Wolverine Athletes of the Month- Giovanni Clayborne and Matt Gallery

Giovanni Clayborne (left) and Matt Gallery (right) were our September 2008 Athletes of the Month!! Congratulations!

Wolverine blog had a chance to speak to both Matt and Giovanni about winning the award in addition to some of their thoughts about BA...














Why Bridgton Academy?

Giovanni Clayborne- I chose to come to BA to prepare myself for college both academically and athletically. It was a place I knew had a great football program and would let me find my way both in the classroom, and on the football field.

Matt Gallery- I wanted to come to BA so I could work on getting my scores up and continue to develop as a football player in hopes of playing for an Ivy League school.

What are you looking to take with you from your time here at BA?

Gallery- I’m looking to gain more knowledge in general, develop better study habits, and improve my skills as a football player.

Clayborne- What I’m learning about structure, how to keep my priorities in order, and the importance of some things that are sometimes overlooked like appearance, a strong handshake, good eye contact, things like that.

What kind of changes were you hoping to make?

Clayborne- The main changes were academically, learning to do things for a reason to better myself, not just because I have to. That sense of pride you get from being on the football field has carried over into the classroom for me.

Gallery- I’m just looking to improve my study skills and the way I go about getting my work done, and from a football perspective I have been working on getting bigger, faster, and stronger to play at the highest level possible.

What would you tell someone considering coming to Bridgton Academy?

Gallery- I would tell them that it is definitely a good idea, that from BA you will really learn to apply yourself and learn to work for things you get, that things won’t be just handed to you. You will really be amazed at what you are able to accomplish with the extra effort.

Clayborne- I’d tell them that this really is the year that makes the difference. It’s all what you make of it, if you work at it and push yourself academically and athletically it will all pay off.

What does it mean to you to be honored as Athlete of the Month?

Clayborne- It was really unexpected but it means a lot. It means that all of the hard work I have been putting in is really paying off and its great to be recognized for it, everything doesn’t just get swept under the rug like its no big deal.

Gallery- Well for starters I was shocked, I’m an offensive lineman and we aren’t usually recognized with these kinds of awards. It was definitely a pleasant surprise, all the congratulations I’ve been getting from people have really made me feel good, its been pretty cool.

Is there a relationship you have developed with anyone at BA that has surprised you in any way?

Gallery- Coach Inzer has been a nice surprise, he’s a really great coach and I can relate well to his style of coaching. He’s also been a big help to me with my Ivy League aspirations since he played at Brown. It’s been a pleasant surprise to have him as a coach.

Clayborne- The relationship I have with Coach Marcella, he’s always been straight forward and honest, he’s really made me feel comfortable here and is always pushing me to get better. Whether its on the football field or in school. I know he will do anything he can to help me and that means a lot.

On the football side of things, how is football here different then anywhere else you’ve experienced?

Clayborne- The competition is much different, it’s a much higher level. It’s not like high school when you are playing against people younger then you, everyone you play against is a man. Also the coaching is phenomenal, this is the best coaching I’ve ever had it really feels like you are playing college football.

Gallery- The biggest difference has been that in high school you are teammates with guys for four years, here you have a matter of weeks to get to know your teammates before you take the field with them. Also here we aren’t playing for any kind of playoffs or state championship like in high school so that’s pretty different as well.

Former Wolverine Dayne Hoffman '07 Named Stony Brook University Athlete of the Week

Former Wolverine Football standout Dayne Hoffman class of '07 has recently been named Stony Brook University's Athlete of the Week for his performance in Stony Brook's win over Charleston Southern Saturday, October 18th. Hoffman completed 17 of 31 passes for a career high 210 yards, and 2 TD, one of which turned out to be the game winner!

For the complete story follow the link below to Stony Brook University's official Athletics Website.
Dayne Hoffman Named Athlete of the Week

Good Article on Bridgton Academy

The Maine Sunday Telegram ran a good piece on Bridgton Academy this past Sunday. Check it out here.

