Athlete of the Month: October 2016
October 31, 2016
Connor Hasselman dribbles the ball down the field.
Connor Hasselman
Sport: “Fútball”
Grade: “8+5-1,” according to Hasselman. In other words, he’s a senior.
Connor Hasselman has been playing soccer since he was four years old. As a member of the Orono varsity boys soccer team, he plays defense. This will be Connor’s last season on the soccer field as he wants to focus on academics in college.
He keeps things goofy,
— Colin Sim
Hasselman has helped lead the boys through an undefeated season as they head into sections.
Soccer is a team sport so being comfortable with and trusting teammates is a big part of having a successful team. The boys soccer team is known for their famous section haircuts. Hasselman is currently sporting a nice shaved head with a tuft of hair in the front. There is much more to the soccer team than just their success on the field.
“Bonding activities are the best part. Team sleepovers and messing with Reese the freshman really bring us together,” Hasselman said.
As Hasselman looks back on his final season on the soccer field he recalls his favorite memory.
“My favorite memory is going to the bathroom with Guy and Spencer during the second half of a game and then eating it on the cement on the way back. It was hilarious,” Hassleman said.
Connor can always bring a smile to his teammates faces. He keeps practices light and sometimes gets things off track, but when it comes to game time Connor puts his game face on.
“He keeps things goofy throughout the season,” junior Colin Sim said.
Alison Tallen
Sport: Swimming
Grade: 12
Senior Alison Tallen has been swimming since she was 10. Over the years Alison has swam all the events, but her main events are 100 meter butterfly and 100 meter backstroke. She plans to continue to swim in college, but is not sure where yet.
The Orono girls team is off to a good start. Tallen is pleased with how their season is going so far as they head into sections.
Alison definitely the most energetic on the team,
— Geneva Berrett
“We are meeting our goals as a team and it is definitely better than last year,” Tallen said.
Even though swimming is an individual sport, the team is a big part of the season. They are there to pick you up when you are down and there to pump you up before races.
“We are so close it’s like a mini family,” Tallen said.
When it comes down to it, it’s just Alison in the pool. She has to be mentally and physically prepared for her races. Pre-race rituals are a big part of being prepared.
“I listen to “I write sins not tragedies” by Panic at the Disco and I slap myself,” Tallen said.
The swim team has seen a lot of success this season, partially due to Tallen’s success. She has had an incredible season as she heads into the final weeks of her season.
“Alison is definitely the most energetic on the team. She always finds a way to bring the team together. She is such an inspiration for everyone on the team, not only for her amazing swimming but also for her outgoing spirit and positive energy,” freshman Geneva Barrett said.
Watch for Alison and the rest of the Orono Swim and Dive Team as they head into their sections Nov. 10 – 11.