WATERVILLE--The 2008 Maine Games, presented by the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, wrapped up the local portion of it's annual sports festival over the weekend with three events, which brought hundreds of athletes and their families to the area for the second straight year. The MMCC became the presenting sponsor this year to help the Maine Games promote events and opportunities for sponsorship, volunteerism, and to help the statewide multi-event Olympic-style sports festival become established in the area. Already many local businesses have helped and contributed to the event, such as the Holiday Inn, the City of Waterville, the Alfond Youth Center, Colby College, SBS Carbon Copy, the Morning Sentinel, Champions, Waterville Main Street, Valley Distributors, Golden Pond Wealth Management, Inland Hospital, Ursus Media Productions, and gold-medal sponsor New Balance. Local residents Jim Delorie, of the Alfond Youth Center; Chris Levesque from Time Warner Cable; and Janice Kassman, from Colby College have all joined the Maine Games Board of directors in the past year.

Despite threatening weather forecasts, Saturday's high school field hockey tournament was played at the Bill Alfond Field at Colby College with 13 teams from Bangor to York County competing for Maine Games gold, silver, and bronze medals. Skowhegan took the top spot on the podium, while a team from Cony High School grabbed the silver, and Leavitt took home the bronze medal. The event was presented by Golden Pond Wealth Management, and sponsored in part by Colby College, Valley Distributors, and Longstreth Field Hockey. Once again a half dozen of Maine's top field hockey officials presided over the competition; all as volunteers. MaineGeneral Hospital provided the athletic trainers for this event. Colby's women's field hockey coach, Amy Bernathez ran a flawless tournament for the second straight year as commissioner. Maine Games executive director, Jeff Scully, of Saco said about Bernatchez, "We couldn't have had a better commissioner for this event. As the field hockey coach at Colby, she brings a very high level of knowledge of the sport, but also has the respect of the entire field hockey community in Maine for her ability to organize and host a tournament." The event has quickly become a showcase for some of the top high school field hockey players in the state. One of the highlights of the day was when Dexter field hockey goalie, Sammi Conway, sang the National Anthem. Conway's teammates nominated her for the honor. The event was open to players from Maine who still are in high school. The Maine Games held an adult Open tournament last weekend, with 10 teams competing. Approximately 100 women who are still playing in college and many who are well past their high school or college days competed for Maine Games medals in the third annual Open tournament, June 22, also at Colby College.

While the rain held off on Saturday, Sunday's Maine Games State Swimming Championships were halted about half-way through by thunder, lightening, and torrential rains in the late morning. Approximately half of the meet was cancelled due to the bad weather. The event was held outdoors for the second year in a row at the Alfond Municipal Swimming Pool, and because the swimming pool at the Alfond Youth Center has been drained for repairs, there was no indoor back up this year. Despite the weather, those in attendance were happy for the chance to compete in the Maine Games, as well as to qualify for the 2009 State Games of America, which is being held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, next August. Any medalist in this year's swim meet (or last year's) has qualified for next year's national amateur sports festival, offered by the National Congress of State Games, as well as the Rocky Mountain State Games, and the Colorado Springs Sports Corp. Sunday's swim meet was co-sponsored by New Balance, the City of Waterville, The Dolphins Swim Club, and Swimroom.com. Swimroom.com is an online community website for swimmers which was developed by some of America's best swimmers including Michael Phelps, Natalile Coughlin, Ryan Lochte, Lenny Krayzleburg, and Maine's own Ian Crocker. Swimroom.com donated prizes for the event this year, and many of this year's athletes left the event with hats, T-shirts, instructional DVDs, books, and even signature swim caps. David Turnage, the aquatics director at the Alfond Youth Center, was commissioner, and he was assisted by Tom Burton, the Colby College swimming and diving coach, as well as other volunteers from the Maine swim community.