Brown University JV too much for Wolverines to handle, fall 35-12

The Bridgton Academy Football team headed down to Providence, RI this past Sunday to play Brown University’s Junior Varsity team. Even though both sides of the ball played extremely hard, the Wolverines fell short, 35-12. Big plays were made by the defense—Justin Tervo (Millbury, MA) recovered a fumble early in the first quarter and Schuyler Waterhouse (Phoenix, AZ) had a great first game at defensive tackle—allowing the offense to capitalize early because of them. With 14:06 left in the second quarter, Buddy Leathley (Manlius, NY) found his way into the end zone off the right tackle to make the game 7-6 in favor of the Bears. Joseph Robichaud (Madison, CT) had a spectacular catch during the series to keep the drive going. Unfortunately, the Wolverine defense let up a couple of long runs and a few long passes. Bridgton's final score came from Shane Ferguson (Pt Pleasant Bch, NJ)—a 15 yard pass from quarterback Isaiah Kempf (Thousand Oaks, CA) with 2:51 to play in the game—though it would not be enough.

Head Coach Rick Marcella offered some insight on the afternoons contest: “As a team we went out there and really competed with them, that was something that had been lacking from us in the last couple of games. I was pleased for the most part with out level of intensity; we are just struggling to find ways to win right now.”

The team will have a chance to get back into the win column when they travel down to Connecticut to take on the Yale Bulldog's JV squad this coming Sunday, November 2nd in New Haven, kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Former Wolverine Tom Daley '05 Receives National Recognition at Colby

Former Wolverine Tom Daley class of '05, and son of current Wolverine Assistant Football Coach Joe Daley class of '77, has recently received a number of awards in recent weeks, including on the national stage, for his standout play as a Safety Co-Captain at Colby College.

Daley has been honored four times in the first five weeks of the season, twice being named NESCAC (New England Small College Athletic Conference) Defensive Player of The Week, once being named ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) Co-Defensive Player of the Week, and even being recognized on a national stage by being named by D3football.com to the "National Team of the Week" one week.

The first of Daley's two NESCAC awards, as well as earning his spot on D3football.com's National Team of the Week, came following his performance in Colby's 13-7 win over Wesleyan University, a game that saw Daley recover two fumbles in addition to five tackles and two pass breakups.

The second NESCAC weekly honor and Daley's first ECAC honor came this past weekend after leading his Mules team to a 16-13 victory over Hamilton College, in doing so he recorded his fourth fumble recovery of the season to go along with an interception and six tackles.

Daley currently leads the Mules and the nation with 4 fumble recoveries at the Division III level. He also is tied for the team lead in tackles with 31. For more information and detailed press releases regarding Daley's awards please visit the Colby College football website.

Wolverines fall to Columbia JV in OT 16-13

The Bridgton Academy Wolverines dropped a close one this past Friday to Columbia's Junior Varsity squad, 16-13 in overtime. After a long bus ride Thursday afternoon, followed by a two hour drive into New York City, the football squad appeared tired in the first quarter. Though the defense let up a few big plays and the offense stumbled in the first quarter, the team quickly got things together. With ten minutes left in the second quarter, Pat Daley came screaming off the edge sacking the quarterback, forcing him to fumble. James Shaw was there to recover the ball. A few plays later Buddy Leathley found his way into the end zone from five yards out. Up 7-0, with only 1:03 to play in the half, Buddy Leathley found Shane Ferguson in the middle of the end zone for the Wolverine's second score of the day. Unfortunately, the 13-0 halftime lead would not last. Columbia tied the game in the fourth quarter and won the game in overtime on a 47 yard field goal. The football team will be headed down to Brown University this Sunday to play their Junior Varsity squad at one o'clock.


#34 Marquise Ruffin (Ledyard, CT) makes a cutback in the backfield.


#20 Patrick Daley (North Bridgton, ME) forces a fumble as he gets to the quarterback.


Wolverines #74 Alex Spradlin (Stroudsburg, PA) and #88 Justin Tervo (Millbury, MA) make a stop behind the line of scrimmage.


#50 Patrick McGrath (Everett, MA) and #2 Lewis Bailey (Chelmsford, MA) combined for the tackle.


#27 Shane McMahon (Windham, NH) makes a tackler miss.


#44 Robert Carbone (Cranston, RI) coverts on a 4th down.


#4 Buddy Leathley (Manlius, NY) makes his way into the endzone for 6.

UMaine @ URI Features Four Bridgton Alums

On November 15th, 2008 the University of Maine football team will travel down to Kingston, RI to play the University of Rhode Island. The game will feature a pair of former Wolverines on each side.


