Bates, Vining and Quint net coaching jobs

    There are new coaches for a few high school soccer teams this season, and each coach brings a unique perspective to their role. 
At Houlton High School, Peter Bates has moved from assistant coach to the helm of the Shiretowners. Bates worked for four years under former Houlton head coach Todd Willard.
Bates isn’t new to coaching, as he has served as the junior varsity basketball coach for two years, junior high boy’s soccer and basketball coach for two years, along with instructing basketball camps and coaching at the Houlton Recreational Department.
Bates decided to make the move to the upper coaching position for two reasons.
“I love the sport of soccer,” said Bates. “I’ve been around this year’s seniors for their whole high school soccer stint. I just couldn’t resist wanting to be the head coach. They are a great bunch of guys.”
Throughout Bates’ high school soccer career had had only two coaches, Matt Tardy and Willard. Both coaches executed two distinctly different styles of soccer.
“I will bring both styles to this team,” Bates explained. “The style will depend upon who we are playing. We have a few strong teams where we are going to have to play very smart and hard to be in a situation to win or tie against point-worthy opponents.
“As far as the other part of our schedule, we are looking for a fast-paced offense with many goals, along with solid defense to help give up no goals.”
With every new coach, comes a new approach to the season. Bates believes it “all starts with team chemistry.”
“We have a few things planned throughout the season to help that,” he said, “such as, trips as a team to different places. I am also going to incorporate the team in some community service to help bring back some support from our fans and community.”
Bates is asking his players to not only respect him, but the game this season.
“I am a disciplined coach and ask for a lot out of my players,” he said. “But, soccer is a fun sport to be playing and to enjoy every minute of it.”
Over the last few years, the Shiretowners have reached the playoffs, and Bates is hoping his team will do the same.
“We need to defy all odds, proving all of the critics wrong,” he said. “We need to put together a solid season and make a run for the playoffs.”
At Southern Aroostook Community High School, former graduate Holly Slauenwhite Vining takes over the girls varsity coaching job, replacing Kim Russell.
Vining has been involved in coaching at the elementary level, coaching Island Falls pee wee softball for grades 3-6 for two years, sharing the duty with former SACS athlete Jessica Walker; as well as pee wee soccer for three years – one year in Oakfield, one in Island Falls and another in a multi-town league in the area.
She is looking forward to the challenge ahead at the varsity level and is promoting teamwork and sportsmanship above everything else.
“They have a lot of skill, but at times they struggle to play together,” said Vining, “and I hope they learn to be supportive of their teammates, whether they’re winning or losing.
“I have a passion for the game and wanted to the opportunity to share that with the girls.”
Vining likes the personnel she has to work with during her first season at the helm.
“We have a large squad and lots of veterans,” she said. “We definitely have some strength in leadership with Brittany Charette and Emma Senzek named as co-captains.
“I guess I have lots of expectations because I know what this team is capable of when they’re all playing well and playing together.”
The Hodgdon girls new coach is Olin Quint, who replaces Brian Fitzpatrick. Quint is also the Lady Hawks’ varsity girls basketball coach and has seven years experience as the middle school girls soccer coach.
“I coached these girls in middle school and enjoyed them,” Quint said of his new position. “They are a talented bunch.”
Quint said this year’s team is blessed with plenty of quickness, and hopes to take advantage of that. Hodgdon is led by four seniors: defenders Taylor Hovey and Katie Duff and forwards Dayna Tidd and Sam Lycette.
“Our short term goal is to get into the playoffs, and in the long term just want to continue to build what Brian started,” Tidd said.