In the big picture of the fall season, the scoreboards were not kind to the Bulldogs this fall. If “winning at all costs” is your expectation, that may sound pretty bad. But sometimes it’s the tough losses that teach the deepest lessons. Perhaps boys’ soccer coach Kevin Spreadbury, referring to his team’s 0-17 record, put it best: “I guess in the record books this counts as a losing season,” he joked. But then he got serious, and added, “of course I did not count it that way, and neither did this team.” Speaking directly to his team members, he said, “The determination and perseverance you’ve learned is going to stay with you all your life. In 20 years you won’t remember this team’s record, but you will remember the bonds you’ve formed through being an athlete."
Isn’t that what high school sports is all about?
But make no mistake — the season was not without its victories. “The Bancroft student athletes represented their school proudly,” said Athletic Director Steve Kelley. "The coaches provided a positive, challenging atmosphere, we had many outstanding individual performances, and we also witnessed our teams getting stronger as the season went on. I feel very fortunate to be able to work with outstanding coaches and student athletes who participate in their chosen sports with passion and enthusiasm.”
Below are some recollections and highlights of the fall season from the coaches, followed by the list of this season’s winners of the Most Valuable Player (M.V.P.), Most Improved Player (M.I.P.), and Coaches Awards.
CROSS COUNTRY (XC)
Varsity runner Page C. had an extraordinary season, finishing 2nd in both the EIL and NEPSAC XC championships. At NEPSACs, in a field of 184 girls, Page was nosed out at the very finish by a senior from Kents Hill School in Maine. What makes it all the more impressive is the fact that Page is only in 8th grade. Overall, the girls XC placed 12th out of 26 XC teams at NEPSACS, and the boys’ placed 11th out of 33. With hard work, dedication, and persistence the XC team improved their times by 1 to 2 minutes.
GOLF
Our Golf team finished the season with a 9-3 record — “The best year we’ve ever had,” said coach Mark O’Brien, who is in his 11th season. “We were coming off a 4-8 season last year, and the kids really stepped up.” The team had a 2nd Place finish in EIL. Out of six team members, two were EIL All-League and two were EIL honorable mention players.
GIRLS’ SOCCER
This team of 17 young ladies worked hard at practices. They wanted to learn and they asked many questions. They supported each other on and off the field. At games they played hard and with class. They represented their school with class and dignity. They came as 17 individuals and left as a team!
FIELD HOCKEY
“Varsity Field Hockey had a positive season as we transitioned to new players and new positions,” said Coach Jane Gerhardt. “We competed hard all season long and the spirit, determination, and enthusiasm within the team was always high. We battled hard every day and saw great energy and improvement in our skills and team play. The team played in the EIL Tournament at Winsor. In the first game the team beat Berwick 1-0. Riley B. scored the goal off a corner and Jennah V. had the shutout. We then played Pingree for the Pool B Championship, and despite a good effort, we lost 3-1. Carleigh O. scored the goal and Alyssa J. had a defensive save.
On a cold, windy day in Boston, the Bancroft girls played hard and competed well as their season came to a close. It was a great day with great parent and fan support.”
VOLLEYBALL
Coach Randle Stock praised the girls for “their tremendous support for each other. They bonded on and off the court. The communication between players was outstanding. This season the players all worked hard in practices to not only improve their own skills, but to push others to achieve each day. We had some exciting matches against Dana Hall, Winchendon, and Pingree.”
BOYS’ SOCCER
Even the no-wins boys’ soccer team had its moments. “Holding the EIL champs to a 0-0 half and beating Concord in the second half 2-0. These are what kept us going and carried our love of the game,” said Coach Spreadbury.
FALL CREW CLUB
Although Crew isn’t technically a varsity sport until the spring season, a recap of fall sports would not be complete without a shout-out to the Fall Crew Club for their fine performance in the Massachusetts High School Championships, where our Boys Junior Quad (Connor S., George D, Eli Z., and Ben S.) took first place, and our women's Varsity 4 placed 4th with a team of Madison G., Bethany G., Mikalea L., Alice K., and cox Alferdita B.
2015 J.V. and Varsity Fall Awards
M.V.P.
Cross Country – V. Boys: Phillip O.
Cross Country – V. Girls: Page C.
Field Hockey: Caitlin S.
Golf – V.: Jack B.
Soccer – V. Boys: PJ M.
Soccer – V. Girls: Emily B.
Volleyball – V.: Anwyn G.-D.
Volleyball – J.V.: Amanda I.
M.I.P.
Cross Country – V. Boys: Ben N.
Cross Country – V. Girls: Megan D.
Field Hockey: Maeve B.
Golf – V.: Joe R.
Soccer – V. Boys: Mustafa E.
Soccer – V. Girls: Emma S.
Volleyball – V.: Kelly B.
Volleyball – J.V.: Paige D.
COACHES AWARD
Cross Country – V. Boys: Collin S., Andrew T.
Cross Country – V. Girls: Nicole B., Duru C.
Field Hockey: Rose P.
Golf – V.: Jordan P.
Soccer – V. Boys: Ryan P.
Soccer – V. Girls: Alyssa S.
Volleyball – V.: Kristina K.
Volleyball – J.V.: Abby F.
Michael Montuori Golf Award: Alex D.
TEAM PHOTOS