 Ribbon Cutting Officially Opens New Student Center - After polling the Class of 2011, alumni, parents, faculty, and BA friends - Bridgton Academy is excited to officially announce that the name of the new Student Center will be The Wolverine Den! This name was suggested by several alumni, faculty members, and even a current student. Both faculty and students voted, and The Wolverine Den was the top choice of the recommending committee. This Friday, November 5th, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the new facility. Many trustees, faculty, and BA friends were on hand for the event. After a few words by Headmaster Grady Vigneau, Kevin Jones '81 and George Mullin '59 officially cut the ribbon. Guests were invited inside for cake and refreshments, as well as the opportunity to check out the new Wolverine Den. A special thank you to all who helped make this project a reality, including the Class of 2010, the Class of 1959, the Board of Trustees, the Robert T. Foster Estate, and many others. |
BA Hosts Educational Consultants - On Wednesday, October 6th, twelve independent educational consultants from around the globe visited the Bridgton Academy campus, while making the rounds on the Maine Independent Boarding Schools Tour (MIBS). The group had both new consultants and some of the more seasoned veterans, including a few of the most well-known consultants in the industry. It was a great honor for BA to host IEC group. The MIBS tour was on campus for a couple of hours. They were introduced to the school by BA's Director of Admission, Chris Webb, and then went on a student-guided tour of campus (which they loved!). The presentation wrapped-up with a Q and A session with several members of the BA community, including Dean of Residential Life and Students, Rich MacDonald; Director of Disability Services, Dr. Eden Dunckel; School Counselor, Bob Katz; Dean of Faculty, Fletcher Carr; and Director of Athletics, Joe Sawicki. Do you know a young man who might be interested in learning more about completing a postgraduate year at Bridgton Academy? Our next Group Information Session will take place on Veteran's Day - Thursday, November 11th. The Group Information Session includes a student led question panel, campus tours, and Admissions presentation. To RSVP or request more information, please contact Deb Cloutier in the Admission Office at dcloutier@bridgtonacademy.org. |
 Annual Report Now Available Online - The 2009-2010 Annual Report on Giving is now available online! We are pleased to announce that Bridgton Academy's Annual Fund raised a record amount of unrestricted dollars last year - thanks in no small part to you! BA continues to focus on the undeniable need we have to try and inspire our constituents to give a gift in support of our institution. While the average alumni participation rate at private schools and colleges is 10%, Bridgton Academy hovers at less than half of that. Only 4% of our active alumni base made a donation last fiscal year. If you would like to help inspire your Class to give a gift in honor of your BA experience, please contact the Development Office and we will help you get started! A special thank you to all of our donors who continue to help Bridgton Academy reach towards our institutional dreams and goals - we couldn't do what we do without you! Would you like to ensure that your name is listed in next year's Annual Report on Giving? Make an online donation today, contact Jessica in the Development Office at (207) 647-7657 or email jpriola@bridgtonacademy.org. |
Hamlin Study Center to get a Facelift - Less than three years ago, Hamlin Study Center was the only academic building on the Bridgton Academy campus. It was a hive of activity, housing classes, study hall, and even the BA library. The Bull Pen was never without a student. Today, Hamlin Study Center, although still busy, is probably no longer considered the hub of campus. When the new Humanities Center opened in 2008, the academic scenery at BA changed immensely. The Humanities Center is arguably the flagship building at BA - featuring the college-style Marcella-Sands Lecture Hall, academic support suites, a library with amazing views, multiple classrooms with all the bells and whistles, and offices for the many of our faculty and staff. Although it is still an important facility on campus, Hamlin Study Center, in some ways, now lives in the shadow of the new building.
 Recently, a Bridgton alumnus from the 1990's visited campus, and while here, spent time walking through Hamlin Study Center. The alumnus was disappointed to see that almost nothing had changed about the building, except its age. The classrooms that housed many of his BA memories had not progressed since his time spent in them over ten years ago. And while BA had maintained the basics of the facility, it simply lacked in some of the aesthetics, tools, and technology of the newer Humanities Center.
