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| Bridgton Academy E-Newsletter | June 1, 2012 |
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Hello from Bridgton Academy!
Campus is bustling with all kinds of exciting summer activities - sports camps, campus renovations, and hiring of new employees. During the summer months, many alumni venture back to Bridgton to visit campus - some for the first time in decades. Memories from the Class of 2012 are still fresh in everyone's mind, while at the same time preparations are well-underway to welcome the Class of 2013 to campus at the end of August, which will be here before we know it.
Enjoy the latest campus and alumni news from Bridgton Academy...
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Chad Walker Named New Head Football Coach - Bridgton Academy is pleased to announce the hiring of Chad Walker as the school's new Head Football Coach. Walker joins Bridgton Academy from Kenyon College in Ohio, where he worked as the Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach for the Lords.
Prior to Kenyon, Walker had worked on both sides of the ball with linebackers and tight ends, as well as the punt return unit for his alma mater, Lafayette College. A four-year Varsity Letter winner for Lafayette, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology and Sociology. During his time at Lafayette, Walker was honored in numerous ways: Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, All Conference Patriot League (Football, 2005), All League by nfldraftscout.com (2005), and Nominated and Selected for East Coast Bowl (2005).
Following his graduation from Lafayette, Walker first played professionally in NFL Italy as a player/coach, then went on to play in the European Federation of American Football in Sweden. Upon his return to the States, he coached at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, working with the defensive line.
 "We are very excited to welcome Chad Walker to Bridgton Academy as our new Head Football Coach," shared Headmaster Grady Vigneau. "He inherits a long and distinguished tradition of excellence fostered over the last fifty years by coaching legends Tom Austin, Lee Harriman, Tom McCabe, and for the last quarter century by Rick Marcella. Chad's energy, experience, and college coaching network will significantly enhance the already strong reputation that BA football enjoys. Chad fits the mold of each of his accomplished predecessors, bringing college coaching and recruiting experience to campus, along with a foundation of respect for academic rigor and achievement. His success as a starting college tight end for Lafayette College in the highly respected and academically rigorous Patriot League is a bonus of the highest degree for our aspiring college student-athletes."
"I'm honored and excited to be a part of the Bridgton Academy family, and am excited to lead the Wolverine football program in a new direction while continuing to build on the strong foundation that is already in place," expressed Chad Walker upon his appointment.
Coach John Loose, Defensive Coordinator at Lafayette shared of Walker, "Chad has knowledge of the college recruiting process that will really enable Bridgton student- athletes to achieve their goals of continuing their playing careers at the college level. He has tremendous knowledge on both sides of the ball, and has a great work ethic. He will do a great job in every way and will attract quality student athletes and help them understand what it takes to succeed at the next level, in the classroom, in the community, and on the field."
Upon his arrival to North Bridgton, Coach Walker will reside on campus with his fiancée, Victoria Hawk. Bridgton Academy welcomes Chad and Victoria! Chad can be reached by email at cwalker@bridgtonacademy.org.
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Jon Hunt Named New Lacrosse Coach - Along with the announcement of Bridgton's newest football coach, BA is also pleased to announce Jon Hunt as the school's new Head Lacrosse Coach.
Hunt joins Bridgton Academy from University of New England, where he has worked as the program's Head Lacrosse Coach since 2005. Prior to taking over the program at UNE, Hunt served as an assistant lacrosse coach, first at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, and then at Colby College in Maine.
A graduate of Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, Hunt holds a degree in Business Management. He was named Plymouth State University Male Athlete of the Year in 2000.
Hunt follows departing Head Lacrosse Coach Garrett Bamann '00 into the leadership of a lacrosse program that has long been seen as one of the premier prep programs in the country.