TJ's Classic Billiards hosted the day's final event. Mostly local billiards players competed at the second annual Maine Games State Billiards Championships in the afternoon. The event was sponsored by TJ's Classic Billiards, and was a family affair for Steve and Tammy Reynolds, and their 11-year old daughter Taylor, as all three competed in this year's tournament. The three medalists in this event have also qualified for the 2009 State Games of America, next summer. This event has become so successful that the date for the 2009 Maine Games State Billiards Championships has already been set for June 28, at TJ's Classic Billiards on Airport Rd, in Waterville.

WATERVILLEThe final Maine Games tennis results have been reported by commissioner Jim Begin.

Men's Open Singles: 1st Rd.: Jeff Fowler def. David Kerschner 6-0,6-2 Amol Gharte def. Kelin Kruithoff 4-6,6-2,10-3 Matt McGowan Def. Chris Kilsby 6-0, 6-2 Jason Norton Def. Alexander Keefe 6-3, 6-4

2nd Round: Fowler d. Gharte 6-0, 6-1 Norton d. McGowan 6-4, 6-0 Medal Rounds: (Gold medalist) Fowler d. (Silver) Norton 6-4,6-3 (Bronze) Keefe d. Kerschner 1-6, 6-4, 10-8

MEN'S OPEN DOUBLES; 1st Rd.: Gerry Boyle/Charlie Boyle d. Matt Lynch/Cam Mitchell 6-0,6-1

Matt Mcgowan/Jim Begin d. Dan Roy/Fred Damler 6-0,6-0

Sandor Nagy/Mark McDonough d. Nathan Strout/Ethan Pierce 6-0, 6-2

Dave Kerschner/Jason Norton d. Jarvis Rogers/Ron Chillington 7-5,6-0 2nd Round

McGowan/Begin d. Boyle/Boyle 5-2, ret.

Nagy/McDonough d. Kerschner/Norton 7-6 (4), 6-2

Medal rounds: (Gold) Nagy/McDonough d. (Silver) McGowan/Begin 6-3,6-3 (Bronze) Rogers/Chillington d. Roy/Damler , Default

Mixed Doubles: 1st rd. Janice Kassman/Warren Winslow d. Ruth Gonnella/Peter Gonnella 6-2,6-4 Trish Bullock/Jim Begin d. Lisa Ingraham/Roger Barber 6-1,6-1

2nd round: Mindy Fowler/Jeff Fowler d. Kassman/Winslow 6-1,6-0 Medal Rounds: (Gold) Fowler/Fowler d. (Silver) Bullock/Begin 5-7,6-1,10-6 (Bronze) Gonnella/Gonnella d. Ingraham/Barber 6-3,7-5

MEN's 65 SINGLES: Nathan Strout def. Roger Barber 6-3,6-0 Medal Round: (Gold) Jim Begin def. (Silver) Strout 6-0,6-0 (Bronze): Barber

WOMEN'S DOUBLES; Medal Round: (Gold) Hope Potts/Trish Bullock def. (Silver) Nicole Schutte/Paige Begley 6-2, 6-0

Women.s Open Singles: Mindy Fowler def. Audrey Knowlton 6-2,6-0 Anne Gould def. Kayla Schutte 6-2,6-1 Fowler def. Doreh Tagilavidinani 6-4,6-1

Medal Rounds: (Gold) Fowler def. (Silver) Gould 7-6 (2), 6-2 (Bronze) Knowlton def. Schutte 6-1,6-1

WATERVILLE For the second year, Maine Games tennis has been held at Colby College.

Men's singles, Women's singles, Women's Doubles, and Mixed doubles were held on Saturday, June 21. Men's Doubles were contested on Sunday, June 22.

This event was hosted by Colby College, Champions, and Valley Distributors, of Oakland.

Mindy Fowler, of Winslow, outlasted Anne Gould, of Waterville, with a three-set match for the gold in the Women's singles competition. Her father, Jeff Fowler, claimed gold in the men's singles.

WATERVILLEThe third annual Women's Open 7 v 7 Field Hockey Championships ended abruptly when a thunderstorm rolled over the Bill Alfond Field on the campus at Colby College, on Sunday, June 23. Despite the torrential downpour, and fantastic lightening show, the event was a huge hit.