After reflecting on their visit, the family of the alumnus came back to BA with a challenge. They would donate $20,000 per year for five years if Bridgton was able to match it. The funds would go to micro-improvements on campus, particularly in Hamlin Study Center. The teachers and administration were cautiously optimistic - this could truly be the opportunity needed to help update a building and classrooms sorely in need of some 21st century improvements. The only question that remained was if Bridgton could meet the required match.
This particular question was soon partially put to rest. Within a few weeks of the original gift, a BA family from the Class of 2010 agreed to participate in the project, donating $50,000 towards this effort. Another trustee, so excited about the idea of doubling his dollars towards a facility in dear need of attention, added his own funds to the effort. To date, four of the five years of the challenge have now been met!
A committee of Hamlin teachers and administrators are already busy at work putting together a plan to utilize these generous gifts, and actively working to raise the remaining $25,000 needed to meet the last year of the challenge. Bridgton Academy is very happy that the once premier Hamlin Study Center will now have the chance to come back from the 'land that time forgot' through the fresh lease on life offered by these leaders of BA philanthropy. |
 Calling all Hockey Players - Saturday, December 4th is the date for this year's Annual Alumni & Parent Hockey Game! All hockey playing Wolverine friends are invited to come skate in this fun event. Join faculty members such as Joe Daley '77, Jonathan Lounsbury '01, Chris Travis '06, Garrett Bamann '00, Dave Lepage and others on the ice for a great game in honor of Bridgton's strong hockey tradition. Current and former BA hockey parents are welcome to attend! The game will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by a Shot-on-Goal contest for some great BA store prizes. Join us for dinner in the new Wolverine Den on lower campus, followed by the opportunity to check out BA's 2011 Hockey A Team competing later that evening at 7:00! No longer skate? You're still invited to attend! Catch up with alumni from all eras at this family friendly BA gathering. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Michelle Cross at 647-3322, ext. 229, or email mcross@bridgtonacademy.org. |
 Headmaster and Family Feed Record Number of Steak and Potato Dinners - Fernald House has been busy this fall as Headmaster Grady Vigneau, his wife Merry, and two daughters Ali and Kim have hosted every advisory on campus to a great steak dinner. Advisors and their students headed down the hill throughout September and October to enjoy a meal at the Head's house. The homecooked meal was greatly appreciated by all. |
This is Sparta - Director of Athletics Joe Sawicki recently announced the September Athletes of the Month. The two athletes given this honor for September were Crispin Munyanya and Troy Moore. To view video of Coach Sawicki presenting these awards, click here.
Crispin Munyanya (Manchester, NH) - The soccer team recorded a 4-2-1 September and that was no easy task. With team suspensions and arguably the toughest schedule in years, this group of Wolverine soccer players excelled. At the center of it was Crispin. Though slight of build, he carries himself with a great presence in the field. Running the team from his center midfield spot, Crispin's job is to make everyone else look good. He did that and then some for the month, solidifying his selection as Co-Athlete of The Month for the beginning of the 2011 school year.
His best game of September came against perennial powerhouse Worcester Academy. Coming off an emotional tie with another playoff contender Deerfield Academy, the Wolverines were asked to suit up again less than 24 hours later and take on Worcester. In a hard-fought game, Crispin stepped up and broke a 2-2 tie with less than 5 minutes remaining. The Wolverines held on for the 3-2 win. Overall for the
month, Crispin netted 3 goals and added 5 assists.
It's beyond the stat sheet that Crispin's real value is felt. As one of the team's captains, he has led by example and his work ethic is unparalleled. His play speaks for itself. Often he is the first player that college coaches inquire about. BA coach Alan Aschenfelter was quoted by saying that, "Crispin is the hub of our team. We would be a completely different team if he weren't here. He is the pillar that holds the team up."
