Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: William Wilson (Outdoor Track)

As a freshman, William Wilson was new to the LHS track team just trying to find his way according to Blue Devil coach Cathy Harris.  

“He started as a freshman not knowing what talent he was bringing to the team,” Harris said. 

Now a standout junior, William, who started as a 100 runner, has blossomed into a strong mid-distance, distance runner for the Blue Devils.  

“He runs with heart and soul, and puts in effort each and every time,” Harris said.  “He’s an asset to our team and (I have) loved watching him grow.” 

William said he was always interested in track, but it wasn’t until high school when he finally got to participate.

“I’ve wanted to (run track) since I was in elementary school, but never got the opportunity until my freshman year,” William explained.  “I wasn’t able to join other clubs at the time and my gym teacher helped me to sign up, (as I was) looking to get into some kind of sport or club.”

That decision turned out to be a good one for William.

“It takes a lot of hard work to be successful at (track),” William said.  “The discipline it takes to do well, at least to me is significant, and it’s pushed me to be the most productive, driven version of myself possible.  I fully attribute my academic, social  and personal successes and growth to having joined the team and put in the work to climb to the position I’m in now.”

William said he loves being a Blue Devil track team member.

“The team at LHS has a very relaxed environment,” William said.  “While I can be as competitive and serious about the sport as I’d like, it’s perfectly possible to do it just to feel in shape or find a welcoming social group.  While I hope for the track being built to be done as soon as possible, there’s a sense of teamwork you find running against more prestigious schools while only practicing in hallways and on asphalt.”  

William said he has learned a great deal from Coach Harris and his other coaches.  

“I’ve learned from my coaches to relax and slow things down in my mind,” William said.  “I was a very nervous person going into the sport and originally overwhelmed by everything.  But if there’s one thing to know going into track, it’s to calm your nerves and just run the race.”

“Track takes such a simple concept and breaks it down into complex mechanics, training, timing and perfecting small, quickly made movements,” William added.  “The coaches analyze all of this for you and allow you to keep it as simple as running the way you're taught through to the finish line.”

William said he would love to continue running and in college, and then stay connected with the sport after that.

“I’m not sure I’d like to walk away from track once I’m done with school, and what I’d like to do after is start a gym and become a personal trainer for both general fitness and track specialization,” William said.  “I’m currently taking nutrition courses and working with staff at the school to develop work out programs.  It took me a long time to learn what I have about fitness  and I’d like to be as much of a resource for people as I can be in the future.”

William runs cross country in the fall and participates in weight room training at the school.  He is also a percussionist for the LHS Marching Band and member of the National Honor Society.  

“I’ve enjoyed a lot of my classes in high school,” William said.  “I’m lucky to have had mostly great teachers who’ve really effectively taught me to be as academically inclined as I am.  If I had to say a favorite teacher, it’d probably go to my Spanish class with Mrs. Piragis.  Her teaching style made it so I didn’t have to deal with such a difficult language class as so many have, and I’m happy I’ve been able to learn from that class for the last three years.”

Outside of school, William stays quite busy.

“I play a multitude of instruments, primarily the piano,” William said.  “I find the challenge that comes with learning how to play a musical piece is very fulfilling.  I also enjoy any type of physical activity, whether that be biking, white water rafting, etc.  Soon I plan to take on a Spartan Race with some friends, as an example.  Outside of that, I often volunteer at Seven Hills, a company that assists those with special needs.”

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Nolan Tetreault (Baseball)

Senior CTEi Electrical student Nolan Tetreault is the ultimate teammate and competitor according to LHS baseball coach Rich Barnaby.

“Nolan is always the first one to practice and the last one to leave, making sure that all the equipment is set up properly and the dugout and shed look even better at the end of practice than it did at the beginning,” Barnaby said.  

“Nolan also has relentless positive energy for his teammates,” Barnaby continued.  “He is the first one to congratulate a teammate on a success and also the first one to pick them up after a mistake.”

Nolan said he has played and loved baseball for as long as he can remember.

“I got introduced to the sport from my dad who played when he was a kid along with my friends who played baseball,” Nolan said.

“The thing I like about baseball the most is the competition, constant working and the relationships you build with your coaches and teammates,” Nolan added.  

Nolan also said being a part of the LHS baseball tradition is something he truly appreciates.

“The desire to win big games, the winning culture the team has with a high level of intent,” Nolan said were the things he likes the most about the program.  “Along with that is the community that supports the baseball team.”

Nolan said he has learned a lot from his time under Coach Barnaby.

“I have learned a lot of things from Coach Barnaby over the four years I’ve played here from paying attention to small details to be(ing) the best version of yourself,” Nolan said.  

Next year, Nolan will attend Fitchburg State University where he will also play baseball.

