OWEN DAWSON, Senior – Nordic skiing
* WMC Nordic all-star
* WMC All-Academic
Dawson parlayed a new attitude about Nordic skiing into a triumphant campaign this winter, as he saved his best performances for last.
Dawson made a leap up the standings as a junior, placing second to teammate Teo Steverlynck-Horne in the freestyle and fourth in the classic, helping the Falcons win the Class B team title.
After placing 10th at the Class B state cross country championships in the fall, this winter, Dawson took his skills to another level.
“When Owen was freshman, he was much more interested in going off jumps on his skis and he made himself scarce for all workouts,” said Freeport coach Jessica Marion. “He has shown an incredible focus and dedication to Nordic in the past two years. Last year, I think helped inspire him to focus and see what he could achieve.”
What Dawson, the lone senior on the roster, achieved was dominance, as he was again second in the freestyle (in 14 minutes, 13.7 seconds) and fourth in the classical (16:53.8), good for fourth in the pursuit standings.
Owen Dawson, Freeport’s Winter Athlete of the Year, had a senior season to remember as he kept the Falcons among the top contenders in the conference and the state.
Coach Jessica Marion’s comment: “Owen is an impressive athlete who has really dialed his focus in the past year. I perceived that he was feeling confident and had big goals this season. He exudes an impressive confidence and maturity this year. Nerves don’t seem to get in his way. He just focuses and goes out there and does his thing. Lastly, he has a reflective side that has helped him learn from experiences that didn’t turn out as well as expected. He seems able to process setbacks, like non-perfect kick wax, sickness, pacing miscalculations, by talking through them with his coaches and others so that he can learn while not getting too down on himself or others. It has been really fun seeing the evolution of Owen as a student-athlete and leader.”
Previous winners:
• 2023-24 Teo Steverlyck-Horne (Nordic skiing)
* 2022-23 Henry Horne (indoor track/Nordic skiing)
* 2021-22 Brian Brogan (swimming)
* 2020-21 Colby Arsenault (basketball)
* 2019-20 Caleb Hunter (skiing)
• 2018-19 Toby Holt (basketball)
• 2017-18 Toby Holt (basketball)
• 2016-17 Yacob Olins (skiing)
• 2015-16 Henry Jaques (track)
• 2014-15 Blake Enrico (skiing)
• 2013-14 Harrison Stivers (track)
• 2012-13 Ryder Bennell (skiing)
• 2011-12 Taylor Saucier (track)
• 2010-11 Ryan Collet (skiing)
• 2009-10 Ryan Collet (skiing)
• 2008-09 Jon Klages (basketball)
• 2007-08 Reid Christian (basketball)
• 2006-07 Danny Mehler (basketball)
• 2005-06 Nate Fuller (skiing)
• 2004-05 Dan Sandberg (skiing)
• 2003-04 Kegan Pettit (hockey)
• 2002-03 Frank Roy (skiing)
• 2001-02 Griff Leach (skiing)
MADDIE CORMIER, Senior – Basketball
- WMC Class A/B all-star, first-team
* WMC All-Academic
Cormier brought tenacity and consistent excellence to the floor for the Falcons, who got better and better as the season progressed.
Cormier saw limited time as a freshman, but as a sophomore, she played a bigger role and helped Freeport reach the semifinals. As a junior, Cormier was named a second-team league all-star and this past season, she brought her best her every night.
Cormier wound up averaging 14 points, eight rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3 assists per game, while making 78 percent of her foul shots.
Highlights included nine points and 15 rebounds in an early loss to reigning Class A champion Brunswick, 19 points in a win over Lewiston, 18 points in a loss to eventual Class A state champion Mt. Ararat, 18 points in a win over Fryeburg, 16 in a victory over York, 16 more in a win over Gardiner, 22 points in a victory over Falmouth and 13 points in a second loss to Mt. Ararat.
Cormier was injured and couldn’t play in Freeport’s 45-26 loss to Brunswick in the quarterfinals.
Maddie Cormier, Freeport’s Winter Athlete of the Year, was invaluable and could do it all. Her shoes will be hard to fill.
Coach Joel Rogers’ comment: “Maddie is one of the top five hardest working practice players I’ve ever coached. She made the team better. She went to the next level helping and showing the underclassmen fundamentals and correct execution for each drill or play. She has the best mid-range jump shot I’ve coached. She played all five positions for us, point guard, shooting guard, outlet forward, power forward and center.”
Previous winners:
• 2023-24 Rosie St. Cyr (Alpine skiing)
* 2022-23 Angel Pillsbury (basketball)
* 2021-22 Mason Baker-Schlendering (basketball)
* 2020-21 Rachel Wall (basketball)
• 2019-20 Caroline Smith (basketball)
• 2018-19 Caroline Smith (basketball)
• 2017-18 Allie Goodman (basketball)
• 2016-17 Lily Horne (skiing)
• 2015-16 Lily Johnston (skiing)
• 2014-15 Emily Johnson (hockey)
• 2013-14 Nina Davenport (basketball)
• 2012-13 Nina Davenport (basketball)
• 2011-12 Elly Bengtsson (skiing)
• 2010-11 Elly Bengtsson (skiing)
• 2009-10 Adrian Baker (track)
• 2008-09 Molly Susla (skiing)
• 2007-08 Adrian Baker (track)
• 2006-07 Abby Fuller (swimming)
• 2005-06 Lucy Garrec (skiing)
• 2004-05 Logan Crane (track)
• 2003-04 Logan Crane (track)
• 2002-03 Jessica Harold (skiing)
• 2001-02 Molly Pierce (skiing)
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