York High School’s journey to Maine’s Class B state championship last month started last season, when the Wildcats lost to Yarmouth in the semifinals, 11-9, despite having a team chock full of talent.
That team had 14 seniors. It was a heartbreaking loss that helped to fuel this year’s triumph, making it all the sweeter for the players and the coaches.
This season, the Wildcats avenged that loss in the semifinals with a comprehensive 9-3 win over Yarmouth, before defeating Messalonskee, 12-10, in the Class B championship game.
“The journey is more amplified when you win,” said York assistant coach Mark Anastas. “I think you need to win the (championship) to really be able to go back and reflect. Because, when you lose, you’re just too upset.”