“Fitchburg State is not only getting a high level hitter but they are also getting one of the most high level character guys that I have coached in 20 years,” Barnaby said.  

“I plan to study business management at Fitchburg State with the hopes to own my own electrical business one day,” Nolan said.  

Aside from being a CTEi student, Nolan is a member of National Honor Society and Student Government.  

“Electrical has been my favorite class,” Nolan said.  “My favorite teacher is Mr Cote.”

Outside of school, Nolan enjoys playing golf, going to the gym, biking and hanging out with friends.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Miles Phillpotts (Wrestling)

Sophomore wrestler Miles Phillpotts was one of the most improved members of the LHS wrestling team this past season competing at a very tough weight class according to his coach Matt Schiller.  Miles started wrestling when he was in fifth grade but stopped when Covid hit.  He returned to wrestling his freshman year of high school.  

“My dad introduced me to the sport when I was little because he wrestled in high school,” Miles said.

Miles said he likes the rewarding nature of the sport.

“I like trying to improve at it and how the more time I put in the better results I get,” Miles said.

He also really enjoys being a Blue Devil wrestler.

“I like how we are like a family and are always joking around and supporting each other,” Miles said.

Miles said he has learned a lot from Coach Schiller as well.  

“My coach showed me that it is important to give your best, even when you're tired or have excuses,” Miles said.

Here at LHS, Miles also runs cross country and track.  

“My favorite class currently is English with Mr. Oxford because he has a good sense of humor and is laid back,” Miles said.

Outside of school, Miles likes to go to the gym and hang out with friends.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Jamison Bray (Boys' Ice Hockey)

Senior Jamison Bray’s pathway to high school varsity hockey has been anything but conventional.  A year ago, Jamison approached LHS boys’ varsity hockey coach Frank Mooney about his interest in trying ice hockey.

“I told him that it is a difficult sport to just pick up as a senior, but we'd be happy to have him play if he was interested,” Mooney said. 

Since that conversation, Jamison has done everything possible put himself into a place where could help the team.

“Jamison has put a tremendous amount of effort into learning how to skate and how to play hockey,” Mooney said.  “He has come to every practice and game for the JV and varsity levels as a senior and has great dedication in learning the sport.  He has maintained a good attitude the entire year and has been a real positive influence on the rest of our program.”

That hard work was recently rewarded when he recorded his first career point in a game against Hudson.  

“I am very glad he decided to try hockey this winter,” Mooney said.

Jamison said the motivation to try hockey was a simple one.

“I was inspired by watching my friends play,” Jamison said.

Jamison said he likes how different hockey is from other sports and was proud of how his team improved every week of the season.  

“(I also learned from Coach Mooney that) you have to keep your heads up even when things are not going good,” Jamison added.  

After high school, Jamison wants to continue playing hockey in an adult league.  He also plans to continue his education at Mount Wachusett Community College.  

Jamison is a CTEi student in the Carpentry program.

“My shop has been my favorite class and my two shop teachers, Mr. Bachant and Mr. Fontaine,” Jamison explained.  “They have taught me a lot, not just about school or carpentry but about life.”

Outside of school Jamison loves to go fishing and hang out with his friends.

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Ioane Pa’u (Boys' Indoor Track)

Sophomore Ioane Pa’u is in his first year with the LHS indoor track team after running for Ayer-Shirley a year ago.  Ioane has already made an impression on his new coach Cathy Harris.

“He’s got a great attitude and ability to do whatever you throw at him,” Harris said.  “He qualified to compete in Divisionals.  “Not only can he throw, he ran the 55 hurdles, the 300 and jumped in when needed to run the 4x400.  I’m excited and looking forward to watching him in the seasons ahead.  (Ioane) is a nice kid and a team player.”

Ioane got into track because his father ran track when he was in high school.

“I decided to follow in his footsteps to keep the Pa’u tradition going,” Ioane said.  

“(What I like most) about track and field is the team spirit and the competitiveness because it helps (me) strive to be better and eventually be the best,” Ioane said.

Ioane said he likes the competition that coming to LHS has brought him.  

“What I like the most about being on the Leominster High track and field team is more competition because I recently transferred from Ayer Shirley High school which was in a lower division of competition,” Ioane said.  

Ioane has also already learned a lot from his new coach, Coach Harris.

“Something that I have learned from my head (coach) was to not be (afraid to) make my mistakes in practices so once it comes time during the meet, I know what not to do and I’m prepared to do my best,” Ioane said.  

Just a sophomore in high school, Ioane still has time to work on his post graduation plans but he does have a goal of continuing his track career in college.

Here at LHS, Ioane plays football and is in the Black Heritage Club.  He also plays recreational soccer.