Sharkbait, of Portland, claimed it's third gold medal in as many years, while Dita Divas scored the silver, and U-Maine Club outlasted Captain Sassy Pants for the bronze.

The event was sponsored by Colby College, Valley Distributors, Longstreth Field Hockey, and Golden Pond Wealth Management.

Ten teams started the tournament at 9 a.m. and by 4 p.m. the clouds started to roll in. When the thunder turned to lightening, and eventually rain, the entire field scattered, quickly ending the competition. The event commissioner and team captains determined the order of finish based on tie breakers and other considerations.

WATERVILLEThe Maine Games continued on Father's Day weekend, with three events scheduled for a picture-perfect day.

More than two dozen handball players took to the Jim Prendergast Courts at the Saco Middle School for competition in three different divisions including; Class A and B, in the Men's Open, and a youth division as well.

This year marked the third consecutive year for handball in the Maine Games and the competition continues to get better and better. A barbeque was offered for players this year, which has become a tradition for this event.

In Waterville, fencing and 3 v 3 basketball were also contested.

Dozens of Maine's best fencers were on hand at the Alfond Youth Center for competition in foil, epee, and saber divisions, with electronic and non-electronic scoring sub-divisions. This was the fifth fencing competition for the Maine Games, while it was the first time the event was held in Waterville.

This year the Maine Games teamed up with Waterville Main Street to present a 3 v 3 basketball tournament, which was played on the concourse downtown. This is the third year for the tournament which attracted a record total of 37 teams. The competition is sponsored by Waterville Main Street as a promotional opportunty for downtown businesses.

The Maine Games continues next weekend with girls and boys U-10 and U-12 soccer competitions, adult field hockey, tennis, and arm wrestling.

For more information about the remaining Maine Games events go to: www.mainegames.org.

SATATTUS Three divisions of players teed off at noon on a steamy day at Sabattus Disc Golf on Sunday. Scott Knight, of Topsham, claimed gold in the advanced division, besting Tony Comeau of Topsham (silver), and D.J. King, of Bath (bronze). Knight shot a -13 on the "Hawk" course, and a -3 on the "Eagle" course.

In the intermediate division, Chris Bryant, from Winthrop claimed gold with an overall total of +6 on both courses. The silver medal went to Steve Harlow, of Sabattus, and the bronze medal was presented to Blain Martineau, of Sabattus.

Dustin Beard, of Sabattus, won gold in the Junior Division, while Chris Harlow, of Sabattus took the silver medal, and Caleb Provost, also of Sabattus, earned the bronze medal. All three are students at Sabattus Central Middle School.

Sabattus Disc Golf hosted the event this year, and Maine Games executive director, Jeff Scully, said that it was the perfect venue for 2008. "This is a beautiful course, and many of our competitors this year said that they thought it was one of the best in the state."

The heat and humidity didn't dampen any spirits on the day, but it was probably a small factor in the overall scores on the day. "We tried to keep them hydrated, but when the field entered the clubhouse after their second round of the day, it was obvious the heat was beginning to take its toll on the athletes," said Scully.

Disc golf formally began in the 1970s, with the installation of the first permanent course and the formation of the Professional Disc Golf Association. Today there are over 2,000 course throughout the United States and more are being built each year. Maine currently has nearly 20 different disc golf course. According to Scully, disc golf is a perfect event for the Maine Games to offer. "Disc golf is a lifetime sport. We see players as young as six or seven years old, and people well into their senior years out on course because it's not extremely strenuous, but participants get a lot of exercise. Offering this type of sport matches our mission of helping Maine become a healthier state and providing a wide range of sports to attract the greatest number of amateur athletes of all ages."

The Maine Games is a statewide multi-event Olympic-style sports festival. The non-profit organization is a member of the National Congress of State Games, which is part of the United States Olympic Committee's Multi-sport Organizational Council. Each year the Maine Games attracts amateur athletes of all ages and abilities in a wide variety of sports.

