Last year, Carl Michaud, Director of Administration for Central Aroostook Association and Special Olympics Area Management Team Member, and Mark White, SAD1’s Athletic Director, identified a heightened interest by local Special Olympics athletes to expand fall opportunities beyond the annual day event of soccer.
Based on conversation with Mr. White, Michaud, with full support of the Special Olympics Area Management Team, officially started the Grasshoppers soccer team that practiced regularly and played games with Presque Isle High School boys and girls varsity soccer teams. This year, Michaud saw a remarkable growth of interest with the increase of participants from 14 to 25 athletes.
On August 30th, the Grasshoppers and lady Wildcats met for an evening match under the lights that ended in a dramatic 8-8 tie. Michaud praised the support of School Administrative District #1 for their gracious use of facilities and coordination of games. Michaud stated “Coaches Ralph Michaud and Dillon Kingsbury have been exceptional to work with. Athletic Director Mark White has offered every courtesy to align facility usage and our evening games each year. Both teams displayed the highest level of sportsmanship and competition. These experiences for our teammates and young athletes have a long-lasting impression for all involved. We hope this can continue to be a highlight for our athletes each year”. “We had a great crowd for this game and look forward to our match with the Wildcats boys team, Michaud added.”
The Grasshoppers have been practicing on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the last six weeks. The final game of the season will take place tonight, September 20th at 7:00 p.m. under the lights at the Dr. Gehrig Johnson Athletic Complex at Presque Isle Middle School. “The Grasshoppers are looking forward to the competition Wednesday night. Coach Joe Greaves will undoubtedly have his team prepared for the challenge”, Michaud remarked. Michaud is supported through the 2017 season by assistant coaches Brian Hamel, Sydney Thompson, Tara Cote, Kim Guerrette-Michaud, Jared Duggan, and Allen Deeves.
The public is encouraged to attend an evening of great competition and to support our local athletes.
