Down 1-0 at halftime on a dreary Monday, the Gorham field hockey team was in need of a little emotional boost. The Rams received their spark in the form of a rap, delivered by Ken Templeton.

An English teacher at Gorham High School, Templeton was chosen by senior Danielle Moody to be the team’s “honorary coach” for their game against Kennebunk. Each senior on the team chose a faculty member to fill that role for a home game this year.

“He’s really funny,” said Moody, a student of Templeton’s, “so I thought he’d be good to get us pumped up for our last home game.”

Wearing a specially-made, purple tie-dye shirt that said “Gorham Field Hockey” across the front and his name on the back, Templeton was on the sideline cheering on the girls throughout the game. He displayed the same enthusiasm that is evident when he’s coaching the boys lacrosse team.

At the intermission, Templeton joined the team as they gathered on the field and loosened the players up by rapping some lyrics he’d written a short time earlier. His verse encouraged the squad and said they’d win because “we own this grass!”

The Rams went out and scored a pair of second-half goals for the victory.