This coming weekend (June 14), the Maine Games is featuring three events; handball in Saco, and fencing and 3 v 3 basketball in Waterville.

To learn more about the Maine Games and the events offered, go to www.mainegames.org. To learn more about the National Congress of State Games go to www.stategames.org.

Sabattus Disc Golf is located at 605 Bowdoinham Rd, in Sabattus.

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Jeff Scully; Maine Games (jeff@mainegames.org); 207-284-2003 (office)

Peter Ruby; Sabattus Disc Golf; pgr@wildblue.net

WATERVILLEThe sixth annual Maine Games State Baton Twirling Championships were held at Waterville High School, on Saturday. Athletes from 29 different Maine communities competed, with 19 twirlers being recognized for their participation in every Maine Games held since the inaugural year of 2003. More than 200 gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded in team, solo, pairs, two-baton, and strut/march divisions. Athletes as young as four and as old as 18 competed this year as well.

Diane Higgins, of Verona Island, was recognized during the awards presentation for her 30 years of coaching twirlers in central and northern Maine. This was Higgins' sixth Maine Games as a coach as well.

The Baton Twirling Championships include athletes from all over the State of Maine, and is one of only two Maine Games events that have been held every year since 2003 (wrestling).

Several members of the Saco Jets, a twirling organization that was founded in 1963, will be competing in the 2008 USTA National Championships this July, in Daytona Beach, Florida, and a smaller group from the same organization have been invited to twirl with a group of 150 athletes from all over the United States in November at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in New York City.

Baton Twirling has become so popular with the Maine Games and twirlers statewide, that other State Games organizations around the country have added the event or are planning to add it in the near future.

Twirling offers athletes of all ages and abilities the opportunity to participate in a healthy physical activity, as well as to develop self confidence and poise. Many of the athletes at this year's Maine Games have been twirling since they were three or four years old; some for as long as 15 years.

Maine Games executive director, Jeff Scully said that this year's baton twirling event, like those in the past, have been organized, judged, and offered on the strength of dozens of volunteers. "The Maine Games doesn't exist without the hard work of volunteers from our commissioners, officials, organizers, and even our board of directors. Once you get bitten by the State Games bug, it's hard to stop wanting to help, and to make each event better than before."

Baton Twirling is one of the first events for this year's Maine Games, with many other events scheduled for June, in and around the Greater Waterville Area. The Maine Games is presented this year by the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, and is sponsored in part by New Balance, Golden Pond Wealth Management, Colby College, The Alfond Youth Center, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maine, Valley Distributors, the Waterville Holiday Inn, and several others.

Information about the Maine Games or the other events offered this year can be found at: www.mainegames.org

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Jeff Scully; Maine Games executive director; jscully@maine.rr.com; jeff@mainegames.org; 207-807-5959.

WINSLOWWinslow High School is the host of this year's Maine Games State Track and Field Championships, and the school's track and field coach, Sean Carey, has been named the event's commissioner for 2008, said executive director, Jeff Scully.

Track and field is just one of nearly 20 different events offered in this year's Maine Games, which is the Pine Tree State's own multi-event Olympic-style sports festival. The Maine Games is a member of the National Congress of State Games, which is a part of the United States Olympic Committee. The Maine Games is charged with providing grass roots opportunities for amateur athletes of all ages and abilities. The organization is recognized by the IRS as a 501c3 non-profit public charity.

Since 2003, the Maine Games has provided a statewide stage on which athletes can compete, practice good sportsmanship, and share in the camaraderie special to athletics and sports. The organization is offering many of its 2008 events in the greater Waterville area, and the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce is this year's presenting sponsor.

"Track and field is one of the events in this year's Maine Games that serve as the exclusive Maine qualifier for the 2009 State Games of America, held at the United States Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs," said Scully. "The State Games of America is our national amateur sports festival, and an estimated 12,000 athletes from all 50 states are expected to compete in over 30 different sports."