Troy Moore (Worcester, MA) - In a 2-1 month for the Wolverine football team, Troy Moore has been the centerpiece of the defense. He looks imposing when he steps on the field and he backs it up with his play. Though he is constantly double teamed, he has managed double-digit tackles in each game. His best game of the month was in his hometown as the Wolverines took on the Crusaders of Holy Cross. Troy led the team in tackles with 10 total including 9 by himself. He even contributed a sack for the cause. For the month, he totaled 34 tackles (among the team lead) and a couple of sacks.
Off the field, Troy has been equally impressive. He has been has been a true leader around campus. During training sessions, he is the first one in, the last one out and attacks each exercise with the same aggression he shows on the field. He was named game captain twice. This is an honor voted upon by the coaches for a player's attitude and effort around the game. He also earned honors in the classroom and the room study that goes along with it.
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Ghost Hunt Hosted at Mass Hall - The BA Ghostbusters visited Chapel the week before Halloween, along with a special cameo by someone (something?) that claimed to be the Massachusetts Hall Ghost himself. Members of Mass Hall hosted a ghost hunt on Saturday, October 30th, in honor of the storied tradition of the Mass Hall Ghost. One of Bridgton's oldest dormitories, Massachusetts Hall has long been rumored to house a spirit of some sort. Alumni, over the decades, have shared many tales, often featuring strange occurrences in the Mass Hall basement and hallways. In fact, well-known ghost writer David Pitkin, recently featured a story about Mass Hall in his new book Ghosts of New England. The story includes narratives from several BA alum's. So, in honor of Halloween, we hope you enjoy some footage from last week's ghost-friendly chapel! |
 New Critter Takes Residence in the School Store - Have you checked out some of the merchandise available at the BA store lately? Don't forget to visit our new online platform where you can order the newest in BA gear! This week our special feature item is the new plush Wolverine! If you have a little one in your house, they're sure to love the Wolverine! Super soft and sporting a BA collar, he's the epitome of cute and cuddly (while still maintaing the Wolverine toughness of course!) To order the Wolverine, who costs $22.95, please contact Faye Roderick in the School Store at (207) 647-7649 or email froderick@bridgtonacademy.org. |
Great Week for Wolverine Athletics - Bridgton Academy athletics had their most successful week of competition during the last week of October, winning every game they had. The Jr. B hockey team was busy as they started off against the Maine Wave U-18AAA on October 27th and skated away with a 4-2 win. Later in the week they played the New England Stars twice and won both games in shutout victories with scores of 6-0 and 5-0. The Jr. A hockey team went up against the National Sports Academy on October 29th, and won 2-0. They also faced the New England Stars and won that matchup 7-1. The lacrosse team traveled to Merrimack College on the 29th where they faced the Boston University Club team and handed the Terriers a 15-5 loss. On October 30th, the Wolverine soccer team traveled to the Tilton School where they walked away with another 5-0 win. Rounding out the week was the football team who traveled to Yale University on Halloween, beating their J.V. team 21-6.
 When the Jr. B team faced the Maine Wave, the Wolverines came out flying and ready to go, which resulted in a 4-2 win. Bridgton took a quick 1-0 lead, when Dean Cavicchi (Plymouth, MA) redirected a Tanner Chase (York, ME) shot. BA continued to pressure down low in the Wave zone. After creating numerous turnovers, Cavicchi stole a pass and walked in for his 2nd goal of the game.
While BA's play got a little sloppy, they kept working, and as a result, the Wolverines had their best goal of the year when Dan MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) got a shot off low, and Erik Burke (Manchester, NH) drove the net and buried the rebound. Finally, on a set end zone face off play, defenseman John Delpadre (North Providence, RI), swung a pass to Charlie Gendron (Boxford, MA) who drove past the Wave defensemen on a breakaway. The defender took Gendron down before he could get a shot off which resulted in a penalty shot. Gendron made a nice move, then slid a backhand through the goalies five hole. The Wave was able to sneak one more goal past BA, but was not able to secure a comeback win. Jesse Little (Freedom, ME) picked up the win in goal, stopping 20 of the 22 shots he faced.