Headmaster Grady Vigneau conveyed his thoughts regarding Hunt, "Jon Hunt upholds the credibility and trust of Bridgton Academy lacrosse, perpetuating the quality of preparation and respect for the game built by legendary head coach, Mike Fuller and enhanced most recently by Garrett Bamann (BA'00). Jon's knowledge of the game and teaching skills are outshined only by his network of college coaching connections and two-way trust and respect that characterize them. As a college head coach, Jon knows what college coaches need from their incoming student-athletes. As BA's head coach, he will prepare our student-athletes with extraordinary insight, perception, and skill."
"Bridgton Academy is truly a special place. My family and I are very excited to be joining this community. It will be an honor to contribute to the growth of many Bridgton Wolverines and to help prepare them for their future endeavors," affirmed Hunt upon accepting the position.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities at UNE, Hunt has been a committee member of the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Rules Committee, a committee chair of the Commonwealth Coast Conference Men's Lacrosse, a rater for the NCAA Poll Committee, a conference representative for the NCAA Regional Leadership Conference, and the Head Coach for the NEILA East/West Senior All-Star Game.
As the Bridgton lacrosse program has developed and grown over the years, it has enjoyed an impressive college placement record, and has seen many alumni go on to play in the NCAA lacrosse tournaments. This past spring, thirteen Bridgton alumni made it to the NCAA tournaments, a trend Hunt is excited to see continue and be part of.
Jon, his wife Jessica, and their son Samuel will be living on campus. Bridgton Academy welcomes the Hunt family to our community. Jon can be contacted by email at jhunt@bridgtonacademy.org.
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Renovation of Hamlin Continues - As the result of a challenge gift from a past Bridgton family, Hamlin Study Center has been the focus of many renovations. Some of  these renovations are very visible, such as new siding and windows, and have provided the facility with an improved look. Others like roof repairs and new drainage, while not so visible or glamorous, are crucial to the proper upkeep of the building.
Over the past few weeks, Hamlin's newest  renovations have begun. The foundation has been laid for the addition of a new elevated foyer on the front of the building. Likely the most noticeable improvement yet, the foyer will greatly improve the appeal of this outdated building. With two additions being added to the building since it was first constructed in 1965, there is a general lack of any formal entryway into Hamlin. This major interior and exterior improvement will not only provide a formal entry into the building, but needed lobby space as well.
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It's not too late to have your name listed in Bridgton Academy's 2012 Annual Report on Giving. Your Annual Fund gift provides an immediate impact on the school, and helps to support needs not covered by tuition alone. Typical gifts to the Annual Fund support student activities, new books for our library, technology improvements, athletic equipment, and scholarship aid. Help us reach our $250, 000 Annual Fund goal by June 30! If you would like to make a gift, please call Jessica Priola, Director of the Annual Fund, at (207) 647-3322, ext.1219, or visit our secure online giving form.
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Sports Schedule Announced for Alumni & Parents Homecoming Weekend -
As preparations continue for Bridgton Academy's inaugural Alumni & Parents Homecoming Weekend scheduled for September 28-30, game days and times have been finalized for all sports. All alumni, parents, and students on campus for this fun-filled weekend will have the opportunity to cheer for their favorite Wolverine team, and maybe catch a few highlights from some other games as well. Click here to view a complete schedule for the weekend. Hope to see you on campus this fall!
- Friday, 9/28 - Baseball vs. Central Maine Community College, 4:00 p.m.
- Friday, 9/28 - Prep Hockey vs. Middlesex Islanders, 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, 9/29 - Football vs. Navy Prep, 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday, 9/29 - Soccer vs. Kimball Union Academy, 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday, 9/29 - Junior Hockey vs. New England Wolves, 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 9/30 - Junior Hockey vs. New England Wolves, 12:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 9/30 - Lacrosse vs. Navy Prep, 1:00 p.m.
