The Cony Rams celebrate with the boot trophy after beating rival Gardiner 5-3 in a field hockey game Wednesday in Augusta.
The Cony Rams celebrate after a goal by Caroline Hendrickson, fourth from left, broke the tie and put them up 4-3 in fourth quarter against Gardiner in a field hockey game Wednesday in Augusta.
Gardiner's Gabi Sousa, left, tries to get past Cony's Caroline Hendrickson during a field hockey game Wednesday in Augusta.
Gardiner's Zoey Sullivan-Brennan, left, and Cony's Natalie Dude battle for a ball during a field hockey game Wednesday in Augusta.
Gardiner's Gabi Sousa, left, winds up and shoots a pass past Cony's Caroline Hendrickson during a field hockey game Wednesday in Augusta.
Gardiner honorary captain Matthew Swindells, second from left, walks onto the field with his daughter Gardiner player Davyn Swindells, left, wife Lauren Swindells, third from left, daughter Kaylin Stade and and granddaughter Gracelynn Stade during pregame festivities for the 16th annual Drive Out Cancer Game on Wednesday in Augusta. Cony's Honorary Captain: Russell "Rusty " Welch is the late grandfather of Cony senior player Natalie Dude. During past 16 years the annual fundraisers at the the rivalry game has raised more than $100,000 for the Harold Alfond Center For Cancer Care in Augusta. Gardiner's Honorary Captain: Matt Swindells Matt grew up in Chelsea, Maine. Growing up, he attended Chelsea School, Saint Mary's, Cony High School, and Norwich University. He was a well-rounded athlete, having played soccer football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. He is now a civil engineer and has worked on many projects throughout the state. He has always loved field hockey and enjoyed coaching Davy in middle school with his oldest daughter, Kaylin. In February 2024, Matt was diagnosed with stage 4, B Hodgkin's lymphoma. He was unable to find an oncologist in New England and was admitted to a hospital in Florida for a month of treatment. Eventually, Matt was able to receive the remainder of his care in Massachusetts. Matt is now in remission and wants everyone to know how thankful he and his family are to the community for all their support. The Swindells family says, "We are incredibly grateful for this community. The kind words, messages, phone calls and support have really kept us going. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
The Cony and Gardiner field hockey teams watch a coin toss prior to their game Wednesday in Augusta. AUGUSTA, ME - SEPT. 18: Gardiner honorary captain Matthew Swindells, left, call the coin toss before for the 16th annual Drive Out Cancer Game on Wednesday September 18, 2024 on Fuller Field at Cony Middle and High School in Augusta. (Staff photo by Joe Phelan/Staff Photographer)
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