Eagle boys bolstered by large roster

LIMESTONE, Maine — The Limestone Community School/Maine School of Science and Mathematics boys’ varsity soccer team has set its sight on getting to the playoffs. Seventh-year coach Jon Hamilton has a squad of 23 players to work with this season, and the challenge he will face is to get the right 11 on the field at any given time.
Tristan Kirk, Brandon Nadeau, Chris Bernier and Michael Mattoon have all graduated, and Hamilton will be looking for this year’s players to step up and take leadership roles.
Hamilton mentioned that each of the players will have to elevate their game and accept their role as the Eagles play a very competitive schedule.
Freshman Tobyn Blatt is a small quick forward, while junior Tyler Simmons will be featured at striker and the duo will be expected to be a top offensive players. Senior Zeb Keith-Hardy is a team captain and will transition from defense last season to offense this year. Junior Ahmed Beshir is an unselfish forward who creates opportunities for his teammates.
Senior midfielder Max Kay is new to the team this season and is expected to do good things. Travis Hatfield, a sophomore, is another midfielder who as an underclassman is showing many leadership qualities. Freshman Alex Sprague will play forward and is expected to grow throughout the season with experience. Senior Sam Kupiec will see action primarily as a defender, but may also get some time in the nets as the goalie.
Drew Emond, another 12th-grader, is a defender who marks well and has good game knowledge. Junior Gordon McCulloh is another newcomer to the team who has the versatility to play anywhere on the field. Senior captain Grier Ostermann is a defender. He has a big foot and is a good communicator. Newcomer Tommy Giggey, a senior, will see action on defense and has adapted well to the team. Junior Joey Weeks is another defender, and has demonstrated a strong left foot that should serve him well.
Junior Bret Morgan will also be a defender, but has been slowed thus far with injuries. He should be a help once he gets to full strength. Sophomore midfielder Matt Hancock is described by Hamilton as “one of those athletes that never stops improving.” Freshman Jacob Hatfield will play in the midfield and has been willing to do whatever it takes to get better. Classmate Matthew Pelkey will play midfield, and may also get some action in the goal.
Junior Brennan Lane is a returning defensive player from a year ago and should help anchor the defensive effort. Newcomer Andrew Whitman, a senior, will be a defender, while sophomore Chris Kenney will be a versatile player who is able to help all over the field. Paddy Keith-Hardy, another sophomore, is a midfielder with good ball skills while senior Dylan Nadeau returns after a year’s absence and will be the primary goalie. Sophomore Anthony Fiori is another new player with solid ball skills that should help up front.
Delaney Rossignol is managing and has been a big help to Hamilton.
“I am excited for the season. We have numbers this year, which is out of the ordinary. The team doesn’t lose anything when a substitute is placed in the game. The team is dedicated and motivated to improve and strive for success,” Hamilton said. “The captains and upperclassmen have made a positive atmosphere for the rest of the team.”