Rivereast Standouts: Athletes of the Week

Simon Kandeke- Portland (Soccer): Kandeke scored twice and dished out an assist in a 5-0 win over Coginchaug on Senior Night on October 12. The senior has battled nagging injuries all season, but has been able to return to the lineup and provide more firepower to a Highlanders team that qualified for the state tournament following a 3-1 victory over Cromwell on October 14.

Kandeke is grateful that he has been able to contribute this season, “It felt great. I was able to contribute to the win and my team was excited for me to join them again. The best part of it all was definitely making my mom and school proud on our stage. It’s a different feeling.”  

Sydney Weimer and Liam Calhoun- RHAM (Cross Country): Weimer and Calhoun, both seniors, celebrated RHAM’s cross country Senior Night by winning their respective races in a meet versus Enfield on October 12. Weimer ran a 22:38 to finish first in the girls’ field and Calhoun ran a 16:54 to win the boys’ race, each leading the way as the Raptors defeated the Eagles of Enfield.

Jordan Murphy- East Hampton (Volleyball): Murphy had terrific back-to-back matches last week, combining for 19 kills and 27 digs in a straight set win over Cromwell and a five-set loss to Haddam-Killingworth. The junior leads the team in kills and has the second most aces and digs this season for a Bellringers team that has won 11 of 14 matches this fall. 

​Sam Blumberger- Bacon Academy (Soccer): Blumberger scored six goals as Bacon Academy won all three games last week. The senior captain scored three goals in an 8-0 win over Haddam-Killingworth on October 11 and then scored the lone goal on a header after receiving a cross from junior Steven Laliberte on October 13. Blumberger finished his fantastic week with a two goal, one assist performance in a 6-0 win over Windham on October 15 as the Bobcats won their 10th game of the season.