Scully noted that more than 30 Maine athletes competed in the State Games of America in 2007, also in Colorado Springs.

"The Maine Games is a celebration of sports, physical activity, and good sportsmanship," said Scully. "We'll be kicking off our festival weekends with an Opening Ceremonies to be held at the Alfond Gym on the campus at Colby College, in Waterville, on June 20."

In the past, several of the Maine Games State Track and Field Championships athletes have gone on to win the Maine Games/New Balance Male or Female Athlete of the Year award. This award is presented annually to two Maine Games athletes that best exemplify the spirit of the Maine Games, and who are good role models for other athletes.

The Maine Games State Track and Field Championships are now accepting registrations, with online as well as mail-in registrations available. The cost for this track meet is $20 for two events, with additional events costing only $5 each, at the meet.

For more information, log on to: www.mainegames.org, or call 207-284-2003.

Michael Golek, Harpswell 2008 Travis Roy Courage Award Recipient

In 2007, the Maine Games presented the first Travis Roy Courage Award, to an athlete who has demonstrated uncommon courage, determination, and dedication; overcoming tremendous odds to participate in sport.

Travis Roy is a Maine native who, eleven seconds into his first collegiate hockey game for the Boston University Terriers, crashed headlong into the boards, breaking his neck. After extensive rehabilitation, Travis serves as an inspiration to countless people all over the world for his own determination in overcoming obstacles and challenges placed in front of him every day. The Travis Roy Foundation raises money and provides support for spinal cord research. To learn more about the Travis Roy Foundation, go to: www.travisroyfoundation.org.

This year Harpswell native, Michael Golek, 18, is the recipient of the second annual Travis Roy Courage Award, which will be presented at the 2008 Maine Games Opening Ceremony, on June 20, at Colby College, in Waterville.

When he was seven years old, and a second grade student, he was run over by a school bus. The days, months and years of rehabilitation, have given this young man of tremendous strength and courage and the ability to compete as a wrestler at the Maine Games and tournaments all over the state, as well as to become an outstanding citizen, and an inspiration in his own right.

The Maine Games is honored to present the 2008 Travis Roy Courage Award to Michael Golek.

Can you describe what happened?

Michael Golek: It happened in the afternoon. The bus stopped and my sister got off while I waited for the bus driver to give me my green ticket. The green ticket was because, as my mom says, I was an active kid and was on a behavioral plan everyday. If I was good, the bus driver would give me a green ticket and when I got home I got points and so many point got me an award.

That day, I got off the bus as usual. It was winter, so I had a snowsuit on and my back pack was on my back. I started to cross the road and the bus started moving towards me, I tried to run and push myself away from the bumper but I didn't make it. I think my bag got stuck on something. Soon, the bus was dragging me down the road.

I was screaming and then I was on my back and the tire went over my middle and then the rear tires went over my legs. I'll never in my life forget that pain. I was screaming. My sister who was five at the time, was in the road trying to pull me out and then suddenly, there was a man who told me I was going to be ok. In that moment I was just kind of numb. He said his name was Allen or Mr. Allen. I don't remember which, but just as he appeared, he was gone. His name today doesn't really matter now, For me he was my guardian angle that stopped that pain and gave me the faith that I was going to be fine.

The ambulance people were there and working on me. My mom she showed up and I gave her my green ticket that was still in my hand and said I had a good day.

I was in the ambulance. My mom was there too and then at the hospital. I couldn't feel my legs but I remember my doctor, Dr. Wren, being there. I remember, he didn't look so well. My lower abdominal area was getting really big and the doctors there kept poking at my feet and legs and asking me if I could feel it. I could not. Then they put me back in the ambulance (to Portland's Maine Medical Center) and I don't remember a lot about the ride except my mom talking to me and telling me she was right there and that I was going to be ok. I do remember jumping when ever the siren wailed I was awake all the way, up until they took me in for surgery.

How long were you in the hospital?

