Football is a tough sport but the death of a team member is tougher.

After thanking parents, his assistant coaches and others who contributed to the season and before honoring this year’s football players, Ed Crocker, head football coach of the Boothbay Region High School football team, took time to honor former Seahawk assistant coach Bernie Meader, who died Nov. 1 at age 52.

“Bernie was not only a coach to hundreds of football players over the past five years, but he was also a role model, mentor, friend and a father ... The players loved having Bernie as a high school football coach, but it didn’t stop there. Bernie also coached basketball, football and baseball for a lot of these kids at the younger level, and I heard that he may have dabbled a little bit in field hockey as well.

“I couldn’t ask for a better mentor, coach and, most importantly, a true friend than coach Bernie, and I am going to miss him so much as I know you all will too. I will remember everything that I learned while working with Bernie as I continue my coaching career.

“Bernie had such a special way to get players to listen and learn from him. His connection with all the athletes he has coached will last them a lifetime.

“Next year’s Seahawk football season will be dedicated to coach Bernie ... shirts will be made up for all the players and coaches with his name and the number 1. The number 1 will signify two things; first of all it is the number (his son) Drew wore this year, and second, to many Bernie is number 1. No player will be wearing the number 1 jersey next year but we will have it at every game to represent coach Bernie. We will also be getting helmet decals with the initials ‘BM.” When asked what it stands for, all the players can say with pride, ‘Bernie Meader.’”

After the approximately 80 attendees applauded Crocker’s tribute, the coach then spoke about each player, by class, then awarded them the traditional letters, certificates and emblems as they made their way down from the gym bleachers to the court, where they stood for all to see.

Recognized by the Campbell Conference coaches who picked the 2022 conference all stars were: second team all-stars quarterback Kayden Ames and offensive lineman Caden Royal; receiving honorable mention were quarterback Drew Meader and defensive lineman Damien Torre. Ames was also named an academic all star.

Receiving the six plaques were: Kayden Ames, most valuable player; Damien Torre, most improved player; Caden Royal, outstanding lineman of the year; Dylan Plummer, defensive player of the year; Drew Meader, offensive player of the year; and Maddox Cusumano, coaches award.

The Seahawks finished with a 2-7 record following an Eight-Man Small Conference playoff loss, 47-28, versus Dirigo on Oct. 21.

Team members

Seniors: Kayden Ames, Drew Meader, Tyler Barter, Ryan Amaral, Dylan Plummer, Connor Wenners, Caden Royal and Damien Torre

Juniors: Slade Balsdon, Luke Morley, Josani Farmer, Brett Smith, Andrew Fowlie, Rob Shaw and Jacob Taylor

Sophomores: Adric Canada, Braden Davis, Spencer Wenners, Tyson French and Maddox Cusumano

Freshmen: Bailey Lewis, Griffin Yereance, Caleb Macia, Keegan Murray, Hayden Rines, Isaac Lewis, Hunter Taylor and Will Sledge