season and watching him reach his goal of being Class B champion.”

Prior winners:

2015 Jack Snyder (football)

2014 Adam LaBrie (soccer)

2013 Chandler Smith (soccer)

2012 Red DeSmith (golf)

2011 Chris Knaub (soccer)

2010 Luke Pierce (soccer)

2009 Eric Estabrook (football)

2008 Johnny Murphy (soccer)

2007 Johnny Murphy (soccer)

2006 Cody Lapointe (soccer)

2005 Tim Murphy (soccer)

2004 Justin Morrill (soccer)

2003 Pat Gildart (soccer)

2002 Greg Abbot (soccer)

2001 Eoin Lynch (soccer)

FEMALE:

CORY LANGENBACH, Senior-Soccer

• Class B South, regional all-star

• WMC Division I all-star, first-team

• All-Academic

• Senior all-star

• Captain

Langenbach was the quiet hero on a team that loudly made history this fall. She was the anchor in the midfield and played a pivotal role in helping the Clippers win their first championship in 13 years.

Langenbach grew up in Yarmouth started playing and loving soccer at a young age.

“I love the team aspect of soccer,” Langenbach said. “Connecting with teammates and coaches.”

Langenbach made the Clippers varsity as a freshman. She and her longtime teammates were successful throughout high school, but prior to this fall, hadn’t been able to break through and win a championship.

This fall, the Clippers finished the job and Langenbach played an integral role.

On a team loaded with talent, Langenbach saw more time on the pitch than anyone and while her stats were modest due to her midfield position, she helped Yarmouth score goals and frustrate the opposition in equal measure.

Langenbach had a goal in a tie versus York, another in a win over Lake Region, assisted a goal in a victory at Falmouth and scored in a win over Gray-New Gloucester. Langenbach also helped the Clippers defense allow just nine goals in 14 regular season games as Yarmouth posted its best ever regular season mark (12-1-1).

“I like the role of setting up other players,” Langenbach said. “I like seeing things come together.”

As the top seed for the Class B South playoffs, the Clippers got to the regional final against defending champion Greely, where Langenbach had her moment to shine. She scored a goal to give Yarmouth an early lead, added an assist on a corner kick and after the Rangers pulled within a goal, iced the victory with a second goal.

The Clippers then erupted late to beat Waterville, 3-1, in the Class B Final to win a state championship for the first time in 13 years.

“It was an awesome senior year,” Langenbach said. “I’d dreamed of winning it as a senior. The seniors had played together since middle school. I was lucky to be surrounded by amazing players and supportive coaches.”

Langenbach is also a key member of an ascendant girls’ basketball team and a girls’ lacrosse squad that has been in the state final three years running. She belongs to Yarmouth’s Student Senate, Acting Locally Club and is a Clipper Buddy. She was undecided on college at press time, but may play soccer at the next level.

She won’t be forgotten at this one. Cory Langenbach, Yarmouth’s Fall Female Athlete of the Year, rode her hard work and unselfish nature to a memorable and rewarding finish to her high school career.

Coach Josh Thornton’s comment: “Cory was vital to the team’s success. She played more minutes then anyone else and the reason for this was two-fold. Cory’s fitness level is untouchable and her consistency on the field in nearly all areas is fantastic. Cory has the ability to defend with grit, to attack with venom and to always find a good option when on the ball. Perhaps the most important thing she brings to any team though is her attitude. Cory works as hard as she can every minute she plays and her training attitude is the same as her game day attitude. I believe her energy is infectious. She’s been a pleasure to work with and I think myself very lucky that I had her this year. She will be missed.”

Prior winners:

2015 Tori Messina (field hockey)

2014 Kallie Hutchinson (field hockey)

2013 Grace Mallett (volleyball)

2012 Monica Austin (golf)

2011 Suzanne Driscoll (volleyball)

2010 Natalie Salmon (soccer)

2009 Kate Darrell (volleyball)

2008 Mariah Martin (field hockey)

2007 Anna Makaretz (cross country)

2006 Nicole Simmonds (soccer)

2005 Shannon Gildart (soccer)

2004 Melissa Moylan (soccer)

2003 Stephanie Whittaker (soccer)

2002 Karen Thorp (cross country)

2001 Danielle McGee (field hockey)

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