GPCS Athletics November WrapUp

GPCS Players named to Maine Soccer Coaches All Star Teams
By Boys Varsity Soccer Head Coach Chris Spaulding

GPCS continued its recent tradition of soccer players making the Maine Soccer Coaches Regional All Star Teams. Three boys and two girls were named to the Western Maine All Star team. Three of those players made the teams for the second year in a row.

Senior Back Andrea Ruiz made the all star team for the first time in her career. She was the experienced player on a young back line for Coach Jenn Will’s girls varsity team.

Sophomore standout forward Elaine Beech made the team for the second time in her young career. Beech scored 21 goals for the Lions this year.

Senior Back Jacob Rudolph was named to the all star team for the first time in his career. Rudolph began his career as the goal keeper before changing to a back his junior year at the request of new boys coach Chris Spaulding. After two full seasons on the back line Rudolph didn’t hesitate to switch back to goal when Spaulding asked him to in the quarterfinals of the Western Maine Class D playoffs. He made some great saves and recorded the assist on the game winning goal to beat Buckfield 2-1 in 2OT.

Senior Forward Anthony Simpson scored 30 goals this season to set what we believe is a new school record. This was his second consecutive season he made the all star team. Simpson finished his high school career with 60 goals.

Senior center midfielder Ben Hammond also made the all star team for the second consecutive season. Hammond is a humble player with tremendous foot-skills and field awareness. Hammond finished the season with 15 goals and 18 assists, and finished his career with 42 goals and 48 assists.

All senior all stars are invited to play in the Senior Bowl played at Hampden Academy. Unfortunately illness and scheduling conflicts prevented Ruiz, Simpson and Hammond from playing in the game. Rudolph became the third player from GPCS to play in a Senior Bowl game, joining Nathan Strout and Alex Whalen, both from the class of 2009, who both played in the 2008 Maine Senior Bowl. Rudolph represented himself and GPCS very well, shutting down many of the States top scorers over the last few years. Rudolph’s strong defending helped Western Maine defeat Eastern Maine 6-4.


Jenn Will Steps Down as Girls Soccer Coach
I am sad to announce that Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Jenn Will has decided to step down to devote more time to other areas.

Coach Will has coached a sport every year that she has taught at GPCS and says, “It will be really strange…(maybe this will be a short hiatus), but I really feel it’s the decision I need to make.”

GPCS Athletic Director Chris Spaulding says, “We will miss Coach Will on the soccer field. She dedicated a lot of time, energy and herself to the girls. I will miss working with her on the soccer field. It will be very difficult to find someone who is as passionate as she is about her players.”

Spaulding added, “Whoever takes over as the girls coach has big shoes to fill just as I do since taking over for her as Athletic Director. Coach Will is passionate about her players and taught our student athletes much more than soccer.”


New GPCS Athletics Website

The GPCS Athletic Department launched its own website this month. The site will contain everything from athletic calendars, up to date stats, school records, pictures and more. Right now you will find the order forms for athletic gear, the soccer camp brochure, full athletic calendars for November and December.

In time you will be able to get your answers to any GPCS Athletics question on www.gpcsathletics.com

GPCS Winter Soccer Camp

GPCS Boys varsity soccer coach Chris Spaulding is pleased to announce the GPCS Winter Soccer Camp to be held over Christmas vacation. The camp will be December 27-31 from 8am to Noon.

The camp will focus on fun and improving foot-skills. We want kids to develop a lifelong passion for soccer and develop the skills they need to be successful at the highest possible level.

Space is limited so please sign up early. Registration form can be found on www.gpcsathletics.com


GPCS Boys Basketball Team Sets Sites on TournamentBy Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach Len MacPhee

The GPCS boys basketball team has started their quest for a place in the Western Maine Class "D" Tournament. GPCS boys have played in a Christian school league the last two years. They are now hoping to make their presence known in Class "D."

The team is led by senior co-captains Jacob Rudolph (6'1") and Ben Hammond (6'0"). Ben missed last season with a broken wrist. However, both seniors are veteran players. Jacob returns as the teams leading rebounder.

Junior Than Peterson (6'1") returns as the starting center. He is developing fast as a scorer and rebounder. Juniors Ryan Murray (5'11") and Jordan Peters (5'11"), both probable starters are out until January with injuries.

Other key players include, Sophomore Eric Pearson (5'9"), Freshmen, Sam Whiting (5'6"), and Byeong Woo "Jam" Jung (5'7") and eighth graders Matt Hammond (5'10") and James Rudolph (5' 10")

The team opens their season at Pine Tree Christian Academy Saturday December 11th at 7:30 pm. The first home game (at Baxter School on Mackworth Island) is Tuesday December 14th at 7:00pm. That game is against Rangeley High School.

The coaching staff includes: Len MacPhee and Dave Andreason. Paul Harrell is coaching the Junior High and is also assisting on the boys varsity.


GPCS Junior High Boys Working towards Successful Season
By JR High Boys Basketball Head Coach Paul Harrell

The GPCS Jr. High Boys basketball team is looking forward to an exciting season this year. During the first week of practice I was very pleased by the hard work and coachability of the team.

Our goal is to get better every day we practice and to learn how to play the right way. The team is well on its way to achieving these goals and if we continue to work hard a successful season should follow.

The coaching staff includes, Paul Harrell and Jared Bamford.


Lady Lions Look to Build on Tournament Appearance
By Girls Varsity Basketball Head Coach Keith Dawson

The Greater Portland Christian School Lady Lions are preparing to begin its 2010-2011 basketball season. Last year we finished 8-8 and played Richmond in the opening round of the Class D tournament.

This year we return 4 of 5 starters, and all of our younger players gained valuable experience last year.

The Lady Lions will be led by a trio of seniors. Point guard Liz Garland, guard Andrea Ruiz and forward Emily Strout will provide leadership and experience.

Juniors Robyn Waugh and Suzie Gonzalez are returning starters and are strong defensive players.

Sophmores Elaine Beech, Kim Dawson, Ashley Whalen, and Casey Bouchard are ready to contribute more this year.

Other players include Junior Brigit Keith, freshman Mariah Foss, Hannah Kelly and Amy Russo.

The team opens their season at Pine Tree Christian Academy Saturday December 11th at 5:30 pm. The first home game (at Baxter School on Macworth Island) is Tuesday December 14th at 5:00pm. That game is against Rangeley High School.

The coaching staff includes: Keith Dawson, Dan Ruiz, and Kathy Garland.

GPCS Alumni Games December 30, 2010
Reconnect with old friends and make new ones!
5:00: Fellowship
6:30: Girls Alumni Game
7:30: Boys Alumni Game
All information can be found on www.gpcsathletics.com