Michael Golek: According to my mom, not as long as everyone expected. I believe it was two weeks. I told my mom I wanted to go home and she found a way for that to happen for me. I had surgery on my right femoral artery and was left with about eight fractures in my pelvic area. I had stitches around my right ankle. It was hard at the hospital. I was in a lot of pain when I first woke up and for days I could not eat, and my body was all swollen. I had a tube that was feeding me.

Were you an athlete before your accident?

Michael Golek: I played tee-ball and some basketball

Did you play any other sports before or after your accident?

Michael Golek: Yes, wrestling, football and track after my accident. And basketball and I think some baseball before my accident.

Where there any people you would like to name who helped you recover and get back to a normal life?

Michael Golek: There are a lot of people that have helped me and some who probably don't even know how much. First, my family. My mom and her partner Johanna, and my sister Kelly, who I will always see as my little hero on that dayshe was there trying so hard to pull me out of the road. And my gram. They were all there for me. My mom never left the hospital she stayed right in my room the whole time I was there. My family is still there for me. To be honest, some of my issues have not been that easy to deal with. I am lucky to have the family that I have. Also, I would have to say thanks to all the people at my church at St Paul's who prayed so hard for me after my accident.

Tom Kivler, who has spent time talking with me about my issues for, well lets just say for years, teaching me how to cope with emotional issues that I was left with after my accident. Then there was all the mail from other students and people all across the country. I got bags of letters. Also, all of my wrestling coaches who have really been there for me over the years. But I really have to thank one coach in particular a little bit more. Coach Michael Taylor was my first coach. He was there from peewees through high school. He just always seemed to have a way of understanding me.

For example, he was there for me after the accident. I could not get near a bus for many years with out reliving parts of my accident. My mom drove me everywhere until I think about eighth grade. Then a van would pick me up from school. Well, one day there was a wrestling meet and coach took my back pack and told my mom I'd be fine. He said to me, "Get on. You can sit with me." That was the first time I'd gotten on a school bus since I was seven. I think I shook inside the whole way there but I made it to the meet and back and I was ok. This was the beginning of me being able to get back on a school bus from home to school and back I don't know that that would of happened with out his help.

Do you know where I can find them or how to contact them?

Michael Golek: Coach Taylor is the head coach for the Mount Ararat middle school wrestling program

Were there any setbacks in your quest for returning to a normal life?

Michael Golek: Yes, and still some struggles, but they get better every day. I was left with P.T.S.D (post traumatic stress disorder) Now, since the accident, I have it under control, but it has been a struggle to get a grip on it.

How long have you been wrestling?

Michael Golek: I just finished my tenth year with the (Mt. Ararat) Eagles.

How many Maine Games have you participated in?

Michael Golek: This summer will be my fourth Maine Games wrestling tournament.

What medals in what years did you win?

Michael Golek: In my first year, I didn't win any medal. At my second Maine Games, I took silver in the high school division and in the third year I won the gold in the high school and open divisions.

Do your friends or even opponents know what you've been through?

Michael Golek: Some of my friends do. I am not sure that any of my opponents knew it. It's not something that has been easy for me to talk about.

How would you describe being chosen for the 2008 Travis Roy Courage Award?

Michael Golek: It was a surprise. It's a good way for my to say good-bye to my bus accident

Cheryl Golek (Michael's mother)

What was your first reaction when you heard Michael had been injured?

Cheryl Golek: I think I was in shock. It was defiantly the most surreal moment in my life. Michael was only seven years old when he was run completely over by his school bus and had extensive life threatening injuries. We were told at the time he was admitted at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, that the outcome was unknown, but with this type of accident Michael would most likely have serious internal organ damage like kidney, bladder, bowels, etc, and with his vital signs where they were that they were not sure why he was even still awake.

Michael stayed awake the entire time and was busy assuring me and others that were close to him that he was going to be just fine. After several tests it was determined that Michael's right femoral artery was severed and his abdomen was swelling from internal bleeding.

