GROTON -- Athletics at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School in the 2009-10 year will be fondly remembered for many reasons. Individual and team success, star power, talent, depth and a plethora of athletes who will play at the next level dotted the landscape.
It will also be remembered for the chemistry of the teams and how close-knit they were. The teams had all the components on hand to succeed, including unsung heroes. Those athletes didn't get the recognition of some of their teammates, but were prized by their coaches and teammates and provided the glue that made things work.
Two such athletes are Cam Willcox and Jimmy McLean.
Willcox has been a four-year starter on the basketball team and a starting two-way lineman on the football team. McLean has been a key component on the football team as a strong safety, the hockey team as a right wing, and the lacrosse team as a midfielder.
"Cam was a starter as a sophomore at Ayer High School as part of the co-operative program and for the last two seasons at Groton-Dunstable," said Groton-Dunstable head football coach Derek Asadoorian. "He is versatile and athletic and is a coach's dream. He enhances his athletic ability with an understanding of the game. He has a desire to play to the best of his ability every minute and that's what sets him apart."
Cam has been a defensive end and guard for the Crusaders and flashed his versatility during his junior season when he invigorated the offense as a tight
end with strong pass catching ability. His size created match-up problems for defenses.
Willcox led by deeds and example far more than by words, but Asadoorian insists that Cam's quiet off-field demeanor was different on the field.
"Cam was vocal on the field in a positive way," said Asadoorian. "He has the ability to communicate as if he is a coach on the field. He has always been willing to ask questions in practice and he asked important questions that needed to be answered. He was the first to speak up during a critical timeout and he relished big situations. He has strong character traits and earned respect as a captain and a two-way starter."
McLean was an important member of the strong Groton-Dunstable defense the past two seasons in the defensive backfield.
"Jimmy was a strong safety who played a lot like a linebacker," said Asadoorian. "He is a scrapper who keeps coming and he just wants to win. He has a great will and has worked hard in the weight room in the offseason. He has a great attitude and has made himself into a player. I would love to have 11 players just like him.
"Jimmy is the plumber on the field," said Asadoorian. "He is willing to get dirty and he is not flashy. He understands his job and could always be counted on to get it done. In our first game as Groton-Dunstable, he had an enormous game at Maynard. We knew we had found something special because he executed things like we drew them up. He is very versatile and he is willing to take on blockers and sacrifice his body. He understands that is an important part of football."
Willcox was a hockey player who chose basketball when he entered high school, a rare combination. He has been the team's center, often giving away size to opponents.
"One of the most pleasant experiences I've had was Cam trying out," said Groton-Dunstable boys basketball coach Keith Woods. "He was one of our three freshmen starters that season and we had a very young team. He has always had the assignment of defending the opposing team's best player and has always shown a willingness to go to the floor after a loose ball. He has been all about hustle and hard work.
"Cam is selfless and committed to the program," said Woods. "I have always liked his size, intensity and physicality and he has a nice shot. He is a quiet leader, one who leads by example. He has had some great games both offensively and defensively for us. He won a game for us at the Clark Tournament with a buzzer-beating shot and I am sure that is a big memory for him. Cam has been the heart and soul of our teams and he will be missed."
McLean was a rugged right wing on the Crusaders hockey team that captured a league championship and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. He will finish his high school career this spring as a midfielder on the promising lacrosse team, where he will provide veteran leadership for coach Rick Arena's squad.
"Jimmy will be playing for the third season and he is consistent, dependable, focused and hard working," said Arena. "He is the same every day no matter what the situation is. He is a natural leader with his approach to the game and his actions on the field. He is a defensive stopper at midfield and his offense has continued to improve. We will be looking for him to shoulder more of the offensive burden this year.
"Jimmy is fast, quick and physical and provides a toughness that separates him from the pack. He is very coachable and puts the team first. He is comfortable in any role that is good for the team. He is disciplined, hard-working and productive, and ask any teammate or coach and they will tell you they are well aware of his value to the team. He brings the same qualities as a student that he does as an athlete."
It is not a coincidence that team success has been a part of the legacy of Willcox and McLean. They have filled vital roles on those teams and stepped up at crucial times. The talent each brought was important, but not any more important than the mindset that each exhibited in both practice and games.
"Cam has received the sword & shield award the last two years as our best two-way player," said Asadoorian. "He is a throwback and has been a warrior for us. He would have been in his element 20 or 30 years ago, as well as now.
"Jimmy has received the Hammer & Anvil award the past two years as our unsung hero," said Asadoorian. "If my son turns out like him, I will be a proud dad."