Jordan Stevens (far left) class of '06 will pair with Joshua Sundquist (near left) class of '08 for the University of Maine. Stevens is currently in his junior season playing a big role for the black bears on the defensive side of the football. Sundquist, currently in his freshmen season, has moved over to the tight end position for the black bears after playing H-back and linebacker for Coach Marcella last season at Bridgton Academy.




Joe Accinno (far right) class of '06, joins Jason Foster (near right) class of '08 in completing the Bridgton Academy duo for URI's side. Accinno and Foster, both offensive lineman, share the responsibility of protecting the quarterback and winning the battle at the line of scrimmage.

for current player bios click on the player name below

Joshua Sundquist

Jordan Stevens

Joe Accinno

Jason Foster

Former Wolverines Square Off in NCAA Division II Showdown

Two former Wolverines from last years team met over the weekend in a showdown between Merrimack College and Saint Anselm College. Just one year ago they were sharing quarterback duties taking snaps leading the Wolverines to one of the most successful seasons in recent memory. Friday James Suozzo and Marc Wilson found themselves on the same field once again, only this time it was on opposite sides of the football.




Suozzo, the starting quarterback for Merrimack College had recently earned Northeast-10 Conference Freshmen and Player of the week honors after passing for 246 yards and 3 TD, while also rushing for 59 yards and 1 TD in leading his Warriors squad to a 31-28 win over Pace University last week. He followed up that performance by going 23-49 for 289 yards passing with 1 TD and 132 yards rushing and 3 TD against Saint Anselm College on Friday.



In that same game Wilson, now the starting quarterback for Saint Anselm College, threw for 114 yards and 2 TD to go along with 181 yards and 2 TD on the ground. It was Wilson's Hawks however that came away with the win 48-42 and gives Wilson bragging rights until next season when the two will battle it out on the gridiron again in what is sure to be a great friendly rivalry over the next few years.

In addition to Suozzo and Wilson the game featured 2 additional Bridgton Academy graduates on the Saint Anselm College sideline. Patrick Murphy BA class of '91 currently holds the position of Head Coach while fellow BA Alum, Rob Eggerling class of '97 serves as an Assistant Coach on Coach Murphy's staff.

For current player bios click on the player names below

James Souzzo

Marc Wilson

Navy Prep handles Wolverines 56-14

The Wolverines football team suffered their 2nd loss in as many games this afternoon as Navy Prep came into Bridgton and left with a 56-14 victory. Navy Prep got things started in the first quarter scoring a touchdown on their opening drive only to see the Wolverines tie things up with a touchdown of their own only minutes later. Navy Prep took complete control from that moment on taking a 42-7 lead into halftime and never looking back. Bridgton Academy was able to find the endzone one last time in the second half but it wasnt before Navy Prep had already put the game well out of reach at 56-14 which is how things ended.

The Wolverines will look to bounce back after 2 tough losses when they head down to New York on Friday, October 17th for a game against Columbia University's JV Team. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.


#58 Craig Richardson (Revere, MA) making a tackle against Navy Prep early in the game


#1 Isaiah Kempf (Thousand Oaks, CA) commanding the line, setting up the Wolverines first score.


#34 Marquis RUffin (Ledyard, CT) moving to space on the first scoring drive for the Wolverines.


#21 Michael Wheeler (Hanover, MA) runs in a score for BA.


#83 Joe Robichaud (Madison, CT) gets the punt past the blocker.


#7 Alex Monetta (Kentfield, CA) lays out for the diving catch.


#9 Isaiah Quinones (Roslindale, MA) fights off a Navy Prep defender along the sideline.


#34 Marquis Ruffin (Ledyard, CT) makes a move in the open field.


#21 Michael Wheeler (Hanover, MA) returns one of his many kick off returns on the afternoon.


The Wolverine Offense in a huddle getting the play from QB Buddy Leathley.


#83 Joe Robichaud (Madison, CT) makes the leaping catch.

Wolverines fall to Crusaders 25-6

The Bridgton Academy Wolverines lost a tough one yesterday to Holy Cross' Junior Varsity squad, 25-6. The Wolverine defense came up big early in the game with two quick turnovers. Justin Tervo deflected a pass and Alex Spradlin came up with the interception. In the next series, RJ Kelly recovered a botched snap by the Crusader's quarterback. The Wolverine offense quickly marched down the field and in a few plays Isaiah Kempf found Brendan McNeish in the back corner of the end zone from 15 yards away. Unfortunately, this would prove to be Bridgton's only points as they could not come back from a 12-6 halftime deficit.