He had eight pelvic fractures or more and his left ankle was cut to the bone. Michael stayed awake the entire time right up until he was taken into surgery to replace his femoral artery. The only time I left his side was when he went through the operating room doors. Michael came through the surgery well but the next 48 hours were critical. His condition was up and down for over a week. We were told he may not grow right because of the damage done in his pelvic area. The extent of his nerve damage at the time was unknown.

How did you cope for the first couple of weeks after

Cheryl Golek: Faith and a lot of prayer. I believed with everything that he was going to be ok and in the same breath, I was scared to death that I maybe wrong. Michael came through the surgery well but the next 48 hours were critical. His condition was up and down for over a week. His whole body swelled up, he was in a lot of pain. He ran very high fevers and did lots of hallucinating. He was in agony. He couldn't eat and that was all that he wanted to do.

We were told he would be in the hospital a very long time and rehabilitation would take longer. I was told that he would take months of physical therapy before he would walk and that he may not grow right; something to do with the fractures and his hip plates. After two weeks at Maine Medical Center, Michael was able to eat solid food and begged me to bring him home. On December 1, Michael came home from the hospital in a wheel chair. He received in-home therapy and educational tutoring. By the time February vacation rolled around he had given up his wheel chair. Over February break that year, we took the kids to Disney land and left his wheel chair home.

Were you over-protective of Michael after he began his recovery?

Cheryl Golek: I think I became over-protective of both my children for many years. Michael rebounded way faster then anyone could have predicted. I don't think I slept a full night for years. I would wake up in panic and have to go check on both of my kids some times several times a night. I wanted life to return to normal as soon as possible. Michael went back to school in a wheel chair and he used a walker for a while.

What was your reaction to his choice of wrestling as his favorite sport?

Cheryl Golek: The following school year, after his accident, Michael joined the pee-wee wrestling program in its first year at Mt Ararat. It's been non-stop wrestling ever since. I was supportive of him wrestling but also afraid for him. Michael was a very small kid. I think he was less then 60 pounds when he started wrestling. As a result of the accident, Michael was left with post traumatic stress disorder. Because of this, he could not get a scratch with out reliving some trauma, and for the first three year of wrestling, he cried a lot. But he would not quit even though he was constantly given that option. By sixth grade, he went to the state wrestling tournament. By eighth grade, he took third at the States, and in ninth grade he had an incredible year making varsity as a freshman. He finished third at Essex Junction's tournament, then was injured just before regionals that year. But he came back to win the JV state championship. In eleventh grade, he placed 1st in the regionals and fourth at states. This past year, which was his final high school tournament, he placed second at the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference's tournament, second at regionals and fourth at states. He got his 100th career win at the KVACS.

How did his accident impact your family?

Cheryl Golek: It was a traumatic experience for our whole family. We all had to adapt to different needs. And we still continue to do so.

Do you still think about his injuries now when he competes today?

Cheryl Golek: Only if he gets hurt. It is not a thought before any more. I love to watch him on the mat. I am probably his number one fan

How would you describe the young man he's grown into?

Cheryl Golek: Well as far as growing, correct, he is over six feet tall and weighs 184 pounds.

Michael loves wrestling but he is not just a wrestler. He is a very talented, caring, hard working young man. After September 11, Michael and his sister raffled off his computer. He donated the money to the Red Cross to help the victims' families. He sings in honors chorus at Mt. Ararat High School. He is a member of the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) program at St Paul's Episcopal Church in Brunswick, and was an acolyte there for a number of years. Through this program, he was able to go to India this past summer with his sister and the J2A group to do missionary work which was a life altering experience for him. Michael has taken the hard road on many things, but he never gives up in anything. On the wrestling mat, he gives his heart and soul .Michael has grown into to a very kind caring young man. We are all very proud of him

What does the choice of Michael for the Travis Roy Courage Award mean to you and your family?

Cheryl Golek: Michael said to me after being told he would get it that it is a nice way for him to say good by for good to his bus accident. I think that says it all.