A strong feeder system and an enthusiasm for softball keep the Bucks on course.
Kevin Mills
Staff Writer

BUCKFIELD – Every spring the Buckfield softball team likely looks at the calendar to determine two things – when is the Western Maine final and when is the state championship.

Looking that far ahead is as much about optimism as it is realism for the Bucks. History says that by the time the hardware is handed out, Buckfield is likely to be one of the first in line.

“It’s just a normal thing,” said senior Charlee Hayes. “You’re supposed to be there every single year. I don’t think that will stop.

“If we don’t make the Western Maine final that’s just a major disappointment. We have to make Western Maine. The last few years to come and win Western Maine and last year to win states, that’s just awesome.”

The high expectations in Buckfield are steeped in a tremendous history, unmatched by any other softball programs in Maine. The Bucks have won nine Western Maine titles, five state championships. They’ve been in the regional final 15 times, all but 1995 and 1996. Who knows what kind of success they’d boast had it not been for an equally strong Monmouth program (five wins over the Bucks in the regional final)?

“I think we’ve made a name for ourselves,” said senior catcher Coleen Violette. “That name will always stay. Once Buckfield starts a tradition, we don’t like to break that tradition.”

This senior-laden Buckfield team can attest to that. Many have been playing softball since early ages. They’ve followed the success of the high school team, expecting to have their try at it someday. Hayes recalls going to the state championship game when she was in eighth grade. She was always playing the most competitive softball she could find, opting to play for a town team rather than play in middle school.

“I had come from a softball game that day,” said Hayes. “It was just awesome to see them win that.”

Now those Bucks hope to do what Buckfield hasn’t done since Coach Dan Jack first arrived in 1990 and 1991. They play Lee in Saturday’s 4 p.m. Class D state title game at Robie Field in Gorham. It is the same team the Bucks beat in last year’s game, 13-0. A repeat would just be the third back-to-back state title in the Bucks history.

“Everybody plays softball during the summer,” said Hayes. “I play ASA. They all played ASA. Most of the other girls all played summer ball for the town teams. We all play competitive ball.”

Much of this club has been playing together or against each other for years, all preparing for their chance at this level.

“It has just pumped us up and made us think about what we could do to keep the tradition going,” said Violette. “We know what it feels like to win, and we don’t like to lose. It’s not what we’re here for.”

For over two decades, Buckfield softball has flourished. For the last 17 years, the Bucks have gone 119-30 in the regular season. Their worst record was 10-6, two years ago. At one point, the team went four straight regular seasons without a loss.

The trend has always been that young players in the youth programs constantly feed the varsity program. The Bucks graduated four seniors, including veterans Jessica Newton, Beth Bly and Chelsey Boucher, after last year’s state title yet, this club is just as strong as ever. Jack says it is one of the most enjoyable groups of players he’s ever had.

“This is the most coachable team that I’ve ever coached,” said Jack. “They’re awesome to be around. They’re unbelievable. They’re really together, and they’re not jealous of each other. It’s just been so great.”

Jack had actually stepped down as coach a few years ago but returned when the school struggled to find a replacement. Jack admits after 13 years there aren’t many more games like Tuesday’s last gasp comeback that he can take. Still, he’s drawn to dedicating himself to the good of the program, and it is a program that looks strong for years to come.

Though the Bucks graduate eight seniors, the Bucks have three freshman that have seen valuable time this season. Tiffany Dunn and Shayna Shackford both are starters and Desiree Brackett has been the back-up pitcher, ready to step in for Danielle Buswell next season. Jack says she’s already one of the three best hurlers in Western D.

As if that weren’t enough, there’s plenty more where they came from.

“It feeds itself,” said Jack. “We’ve been fortunate with the summer programs. Every town in Buckfield had at least two Little League teams. Last year, Buckfield had two farm teams. One farm team won the championship of the league. The Little League team won a championship and the senior team was a runner-up. You’re talking three pitchers right there, different age groups, coming right up through. We’re looking at being strong again for six or seven years.”