Bridgton Academy will host NAPS (Naval Academy Preparatory School) this coming Saturday at 1 p.m. As the school's biggest rival rolls into town, this will prove to be the Wolverines biggest challenge thus far.





#58 Craig Richardson (Rever, MA) applies some pressure which leads to #74 Alex Spradlin's (Stroudsberg, PA) 1st quarter interception.



Quarterback #1 Isaiah Kempf (Thousand Oaks, CA) about to connect on a 1st quarter TD pass.



#2 Lewis Bailey (Chelmsford, MA) fights for some extra yards.



DE #87 Joseph Baldacchino (Everett, MA) introduces himself to the Crusaders QB.



WR #83 Joe Robichaud (Madison, CT) makes his way towards the sideline after the reception.



WR #6 Brendan McNeish (Springfield, MA) weaves his way though a collection of Holy Cross defenders.



HB #12 Anthony Fitts (Rochester, NY) turns and makes the grab.



Linebackers #8 Stephen Ferriter (Scituate, MA), #48 Kent Fessette (Morrisonville, NY), and #15 Theodore Fossa (Middleton, MA) combine to take down the Crusaders quarterback.



DB #38 Kevin Sledge (Salem, NH) leaps for a pass on defense.



HB #34 Marquise Ruffin (Ledyard, CT) takes on a pack of Crusaders defenders.



QB #1 Isaiah Kempf (Thousand Oaks, CA) scrambles out of the pocket towards the sideline.



QB #4 Buddy Leathley (Manlius, NY) preparing to unload a pass.



Coach Marcella giving his Wolverines some instruction during a timeout.

Player Profile- R.J. Kelly

R.J. Kelly
Height: 6’4
Weight: 215
Age: 18
D.O.B.: 11/3/89
Hometown: East Lansing, Michigan
Position: DE

WF- How did you hear about Bridgton Academy?
RK- A coach from Colgate had recommended it to my dad who became interested and looked into it.

WF- What do you hope to get out of your year at BA- both athletically as well as academically?
RK- Academically I'm trying to get my test scores up and learn how to study better. As an athlete I'm hoping to go play at a Division 1 school.

WF- Who are your role models?
RK- Probably my dads friend Mark Chaurella because he was a 3 time wrestling champion at the University of Michigan and is now a successful business man. He also has consistently been telling me what it takes to be a successful person in life.

WF- What do you want to be doing five years from now? Ten years from now?
RK- In 5 years I see myself as a senior playing college football, but 10 years from now is a long time and I don't look that far into life yet.

WF- What does it mean to be a Wolverine?
RK- To be a Wolverine is to be determined, and to be a part of a special brotherhood.

WF- What are you looking forward to this year?
RK- This year I'm really looking forward to finding out where I'll be going next year.

WF- What is your most favorite class?
RK- English and Intro to Communications.

WF- What is your least favorite class?
RK- I don't have a least favorite class, but I hate study hall (chuckles)

WF- What is your favorite sports team?
RK- Any team that is #1 in college football that year is usually who I go for.

WF- What are your strengths and weaknesses as a Student-Athlete?
RK- As a student my strength comes in my writing, and as an athlete my concentration and how I can be focused in game situations. But as a student my weaknesses include lack of effort, and as an athlete my weight.

WF- Who is your favorite athlete?
RK- Lawrence Taylor

WF- Do you have siblings that are involved in sports?
RK- My younger twin sisters skateboard.

WF- What is your favorite spots memory?
RK- It's pretty hard because I have two; one was when I dunked on Team Canada in a scrimmage with my high school basketball team, and the other was scoring a 71-yard touchdown as a tight end for my high school football team in a 1st round playoff game against our rival.

WF- Do you have any pre-game rituals?
RK- Before games I listen to the "Any Given Sunday" speech by Al Pacino, and Explosions in the Sky from "Friday Night Lights".

WF- What are some other sports and hobbies you are interested in?
RK- Listening to music, watching movies, and I played basketball for my high school team.

