Bridgton Academy announces Jonathan Lounsbury as Head Hockey Coach.

Lounsbury (Class of ’01) returns to Bridgton following a decorated playing career in the NCAA and as a professional hockey player.

NORTH BRIDGTON, ME--, July 1, 2009: Bridgton Academy announced the hiring of Jonathan Lounsbury as the new Head Hockey Coach at the school. Lounsbury, a 2001 graduate of Bridgton Academy, brings an impressive playing resume to the job, having played for the University of Southern Maine Huskies from 2001 to 2005, then moving upward to play professional hockey through this past season.

In addition to his impressive athletic accomplishments, Lounsbury also owns and operates Total Package Strength and Conditions, Inc., a series of hockey skills, leadership, strength, and conditioning programs that take from Vancouver BC to Boston, MA.

“We are excited to have Jonathan joining our faculty here at Bridgton Academy. It is rewarding to have an alumni want to return home and give back to the young men that we serve. Jonathan was part of an impressive pool of applicants for this position and we are very pleased that he rose to the top,” said Grady Vigneau, Headmaster.

“We evaluated more than 75 applications, ranging from candidates with coaching experience at the Olympic level to NCAA Division 1 to the professional ranks. To have Jonathan’s name rise to the top -- and to be a Bridgton alum -- is a good feeling all the way around. We are very excited to bring him on board and watch as he continues to build upon the fantastic work that departing Coach (Jamie) Printz has put in over the last ten years,” continued Vigneau.

“I’m excited to rejoin the family at Bridgton Academy. BA was a key for me as a student, as an athlete, and as a young man. I had the opportunity to play for Coach Printz in one of his early years at Bridgton. I am very impressed with how much the program has developed over the years. To be taking over the program at this stage is an honor. This will be a great opportunity to work with motivated young men and to help be a part of “the year that makes the difference” for future students,” said Lounsbury.

While a student at Bridgton Academy, Lounsbury set the all-time school scoring record. He repeated his record-setting feat both in college while playing at the University of Southern Maine, and again in the pros while playing for the Huntsville Havoc of the SPHL, where he set defenseman scoring records for both clubs. It wasn’t just about scoring goals, however. Lounsbury was awarded the 2004 Student-Athlete Award while at USM and earned 1st Team All- American honors. His leadership continued into the professional ranks where he served as a Team Captain for his club. Lounsbury also acted as a player-coach in his final year of professional hockey.

Lounsbury will serve as an Admissions Officer and Head Hockey Coach for Bridgton Academy, taking a lead role in the recruitment of all BA students, including those who are aspiring hockey players. Lounsbury will also draw upon his extensive hockey coaching network as he takes the lead role in the placement of his hockey student-athletes as they graduate from the Academy.

“I’m very excited about the expertise and network that Jonathan brings to our campus. He knows our program and can hit the ground running. He’s walked a mile in our guys’ shoes and he’s had tremendous success upon leaving Bridgton. Both will give him excellent credibility with our current students as well as with those that he will be recruiting for future classes. Jonathan will be a fantastic asset to this campus,” said Chris Webb, director of admission and financial aid.

“This is an exciting time for Wolverine hockey, as the program has undergone impressive growth and development in the past ten years and we are now on the eve of the torch being passed to a young man who will undoubtedly build upon what is here and continue the momentum that our program has been enjoyed,” said Bridgton Academy’s long time athletic director, Brad Smith.

The accolades didn’t just come from those at Bridgton Academy. Mike Eruzione, one of Lounsbury’s long time mentors, and a name well known in hockey had this to say: “Jonathan is a young, aggressive and hardworking coach with an impressive work ethic and remarkable character. Look for him to do great things." Eruzione was a standout collegiate player at Boston University then earned worldwide fame as the captain of the 1980 Olympic gold medal winning USA Hockey team.

Lounsbury will be arriving on campus in early July. He can be reached at jlounsbury@bridgtonacademy.org.


