Ten Sanford High School athletes attended the 24th annual Southwestern Maine Activities Association Summit

By Brianna Burby, STAFF WRITER

SANFORD, Maine – On Tuesday, Dec. 5, Sanford High School held the 24th annual SMAA Sportsmanship Summit for the fourth year in a row. Ten Spartans were invited to represent our school. 

The SMAA consists of 17 schools throughout York and Cumberland County, including Biddeford, Bonny Eagle, Cheverus, Deering, Falmouth, Gorham, Kennebunk, Marshwood, Massabesic, Noble, Portland, Sanford, Scarborough, South Portland, Thornton Academy, Westbrook and Windham. These 17 schools compete in Southern Maine Class A, and each conference champion is crowned each year in all 28 sports. 

Each of these 17 schools nominated 10 student-athletes from their school. The Spartans chosen to represent the school included Drew McGrath, Jony Hunter, Connor Pickering, Mackenzie Taylor, Hadley Legere, A.J Cote, Noah Johnson, Lili Peters, Paige Sevigny and Zoey McCann. 

The SMAA is responsible for organizing athletic activities for students within the school districts of Southwestern Maine. They put together all team championships and what it is based on. Whether it’s wins or counting up heal points. 

Sanford High School’s Athletic Director, Zach Lemelin stated, “The purpose of the summit is to continue to focus as a conference on developing student-athletes who will display good sportsmanship, develop strong leadership qualities and learn to overcome obstacles to achieve their academic and athletic goals.”

Lemelin also added, “In a discussion with coaches, I wanted representatives from the ninth and tenth grade who best model leadership or who have shown the ability to have a positive impact on their peers.” 

This year’s theme was “The Obstacle is the Way.” There were three presenters, Mr. Ed Silva (Head Coach of UNE Boys Basketball), and Ben Tilton who is a senior at Bishop Hendricken High School. 

Adding on a college coaches panel including, Matt Richards of SMCC Men’s Basketball, Will Sanborn of SJC Baseball, Bonny Brown-Denico of USM Field Hockey, and Karen Henning of Colby College Girls Lacrosse. 

Coaches spoke about what it takes to play in college at the D1, D2, and D3 levels. Including the recruitment process and the life of a college athlete. 

They ended the day with Kaleb Joseph who spoke to the group of students about “The Obstacle is the Way” and how overcoming fear and anxiety will lead to becoming successful. Also, every sport had an award handed out to them.

Paige Sevigny shared her experience at the Summit, stating, “It was nothing like I thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be boring and that the speeches were going to be somewhat confusing, but everything about it was so interesting, the speeches were amazing, and it was awesome seeing friends from other schools making it there.” 

Sevigny added what touched her the most was Ben Tilton’s speech. She felt proud to be representing Sanford High School. Also looking at everyone and thinking to herself that they all play sports really amazed her. 

Sevigny also said, “It was really nice, because we are very fortunate to have such a spacious and nice school that it fits perfectly. Everyone from other schools was wowed by our school.”