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Bridgton Academy Red Sox Game a Hit - Much of New England has experienced an unusually rainy spring and early summer, which was certainly a factor for the day of the annual BA Red Sox game this year. On Tuesday, May 29th, leaving Maine in rainy overcast conditions, the group traveling from Bridgton - Grady Vigneau, Tom Austin, Chris Webb, and Peter Gately - encountered beautiful sunshine the closer they got to Boston. The perfect evening began with a gathering at nearby Jillian's, then over to Fenway for the 7:05 game against Detroit. Even though the Sox have not had a season filled with victories, they were on a winning streak, and their performance this night was right on. However, by the time the eighth inning began, the skies opened up, creating a rain delay. Though most members of the group made the call to leave the game, the rain had not hampered a fabulous time of socializing and camaraderie.
Bridgton was pleased to host this great group of alumni, parents, and BA supporters: Ben Kindregan '12 and his cousin, Vincent Tofani '00, Ed Scannell P'12, Sam Scannell '12, Russ '59 & Patty Wyluda, Gilbert '80 & Kari Hartman, Derek '84 TenBroek and son Chris, Ryan Mrozek '12 with his brother, Bob Dedrick '80, Jack & Judy Conroy P'13, and Andrew Cohen '71. To top the evening off, after the hour-long rain delay, the Sox shut out Detroit 3-0.
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Wolverine Alumni NFL Drafts -
Three recent Wolverine alumni, all from the Class of 2008, have made it to the top in the
world of football. During the recent NFL draft, Jason Foster '08 signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. At URI, Foster was a four-year starter for the Rams, and a team captain during his senior season. In 2011, he was a second-team All-CAA selection and also a two-time all-conference honoree.
Marc Wilson '08 also signed as an undrafted free agent, and will be with the Arizona Cardinals. At St. Anselm College, Marc was Named the ECAC Division II Rookie of the Year, the Northeast-10 Freshman of the Year, and a Northeast-10 All-Rookie selection. A star wide receiver for their team, he also led the Northeast-10 in rushing, was 16th in the nation for the same, and was second in the Northeast-10 in total offense.
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Skip Bandini '77 Recipient of 2012 Ron Burton Award
Curry College Head Football Coach and Bridgton alumnus Skip Bandini '77 was recently honored as the 2012 winner of the Ron Burton Distinguished American Award from the Jack Grinold Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the National Football Foundation. The award is named in honor of the late New England Patriots running back who cofounded the Pop Warner program in Framingham, MA and is presented to a former player who has carried the lessons learned on the field to a lifetime of service to the community.
 Bandini played football at Bridgton Academy, then at the college level at Massachusetts Maritime where he is a member of their Hall of Fame as an offensive lineman. He was also inducted into Bridgton's Hall of Fame in 2007.
His four-decade coaching career began at the high school level. He eventually became the offensive coordinator at MIT, moving on to assistant coaching positions at Mount Ida College, then UMass Lowell. His move to Curry College started at defensive coordinator for two years, then offensive coordinator for one. In 2006, he was named Curry's Head Coach, compiling a 52-16 record over the past five seasons. Curry finished in front by winning the New England Football Conference in 2006 and 2007. Participating in the Division III Championship Tournament in 2006, 2007, and 2008, Curry beat Hartwick College in 2007, the first ever NCAA tournament win for an NEFC team. A 26-21 victory at Ithaca College in 2008 marked the NEFC's first-ever road Tournament victory.
In 1999, Skip instituted MasterSports, an organization originally designed to provide a forum for coaches to get together and discuss football. By 2001, the first MasterSports Football Clinics had begun, and awards were established for outstanding men who played and/or coached the game. These awards to date have resulted in the distribution of over $110,000 to 136 young men, assisting them in furthering their education.
Bridgton Academy congratulates Skip for the amazing work he has done and upon receiving this prestigious award!
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Upcoming Events-
Class of 2013 Incoming Student Reception (Alumni invited as well)
July 29, 2012
Registration Day - Welcome Class of 2013!
August 25, 2012
Alumni & Parent Homecoming Weekend
September 28th - 30th
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