The Varsity Maine Awards is the premier event celebrating high school athletes across the State of Maine. Bringing together athletes, their families, coaches, administrators and communities, the VMEAs are a high-energy “ESPY-style” celebration recognizing the achievements of athletes beyond the scoreboard.
The 3rd annual VMEAs will be held on June 26th at Hannaford Hall of USM’s Portland Campus where winners will be announced.
Based on their coverage of thousands of games across the state, the Varsity Maine sports writers choose finalists for 12 award categories, including Female Athlete of the Year, Male Athlete of the Year, Play of the Year and Beyond the Box Score. The show is truly a statewide event. Last year the range of finalists stretched from Fryeburg to Vinalhaven, and from York to Rangeley.
“It’s wonderful to see this sort of event to give credit to the athletes in Maine,” said Gorham High soccer standout Jackson Fotter, winner of the Clutch Player award in 2017.
Tickets to the 3rd annual Varsity Maine Awards are on sale now. Purchase your tickets here.
Finalists will be announced June 4 at Pressherald.com, Centralmaine.com, Theforecaster.net and Sunjournal.com.
Here’s a video recap of last year’s event:
2017 VARSITY MAINE AWARD WINNERS
Lily Posternak
Female athlete of the year: Lily Posternak, York
She was a two-sport athlete at York – a center midfielder on a Wildcats team that won three consecutive Class B state field hockey championships and a starting guard on the basketball team.
Read the story.
The Fab Freshman: Emma Gallant, Cheverus
After just one track season, Emma Gallant already leads the state with the fastest times and two state titles.
Read the story.
Team of the Year: Girls’ basketball team, Vinalhaven
The Vikings overcome a tough travel schedule including ferry rides and bus rides, going 14-4 in the regular season and then rolling to their first Class D state championship.
Read the story.
The Role Model: Austin Dutremble, Biddeford
Austin Dutremble’s coaches at Biddeford High say the senior treats everyone as a friend, be it a freshman new to the team, a teacher, a coach or a member of the custodial staff.
Read the story.
The Wow Factor, Ruslan Reiter, Maranacook
Ruslan Reiter is among the best Paralympic Nordic skiers and quietly goes about his business. He was born with a limb difference, and his right arm ends just above the wrist.
Read the story.
The Better Neighbor: Emily Jefferds, Scarborough
Scarborough High junior Emily Jefferds doesn’t let diabetes keep her from success in softball and basketball. Diagnosed at age 7, she advocates for research and has spoken with members of Congress.
Read the story.
Male Athlete of the Year: Austin Lufkin, Brewer
He broke a 50-year-old record in the shot put, but Austin Lufkin was also a powerful defensive end who earned a football scholarship. “I am a football player who does track,” Lufkin said.
Read the story.
Academic Ace: Kate Guerin, Mt. Ararat
Kate Guerin has always been committed to her classes, but she’s made time for three sports as well. “My mother’s motto was ‘School comes first, then sports,’” Guerin said. “And that’s the way I think.”
Read the story.
Unsung Hero: Lydia Henderson, South Portland
Lydia Henderson’s coach, Lynne Hasson, said Henderson, a senior, “always put the team first” during a four-year stretch of going 64-17.
Read the story.
The Clutch Player: Jackson Fotter, Gorham
Gorham’s Jackson Fotter, a three-time SMAA All-Star and 2016 Player of the Year, comes through when his team needs him most.
Read the story.
Coach of the Year: Steve DeAngelis, Maranacook
Sure, Steve DeAngelis wins state Nordic titles, but the coach has so many other big wins over 30 years.
Read the story.
Loudest and Proudest: Rick and Jacki Buzzell, Fryeburg
This supportive couple provide underpinnings to all things athletic in Fryeburg.
Read the story.
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