“My favorite class at Leominster High school was International Justice and Global Community (with Ms. Grimes) because the class is about problem solving and leadership development,” Ioane said.  

Ioane also stays busy outside of school.

“My hobbies outside of school are quality time with family,” Ioane said.  “I also enjoy taking my dog on a walk.  I like swimming and I like to attend professional games.  I love cooking with my grandma Faye Arrington.  I love taking a guys day with my uncle Brad and my brother Mikaele Pa’u.  And I like playing basketball with my mom, Jihana Arrington who was my inspiration and who helped me excel in my athletic career.”

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Ray Mwangi (Wrestling)

Junior wrestler Ray Mwangi has lived in Leominster for eight years after his family moved from Nairobi, Kenya.  Ray went to Johnny Appleseed and Sky View before coming up to the high school, where he has thrived in the classroom and as part of the wrestling team.

“He has become a vital part of our team and leader for the younger kids,” LHS wrestling coach Matt Schiller said.  

Ray initially found out about the wrestling team at LHS while still at Sky View in a class taught by his current wrestling coach at LHS.  

“I was in eighth grade in my coach’s health class in Sky View,” Ray explained.  “He had a poster on his whiteboard about wrestling.  I talked to him about it and he told me to try out next year.”

Ray has not regretted that decision.

“What I like most is that this team is (we are) there for each other,” Ray said.  “They support each other and cheer everyone on.  These are people that are close friends with me.”

Ray also likes the feeling of closing out a match.

“I like pinning my opponent and then having my arms raised high by the referee for everyone to see.” Ray said.

Ray said he has gained valuable insight from Coach Schiller.  

“He has taught me how to be a successful adult,” Ray said.  “He always drills into our heads about being on time to anything you do.  When you need to be somewhere at a certain time, he taught me that you need to be there ten mins early.  He has also taught me to always do things with a purpose to get better and improve.”

Ray would like to one day go to college and wrestle competitively.    

“I plan to go to college and major in International Business,” Ray said.  “Hopefully one day become the owner of a successful business.”

At LHS, Ray is a member of the Black Heritage Club, Best Buddies and is working towards joining the National Honor Society.  

“My favorite class is Algebra,” Ray said.  “I love math and numbers so any class that deals with that will always be number one.  My favorite teacher would be Dr. Cortezia.  He was a college professor who came and taught at the high school.  He was chill and laid back, but also challenged (me) with difficult questions and work that made me put all my effort in.”

Outside of school, Ray dabbles in graphic design and works the sound system at his church.  

 

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Priscilla Giglio (Girls' Indoor Track)

Junior Priscilla Giglio has emerged as one of the top performers on the LHS girls’ indoor track team according to Blue Devil coach Karen Marino.

"Priscilla has taken extra steps this year to step out of her comfort zone,” Marino said.  “She continually pushes her limits and it is showing in her performance.  Her leadership and hard work are infectious to the team.  I know we will see Priscilla in the state divisional championship this season.”

Priscilla moved to Leominster from Marlboro in 2016 and started running track during her freshman year at LHS.  

“My friends told me to join because I was fast,” Priscilla said.

That decision turned out to be quite fortuitous.  

“I like how the team bonds with each other and how we all have out-of-school connections,” Priscilla said.  “When we meet someone at a track meet and talk to them, it feels like a great community where everyone enjoys having a conversation with one another.”

Priscilla has also thrived under Coach Marino’s direction.

“I like Coach Marino,” Priscilla said.  “She really shows how she cares about her athletes.”

“I've learned from my coach how important it is to set clear and achievable goals,” Priscilla added.  “This helps me stay focused and motivated during my training.”

Priscilla also has her high school plans largely mapped out.

“I don’t plan on doing track after I graduate high school because I also don’t plan on going to college,” Priscilla said.  “But I still enjoy running and I’m still going to go on runs in my free time and maybe do some sprints at a public track.”

“My post-high school plans are to land brand deals with companies in the fashion industry or get sponsored by companies I love and make money off of that,” Priscilla said.

Priscilla also remains an active LHS participant.

“I played volleyball freshman and sophomore, I've been doing outdoor track since freshman year, indoor track since sophomore year, and my junior year I did cross country,” Priscilla said.  “I'm currently doing indoor track, and i'm going to outdoor track.”

“My favorite class was honors geometry in my sophomore year,” Priscilla said.  “I think it was a pretty self explanatory class and Ms. Antonellis was a great teacher for it. My favorite teacher is Mr. Billingham because I like how he’s very welcoming in his classroom and I can talk to him whenever I want and he’ll always be there to listen and just to have a normal conversation.  He’s like a friend rather than a teacher.”

Outside of school, Priscilla enjoys making videos and posting them on social media.  She also enjoys going on runs and going to the gym in her free time.