Lots of pride is motivating these Indians

They are the Indians of Skowhegan: proud of their nickname and letting it stand alone as a symbol of that pride.

The Skowhegan field hockey team, competing in the state Class A championship Saturday in Topsham, chooses not to use the term “Lady” before Indians.

In that respect, they differ from many other teams. But that is what they are. Indians. Mascots do not discriminate.

More teams should follow Skowhegan’s lead. Each student-athlete competes in the name of the school mascot. One mascot for all; all for one mascot.

Coach Paula Doughty’s Indians, especially those she welcomed as freshmen four years ago, have posted an enviable record since the fall of 1991.

They are competing in their third state title game in four years. The won it all in ’91 and ’92; and claimed the ’94 regional title, 1-0, last Saturday on their 12th set of penalty corners, upsetting No. 1 Cony of Augusta.

The only year in the last four they skipped a beat was ’93. After losing nine starters who won two straight state titles, the Indians finished as EM-A runnerup.

Not even their coach expected them to be as good as they are. But, today, the Indians are one of just two Class A high school field hockey teams still practicing.

Barbara Arnold shares a special anniversary with the seniors who were freshman in ’91. She became their principal that year.

“It goes without saying we are very proud of them,” Arnold said of the only fall team in a title game. “We feel we have an excellent program.”

Paula Doughty’s teams have set a precendent at Skowhegan. “Our field hockey program has established what is often known as a tradition of winning,” Arnold said. “I think it goes beyond mere skill and coaching.

“I think it creates that something from within that our students can draw on when it seems nothing is left.”

Arnold said that was apparent in the Cony upset. Scoreless following regulation and two overtimes, senior Terry Foulkes had the lone goal on Skowhegan’s 12th set of penalty corners.

“It was obvious both teams were exhausted,” Arnold said of the evenly matched game, “but our young women were able to pull on something from within to draw them over the line.”

Arnold wishes “we could capture that” and inject it into the classroom. She wishes every student could share that something extra the field hockey players find to help them in a game, or in a classroom.

“You can see it with them,” she said. “The girls who play are predominently good students. It does make a difference. I know the coaching staff does a good job promoting academics; keeping it in the forefront, reminding them academics comes first.”

Arnold appreciates their attitude toward others. “The field hockey players are known for being very supportive of other teams,” she said. “They are the first to support another program. There is that element of unselfishness.”

Arnold speaks for people such as John Chase when she describes pride in this program. Chase has come to know the team, and the game, better than many, driving them to games this fall.

Chase is not sure he will be at the wheel on Saturday – it could easily be Jesikah Gleason’s mom, Brenda – but Chase would be happy to be there himself.

“I think they’re great,” Chase said of the players.

“Sometimes they are quite a rowdy bunch of girls, getting into the spirit of the game, but really they are very, very good. They are a lot of fun and are very well-behaved.”

Chase is a field hockey rookie. He didn’t know much about the sport before driving the field hockey bus, but he’s getting the hang of it.

“I’m learning some,” he said of the rules. “I haven’t figured them all out yet. But, I’m getting there little-by-little.”

Saturday, in their yellow school bus, the Indians are sure to be “rowdy” as they head for Topsham. You want them to be: Fired up and ready to play.

They carry with them the pride of Eastern Maine as they face a Western Maine team that is no stranger.

For the third time in four years, Skowhegan faces Coach Carol Philbrick’s South Portland Red Riots. Twice, the Indians have taken the bus ride home as winners.

The hope is, “third time’s a charm.”