WF- Why didn't you go straight to college?
RK- I only applied to two colleges and I was wait listed by another. The schools I had applied to was Grand Valley and Central Michigan, there were a lot of kids applying and I had sent my application in late. But when I heard about what BA has to offer, I decided to come here to further my football career.

WF- Do you have a quote you try and live by?
RK- "Impossible is Nothing"

WF- Do you have any regrets about coming to BA?
RK- Sometimes, but I know this is the place where I need to be, so I tend not to focus on them. In the beginning, I was homesick, but overtime I'm sure that will go away.

WF- What is your favorite dish here at BA?
RK- Country Fried Steak, mmmhmm.

WF- What colleges are you interested in looking into?
RK- Right now, Central Michigan and Grand Valley State are of interest.

Profile compiled by Student Athlete- Nadjee Harigan Lawrence,MA), who also plays WR for the Wolverines.

Player Profile- Shane Ferguson

Shane Ferguson
Height: 5’11
Weight: 185
Age: 18
D.O.B.: 3/8/90
Hometown: Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Position: WR


WF- How did you hear about Bridgton Academy?
SF- It was recommended to me by a guidance counselor.

WF- What do you hope to get out of your year at BA- both athletically as well as academically?
SF- I would like to be recruited by 1 AA program and get my study habits down once I get to college.

WF- Who are your role models?
SF- My Grandparents, Mom and Dad, and I have to say Wes Welker.

WF- What do you want to be doing five years from now? Ten years from now?
SF- I'd be a senior looking into getting a gym teacher position in my town as well as a coach, and ten years from now I'll hopefully still be teaching and coaching.

WF- What does it mean to be a Wolverine?
SF- Everyday I'm learning more and more about the tradition so its growing on me. Also, I know I'm with a group of elite kids that are all here to better themselves.

WF- What are you looking forward to this year?
SF- I'm looking forward to proving to myself that I can play with kids all over, because I'm coming from a small town without a lot of competition. Also, I'm looking forward to getting recruited.

WF- What is your most favorite class?
SF- Intro to Communications with Mr. Mellon.

WF- What is your least favorite class?
SF- SAT Prep or Pre-Cal.

WF- What is your favorite sports team?
SF- Probably the New York Giants or the New York Yankees because I grew up around my grandfather and he tried out for the Yankees, and made it. The only thing is that he made the first cut, but when it came to the second cuts, he missed it because he had to work.

WF- What are your strengths and weaknesses as a Student-Athlete?
SF- As an athlete, my size hurts because it creates a number of obstacles, but my strengths include my ability to be a physical receiver and my ability to catch the ball. My weaknesses as a student is taht I am a procrastinator and that I put my work off, but my strength is that I find time to finish my work, if you want to call that a strength.

WF- Who is your favorite athlete?
SF- Wes Welker or Brian Lenord.

WF- Do you have siblings that are involved in sports?
SF- No, I am an only child.

WF- What is your favorite spots memory?
SF- My junior year when I had five touchdowns in one game, including a 100 yard interception returned for a touchdown. Also, when I found out I was accepted for the New Jersey State soccer team.

WF- Do you have any pre-game rituals?
SF- I like to go out on the field an hour or two before the game to get a feel for it. Right before opening kickoff I would pray to my grandfather because he was an athlete and we have a close bond.

WF- What are some other sports and hobbies you are interested in?
SF- Soccer and baseball, I played soccer for about 12-13 years and baseball around the same time, including playing both for my high school teams, soccer my freshmen year and baseball all four years. I also like to snowboard and surf and hang out at the beach, and spear fish.

WF- Why didn't you go straight to college?
SF- Coming from a small school, it was tough to be recruited, especially being a Quarterback my senior year. I did have a couple of offers but I wanted to push myself to go Division 1-AA and my study skills weren't where they needed to be as a college athlete.

WF- Do you have a quote you try and live by?
SF- "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog."

WF- Do you have any regrets about coming to BA?
SF- No regrets about coming to BA, but it is tough having your friends all in college, but you know it's the right decision.

WF- What is your favorite dish here at BA?
SF- Grilled Chicken Sandwich or the pizza and the calzones.

WF- What colleges are you interested in looking into?
SF- University of Maine, Townson, and Hofstra.

Profile compiled by Student Athlete- Nadjee Harigan, who also plays WR for the Wolverines