The Jr. B team kept the winning streak alive as they faced the New England Stars in a two day series. In the first game, the Wolverines shutout the Stars 6-0. Tim Marshall (Hull, MA) and Todd Brow (Winslow, ME) led the scoring with two goals apiece. Brow also contributed three assists for the night totaling 5 points in the game. Shawn Kenney (Braintree, MA) added a goal and two assists while Marco Spisso (Highland Falls, NY) tallied BA's final goal of the game. Burke, Cobb, DelPadre, and Ryan Dooley (Topsfield, MA) all added assists. Little played a solid game in net stopping all 16 shots that came his way. In the second game of the weekend the Jr. B team shutout the Stars for a second time in a 5-0 victory. Marshall led the scoring again with two goals. Brow and Cobb each added a goal as did defensemen Mike Peacock (Barnstable, MA). The assists for the night came from Gendron and Chase who each had two, MacInnes, DelPadre, Spisso, Sullivan, and Dooley. Derek Spencer (Rochester, NH) saved all 23 shots that he faced.
While Coach Meserve is thrilled with the team's winning streak, he is keeping a level head going into next week's contests. "We did a lot of things well this weekend, but we still have a lot of work to do. Our consistency is just not where it needs to be. When we move our feet, finish checks and play within the systems, we are a very tough team to play against," said Meserve.
The Jr. A team also had a great weekend only letting in one goal in the two games. They started off facing the National Sports Academy for a third time. After splitting with them in the previous weekend, everyone was waiting to see who would win the tie-breaker. BA proved successful as they skated away with a 2-0 win. Dan Concannon (Everett, MA) and Ryan Kulik (Pembroke, MA) each tallied a goal with assists from Dan Cushing (Wilmington, MA), Peacock, and Spisso. Brad Cray (Raleigh, NC) played in net and made 25 saves for the night.
The Jr. A team also faced the New England Stars and won 7-1. Tyler Albano (Beverly, MA) led the scoring with two goals. Alex Bartlett (South Burlington, VT), Ryan Donovan (Bridgewater, MA), Ryan Menard (Ashland, MA), Cavicchi, Spisso, and Peacock each added a goal to the final tally. Cray played in net again and this time stopped 32 of the 33 shots he saw.
Coach Lounsbury was very happy with the weekend's performance. "I thought this was the best weekend we have had defensively all year! Guys are working hard and getting better each day."
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 Lacrosse and Football Victorious - The lacrosse team also had a successful match in their last game of October when they traveled to Merrimack College to face Boston University's Club team. While BA dominated the start of the game, BU was lucky enough to slip two goals by Colin Nesdale (Cheshire, CT) and take a 2-1 lead at the end of the first quarter. BA's lone goal at that point was scored by Matt Stango (Jupiter, FL) and assisted by Alec Westerhoff (LaGrange Park, IL) and Chris Barney (Cheshire, CT).
Going into the second quarter BA took the field ready to turn things around, and in the next few minutes they did just that. Stango netted two more goals with assists from Ian Farley (Camillus, NY) and Spencer Matches (Sammamish, WA). Storm Stockstill (Jupiter, FL) followed with an unassisted goal. Farley then set up Jeff Pearce (Stonington, CT) to score BA's fifth goal. Dom Crowley (Bainbridge Isle, WA) fired a shot for another unassisted goal. Jeremy Buckley (Norwell, MA) scored BA's last goal of the half putting them ahead 7-2 at the break.
If BU had any thoughts of a comeback in the second half, they were mistaken. BA kept pounding the Terriers goalie. Westerhoff and Buckley each added two more goals for hat tricks, while Stockstill tallied his second for the night. Tucker Drimal (Weston, CT) and Brooks Billingham (Martha's Vineyard, MA) also added a goal apiece.
Coach Bamann only had good things to say after the game. "We started off really well moving the ball for some very unselfish play. As a team we were up and down field and made sure they weren't in the game from the start. It was really great to see that eight of the fifteen goals we scored were assisted- it shows us working as a team," said Bamann.
"Even the opposing team saw us come together and work as a unit," Bamann added. "Matt Burke '99 who was on the sidelines for BU said we were a great team. That's always good to hear from alumni."
