New field dedicated
Ken Walsh, director of the Waterville Boys/Girls Club speaks during the ceremony.
Dignitaries gathered for the dedication of the Purnell Wrigley Field, in Waterville, on September 7.
Photos by Central Maine Photography staff
First place winners in Freeport
Huard’s Martial Arts student Abby Dudley, 10, of Winslow, captured first place in both forms and fighting at the Pine Tree State Karate Championships at the Freeport High School on September 10.
Mikayla Achorn, 6, of Waterville, took first place in both forms and fighting at the same competition.
Photos by Angela Poulin, Central Maine Photography staff
Purnell Wrigley Field dedicated in Waterville
by Mark Huard
Major League Baseball Chicago Cubs All Star pitcher and former Boston Red Sox, Lee Smith, was on hand at the renovation site on Wednesday, September 7, for a ground breaking ceremony and celebration dinner. Lee Smith reflected on his all-star career and how Waterville’s completely accessible replica of Wrigley will positively impact the youth of Waterville, statewide and beyond!
This ceremony also honored and recognized Hall of Fame college baseball coach, Dr. John Winkin and Maine native Clyde Sukeforth, a former MLB alumni who was instrumental in signing Jackie Robinson to the Major Leagues.
Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Lee Smith, left, who pitched for both the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox, was on hand on September 7 for the dedication of the new Purnell Wrigley Field Little League complex, named in honor of long-time director Fran Purnell, right. More photos on available here. Photo by Central Maine Photography staff
A special tribute was given to Fran Purnell who coached, managed, and developed baseball in Waterville at this very field for over 45 years. Fran still coaches the “Challenger Program” for kids with disabilities, a program that will be the cornerstone of the new $1.4 million Purnell Wrigley Field sponsored by Major League Baseball Tomorrow Fund, The Harold Alfond
Foundation, North East Turf, Inc., the city of Waterville and numerous other benefactors.
Purnell Wrigley Field joins the Harold Alfond Fenway Park, in Oakland, as the only two licensed replica turfed fields in the country – located right here in Central Maine. CEO, Ken Walsh of the Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA at the Alfond Youth Center said, “These fields give kids the opportunity to feel like real Major League players! The turf not only gives everyone the chance to play but extends the baseball season here in Maine, giving kids more time to develop their skills and learn sportsmanship while playing the game they love. The Purnell Wrigley Field is truly a grass roots community project built on the support of many and varied contributors of monetary and in-kind gifts. It’s a wonderful project honoring the legacy of some terrific ‘home town’ heroes.”
For more information, contact Ken Walsh, CEO Alfond Youth Center 207-649-1824 or kwalsh@alfondyouthcenter.org. www.clubayc.org; www.mainesfenway.org; www.newenglandsportscamps.org.
They call it Super Sunday
Fairfield PAL football teams sponsored by Clinton Variety and Kennebec Timber Framing took to the field to kickoff the season during Super Sunday.
Photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography
…And then, there is football
Waterville Youth Football team member Spencer Minihan getting in some practice time prior to the beginning of the upcoming season.
Waterville Youth Football team member Brendan Roderick practicing for the upcoming season.
All photos by Mark Huard, owner of Central Maine Photography
Area youths find success at USATF Summer Championships
Jack Bilodeau, of Winslow, claimed the boys 13/14 javelin state championship.
Gabe Katz, of Rome, earned the boys 13/14 triple jump state title.
Kaylan Bourque, of Benton, is the girls 9/10 long jump champion.
The Winslow girls 13/14 4×100 relay team captured first place at the USATF summer state championships. Left to right, Jenna Veilleux, Ashley Quirion, Sadie Irza and Grace Biolodeau.
Carly Warn, 13, of Winslow, competed in the 100m dash at the USATF youth state meet in Augusta on August 13. Warn competed in the 13/14-year-old age group placing third overall with a time of 13.67. She has been part of the Winslow summer program since she was 8.
Members of the Waterville and Winslow Youth Summer Track & Field programs walking in the Parade of Athletes on August 13 at the USATF state championships, held in Augusta.
All photos by Mark Huard, owner of Central Maine Photography
Getting ready for some football
Winslow Youth Football coach Patrick Adams, left, and “Big Ben” Thomas practicing for the upcoming season. Photos by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff
Giovanni St. Onge getting in some work preparing for the upcoming season. Photos by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff
Win medals at national competition
The 15th edition of the National Cup track and field trials were held in Aurora, Colorado, on July 22-25. Two local athletes, Jake Lapierre, of Winslow, left, and Peter Mayhorn, of Waterville, won medals at the competition. Photo by Mark Huard, ownere Central Maine Photography
Track and field action
Photos by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography
Logan Tardif, 11, of Waterville, competing in the USATF summer youth program through the parks and rec department. He was a double medalist earning two bronze medals.
Eric Booth, of Winslow, competing in the 100 meter hurdles at the state championships, in Augusta.