By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Gaelon Kolczynski and Leanne Kugelman are two of the most unassuming athletes Mark Snow has coached.

“They each are genuinely excited and happy just to be members of the team. They try their best, they set personal records, but I really feel their enjoyment of track and field is mainly due to being members of the team — nothing else,” said Snow, Lake Region varsity indoor track coach. “They are also a joy to be around. They always make their teammates smile.”

Both Gaelon and Leanne has tried a few events outside of their “comfort zone” at Coach Snow’s request, with no complaints, and with great attitude.

“If I coached a team of athletes like Gaelon and Leanne and scored no points in every meet, I think I would be the happiest coach around. It is that pleasant to coach them,” Coach Snow said.

In recognition of their strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Gaelon and Leanne are this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.”

Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Leanne Kugelman

The Kugelman File

Name: Leanne Kugelman

Year in School: Senior

Town: North Bridgton

Parents: Veronica and Tom Kugelman

School Activities/Sports: Indoor and outdoor track, Student Council, Prom Committee, Varsity Club

Q. Why did you choose indoor track? LK. My sophomore year, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do and all of my friends did indoor track. They all convinced me to try it instead of doing nothing.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish this season? LK. I hope to make some personal records or seasonal best performances.

Q. What do you enjoy the most? LK. I really enjoy the family atmosphere we have. We all support each other so much and bond more and more everyday during practices and meets.

Q. What do you like the least? LK. Morning practice, absolutely. Waking up at 5 a.m. to go to 6 a.m. practice is not fun.

Q. What makes you successful? LK. Thinking about doing well in a meet makes me try harder in practice. I think that helps.

Q. What would your dream moment be? LK. Making States for one of my events or making a personal record (PR).

Q. What has the sport taught you? LK. Indoor track has taught me a lot about self-motivation and how it is up to you to decide if you will achieve your goal, whether it is in sports, school or everyday life.

Q. Who has inspired you? LK. My mom. She’s such an amazing person and has taught me so much. She pushes me all the time to believe in myself and to work hard. She inspires me everyday.

Gaelon Kolczynski

The Kolczynski File

Name: Gaelon Kolczynski

Year in School: Sophomore

Town: Casco

Parents: Lisa Cline and Joseph Kolczynski

School Activities/Sports: Indoor track, outdoor track, musicals, plays

Q. Why did you choose indoor track? GK. I chose indoor track because I wanted to get more active and physically fit.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish this season? GK. I hope to make friends from other schools.

Q. What do you enjoy the most? GK. I love competing. It’s always fun to see how you compare to other athletes.

Q. What do you like the least? GK. Spending most of my time practicing after school.

Q. What makes you successful? GK. I put all my effort into every practice and every race.

Q. What would your dream moment be? GK. My dream moment would be to qualify for States in any of my races.

Q. What has the sport taught you? GK. Track has taught me how to be a good sport.

Q. Who has inspired you? GK. A lot of people have inspired me to do what I do, so it would be hard to say who has truly inspired me. I pull inspiration from everyone.