Rounding out the week was the football team, who had a long trip when they traveled to Yale University on Saturday to watch the matchup between the Yale Bulldogs and the Columbia Lions. The young men were able to watch and take advantage of seeing Division 1 players compete at such a level. The team was also lucky enough to receive a brief presentation from the University of New Haven coaching staff while eating a delicious breakfast on their campus the next morning.
After this eye-opening experience, the Wolverines took on the Bulldogs J.V. team. Bridgton Academy won 21-6 by using a strong running attack against the Handsome Dans. On offense Jacob Grills (Niantic, CT) had a great day with 14 rushes totaling 128-yards and a touchdown. Hunter Beckmann (Shrewsbury, MA) had 14 rushes as well totaling 88-yards and BA's second touchdown. Julian Griffin (Hartsdale, NY) scored the Wolverines third touchdown of the game securing the win for the Wolverines. Jonathan Winbush (Worcester, MA) the "Wild Wolverine" touched the ball in three different positions for the day. He was a quarterback with two throws for 45-yards, a running back, and had multiple quality receptions as a receiver. Jesse Gould (North Hampton, NH) who is fresh off an injury had a great day with four receptions for 62-yards.
On defense, Derek Karr (Littleton, MA) made plays all over the field adding a few interceptions. A.J. Marsiglia (Berlin, CT) also had a standout performance and Sir-Tay Jackson (New Rochelle, NY) had a few forced fumbles as well as a fumble recovery. |
Basketball Set to Open Regular Season - Bridgton Academy opened its winter basketball preseason with a successful 89-85 victory over the Class Acts, a Portland ME based Mens' Club team. BA started the contest with good energy and solid team play on both ends of the court and quickly built a lead in the first half. The Wolverines pushed their advantage to 18 points at one point, before settling for a 49-40 halftime lead.
The Class Acts battled back immediately to begin the second half and with just over ten minutes to go took their first lead of the game at 64-63. The two teams played evenly down the stretch with BA breaking a 75-75 deadlock with three minutes remaining. The home team held off several late game attempts by the visitors with key stops and intelligent offensive possessions. The backcourt play was led by guards Kareem Canty (New York, NY), Cory Spence (Baltimore, MD), Tommy McDonnell (Durham, NH), and Nebby Exantus (Apopka, FL) while the front court was anchored by Donnie Hale (New Albany,IN), Ryan Martin (London, UK), Alex Dobrovic (Podgorica, Montenegro), and Daniel Franca (Sao Paulo, Brazil). Brendan Allen (Windsor, CT), Josh Altman (Rockport, MA), Corey Shaw (Gainsville, FL), and Marko Varaklic (Milton, CA) made contributions as well. Soccer-basketball standout Ryan Rogers (Falmouth, ME) was in uniform but did not see time in the contest.
BA Coach Whit Lesure was pleased with the overall effort. "It's a start...I thought our conditioning was good...We have discussed the importance of roles; that it's a long season, and we need every guy to be improving...The fact is that all these guys were the best players on their high school teams and now face a very different landscape", Lesure added. The Next contest the Wolverines will face is on November 11th at 6:00 P.M. as they take on Robinson Academy at home. We hope to see you there! |
Class Reps Wanted - Are you wondering if there is an extra way you can help BA? Consider volunteering as a Class Rep. The main job of a Class Rep is to organize and communicate with their class. This year, we would particularly like to see Reps from the year's ending in 6's and 1's - as these classes will be celebrating milestone Reunions in 2011. Bridgton Academy needs the support of alumni - and there is no one better to appeal to fellow alumni then someone who has walked in the same shoes. If you want to work to rally your Class in support of Bridgton - whether to get them to attend an event, make a special gift to BA, or even just get back in touch with each other, please contact Jess Priola in the Development Office by email or call (207) 647-7657. |
Upcoming Events:
November 28th: Start of Bridgton Academy Online Holiday Auction
December 4th: Annual Alumni & Parent Hockey Game |
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