Update from WH Athletics

The new school year is well underway and that means Panther Athletics is back in full-Swing. Here is an update on what we have going on.

1) Unfortunately, the Town of Hanson had its risk level elevated to high when it comes to the risk of mosquito borne illnesses. Consequently, Whitman-Hanson will be ending all games and practices before dusk. This ban will be in effect until we have a hard frost or until the risk level is reduced to moderate of lower. All of the schedules have been adjusted through the month of September to accommodate this change. We will address the month of October schedule in a couple of weeks. For the most accurate schedules, please log on to our blog at www.whathletics.blogspot.com and click on the link for schedules. This brings you to our MIAA site which has all of the schedules.

2) The boys and girls cross country teams picked up right where they left off last season. Both teams dominated Hanover winning by a perfect score of 15-50. The defending state champion girls were led by Gianna Cacciatore, Abby Baker, Rachael Baker, & Sam Coletti who all came in together at 19:32. Overall the girls took the top 9 spots! The boys also dominated taking the top 6 spots and 8-9. Both teams play host to Middleboro on Tuesday right here at Whitman-Hanson at 4pm.

3) The girls soccer team began its quest for another Patriot League championship with a hard fought, 1-0 win over Pembroke in the season opener. Alyssa Eaton scored for the Panthers. The girls will face one of their toughest tests of the season tomorrow (Monday 9/10) when they play host to Duxbury at 4pm. Duxbury is one of the pre-season favorites.

4) The boys soccer team didn’t fare as well in their opener at Oliver Ames losing 6-0, but they bounced back in impressive fashion on Friday posting a 1-1 tie at Pembroke. Senior captain Alex Nicoletta scored the goal with an assist from Antonio Centeio. The boys travel to Duxbury tomorrow (Monday 9/10).

5) The football team spoiled the opening of the new football field at Plymouth-North, by recording a convincing 17-14 win over the Blue-Eagles. The game was not as close as the final score would indicate as the Panthers pretty much dominated the game start to finish. Senior captain Tommy Sapienza was impressive in his debut at quarterback running the show with efficiency and confidence. Sapienza connected twice with Jake Walkins on touchdown passes while Chris Ryan playing his first year of varsity football booted a 20 yard field goal which proved to be the difference in the game. Ryan could prove to be an important weapon for the Panthers as the soccer convert has shown the ability to kick field goals as long as 50 yards! The football team plays its home opener on Saturday against Marshfield at 1pm.

6) The volleyball team has a new head coach. Alyssa Brady will lead the team into action tomorrow (Monday 9/10) when the Panthers play host to Rockland. Come on out and support the girls.

7) The golf team had a tough draw on opening day. The team had to travel to Duxbury where they lost to the Dragons 249-286. However, there are some strong golfers on the squad this year and new head coach Brian Dempsey is optimistic about the team’s chances. Coach Dempsey has two new additions this fall. The first is WH teacher Chris Googins who has joined the staff as a volunteer coach. The second is his new baby boy. Congratulations to Brian and his wife Cara (a Spanish teacher here at WH) who welcomed Joseph Ryan into the world on 9/6.

8) The cheerleaders are working hard as they have their sights set on another league title and much more. New head coach Tanisha King takes over for Kailyn Getchell who moved to Connecticut after getting married this summer. The Panthers are excited to be hosting the Patriot League Championships and an open invitational on Saturday 10/27.

9) The SuperFan program returns this week when the Captains Council presents the program to the student body on Thursday. In exchange for signing a contract regarding sportsmanship and overall behavior, students will be receiving a card which will grant them reduced admission to games, enter them into contests for prizes and much more.

10) Finally, the athletic department has two big fundraisers beginning next week. We will be selling the MassPass coupon books which have thousands of dollars of savings for our supporters. For just $25 you get many 2 for 1 specials, discounts on dry cleaning, movies, and much more. If you would to purchase a book, stop by my office or send us an email. The other fundraiser we will be holding is a cereal sale. Our student athletes and many local businesses will be showcased on the outside of the box. The cereal tastes a lot like cheerios and is very nutritious. The best part is we keep 100% of the proceeds of the sale of the cereal which costs just $5 per box. The cereal will be sold at most athletics events and will be available throughout the community. Hopefully you try it and like so you can buy several boxes! We have 5,000 boxes to sell!


Our motto with our captains and student athletes this year is, “It’s We, not Me” – we want to make sure everyone knows that our athletic program is for the entire community. So, check out the schedules and join us at a game. Go Panthers!