High achievers in sports and the classroom

DIXFIELD -- There are numerous reasons for competing in athletics. However, a main objective is to contribute toward the team success and Arik Fenstermacher and Spencer Ross each have enjoyed plenty of high achievements throughout their respective careers.

The Dirigo seniors have been teammates on two state championship teams and have also appeared in three state basketball games. It’s quite an accomplishment because a majority of student-athletes have never experienced playing in a state game, let alone five. The tandem recognizes this and refuse to take any accomplishments lightly.

"I've been very fortunate to have amazing teammates around me every year of high school,” said Fenstermacher. “Playing any sport at Dirigo you feel successful not only because of the constant results of winning seasons and playoff appearances, but also because you are playing for a respected program and representing a great town; a town that praises their students and athletes.”

As juniors, they were starters on the football team that beat Foxcroft Academy 37-20 in 2009 and last spring, the baseball team beat Calais 4-2 in the state game. Both were selected first team football all stars for the Campbell Conference in 2010.

"Being in five state championship (games) is a pretty great feeling,” said Ross. “But we still never take the game for granted when we make it each time.”

Juniors Ben Holmes and Jake Dowland were on those teams also.

The Cougars' basketball team has won three regional championships but have fell short in the state games. Ross scored eight points in the fourth quarter in the 65-55 loss to Lee Academy in the state title game.

Academically, Ross and Fenstermacher realize the importance of a well-rounded education and ranks second and fifth, respectively, in their class. Each achieved academic all stars for the fall and winter sports seasons.

Ross has taken a heavy load of advanced placement and honors classes. He plans to study pre-dentistry in college and hopefully go on to be an orthodontist.

Fenstermacher has his sights on Catawba College, a Div. II institution in Salisbury, NC. He’ll play baseball and be a mathematics major, leading to some field of engineering in grad school. He has also been offered the Presidential Scholarship.

“Being a part of five state champion team attempts has been unreal,” said Fenstermacher. “I've been so fortunate to have the dedicated coaches and teammates around me to make each season successful. It's more than sports that motivate me to do well in school. Through sports you learn more than just the game; character and respect."