Founded in 1808, Bridgton Academy is the only accredited college preparatory school in the country exclusively offering a true transition year between high school and college for young men to prepare for the rigors of college and beyond. For more information on Bridgton Academy, visit www.bridgtonacademy.org.

###

Now That's a Graduation Present

Trey Rasmussen, member of the incoming class of 2010, received a great graduation present- a stylish BA hoodie. Trey is standing with his hockey coach from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School,Coach Mincone.

We look forward to Trey and the entire class of 2010 arriving on campus for August 27th.

See you then!

Do you want to be the one writing these posts?

Bridgton Academy is looking for a Sports Information Intern for the upcoming academic year. This is a great opportunity to get an intensive year of writing and photographing Wolverine games, working with student athletes on a number of levels, getting your work published both in print and online, and having a great year in general.

Here is the official posting:
Position Available: Sports Information Intern

Bridgton Academy, the nation’s premier postgraduate boarding school for young men, seeks a Sports Information Intern for the 2009-2010 academic year. Bridgton Academy's mission is to provide a program for young men in a unique, one-year postgraduate environment to prepare for the rigors of college and beyond.

Sports Information interns are fully involved in all aspects of Bridgton’s postgraduate year. The program is very demanding of one’s time, talents, and energy. The internship is designed to be an introduction to the sports information profession, especially in the private boarding school/college environment, focusing on a combination of responsibilities, including sports reporting/writing, photography, videography, web content management, sports information management, team or club coaching, and residential life leadership. Interns will receive structured support and career advice from faculty mentors.

The Intern position is a nine month appointment: August 15, 2009 – May 15, 2010. Compensation includes stipend, residence hall accommodations, school term meals, and school vacations.

Candidates should submit a letter of introduction, resume, and three letters of reference to Mrs. Susan Cole, Director of Human Resources, P.O. Box 292, North Bridgton, ME 04057. Alternatively, applications may be submitted by email to scole@bridgtonacademy.org. The position will remain open until filled. For further information, visit our web site at www.bridgtonacademy.org.


Maybe you'll be the one bringing Wolverine Athletics to the world next year!

Bridgton Forward Select in NAHL Draft

Bridgton Academy Hockey forward, Tom Paine, was selected in the North American Hockey League Draft by the Expansion Janesville, WI Team. Janesville will begin play in the North American Hockey League this fall. Paine, from Superior, WI and Marshall Duluth High School, had an outstanding year at Bridgton Academy. "Tom competed each and every game. He was one of the first guys on the ice and the last to leave" said Coach Mike Meserve.

Bridgton Academy Hockey plays an Independent Juniors schedule against teams from the Eastern Junior Hockey League, Atlantic Junior Hockey League, International Junior Hockey League, AAA Midgets, New England Preps and other Independent Teams.

Wolverines Hockey Players Receive Awards

Five of this year's Wolverines Hockey team members received awards during last weekends Graduation events. Eric Clemmenson, Barrett Elliott, Thomas Paine, Steven Sisler, and Matt DelGuidice all were recognized either Friday or Saturday and we wanted to wish a special Congratulations to them all and best of luck with all of their future endeavors!!



Headmaster Grady Vigneau with Matt DelGuidice.


Thomas Paine with Athletic Director Brad Smith.


Headmaster Grady Vigneau congratulates Eric Clemmenson.



First Row: Thomas Paine and Barrett Elliott
Second Row: Eric Clemmenson and Matt DelGuidice
Third Row: Steven Sisler

Bridgton Academy Visits California

Our Director of Admissions, Chris Webb and our Head Football Coach, Rick Marcella, will be heading out to the left coast to visit high schools, prospects, coaches, and alumni and fans of Bridgton Academy. If you'd like to try and connect with Mr. Webb or Coach Marcella during their California trip (April 26 - May 1), drop them a line (cwebb@bridgtonacademy.org or marcella@bridgtonacademy.org).

Siegel Makes His Choice

Add another name to the college placement list as Eric Siegel (Wilmington, MA) has made his committment to Norwich University. Eric is 6'2, 225lbs and finished the season with 9 goals, 24 assists for 33 points in 32 games.