Seahawks hope to continue their winning ways
Last season was one of the best for the Boothbay Region High School boys tennis program. The Seahawks were Mountain Valley Conference champions with a 10-2 record and finished first in the Maine Principals Association’s Class C South division. In the playoffs, however, the Carrabec Cobras bested the Seahawks, 3-2, in the semifinals.
One of the promising aspects of the upcoming season is that all but one of last year’s starters – all had winning records -- are returning for coach Mark Gorey.
First singles player, junior Cleyton Splaine, was a first-team MVC all-star; it was the second straight year that he earned that honor.
Sophomore Griffin Yereance saw most of his action at second singles last season. Yereance won the team’s first-ever “Moxie Award” for “refusing to lose” and was named an MVC second-team all star.
Senior Andrew Fowlie moved up from doubles play to be the team’s third singles player in 2023 and was the team’s most improved player.
The Seahawks’ first doubles players, junior Neal Baldwin and senior Rodi Mayne, gained a lot of experience last season and were honorable mention all stars in the MVC.
Two other players returning to the team are junior Chase Mansfield, who played second doubles in 2023, and sophomore Harry Hinckley. Hinckley didn’t see action in 2023 due to a pre-season, non-tennis-related injury but Gorey said he is ready to play.
Gorey also has some reserve players who may work themselves up to match play. New to the team are sophomore Nathan Percival and freshmen Ronan Drage, Cole Hyson and Sabine Pochee.
“I have to give a lot of praise to Chantelle Arsenault who has worked with these players to improve their game,” said Gorey. “She is a real boon to the community and to our tennis programs.”
Gorey, who is coaching in his 12th season, said the players are trying to get into playing shape and remaining healthy.
“We’ve been doing a lot of stretching to help ward off any injuries during practices,” said Gorey.
“It’s a great group of guys with experience,” said Gorey. “We hope to do well again.”
