Blog

Nico Conathan-Leach, a standout athlete from Brattleboro Union High School, triumphed in the first annual Guilford Triathlon Sprint, finishing the challenging course in just 1:20:05. The event, organized by BUHS's own Willow Sharma, showcased local talent and community spirit, drawing participants to tackle a unique and demanding route. Excitement is already brewing for next year's triathlon, as Sharma aims to enhance the experience and attract even more Brattleboro Bears to the course!

Brattleboro Bears showcased their competitive spirit at the Lee Goldsmith Memorial Soccer Tournament, where two teams represented our community among seven contenders. While Twin Valley triumphed with a close victory over Mount Greylock, the Bears demonstrated their dedication and skill on the field, contributing to the vibrant local sports culture in Brattleboro. We're proud of all our student-athletes for their hard work and sportsmanship!

Brattleboro's own Hailey Katona has once again made her mark in the golf world, securing her third consecutive Vermont Women’s Amateur title with an impressive nine-over par score. Katona, a former NCAA Division I athlete, dominated the tournament at Ekwanok Country Club, finishing 13 strokes ahead of the competition. Additionally, local golfer Tracy Sloan showcased her skills by improving her score each day, ultimately placing 36th overall, representing the Brattleboro athletic spirit.

This Saturday, the Brattleboro Bears will showcase their talent at the 15th annual Lee Goldsmith Memorial Soccer Tournament at Middle Willow Park. Joining local teams like Burr and Burton and Rutland, Brattleboro aims to honor the legacy of Lee Goldsmith, a passionate scholar-athlete whose spirit continues to inspire. With exciting matches and a no offside rule, fans can expect a thrilling day of soccer starting at 11 a.m.

Nine Brattleboro Bears represented the Brattleboro Swim Team (BST) at the Vermont state meet in White River Junction, showcasing impressive talent and determination. Notable performances included Minna Farrell, who placed 12th in the girls six-and-under 25-yard backstroke, and the girls eight-and-under relay team, which finished 11th. With a fifth-place finish in Division V and strong individual showings, the Bears are looking forward to building on this season's successes as they prepare for next summer.

Brattleboro Union High School alum Brian Lashway has once again proven his athletic prowess by winning the Southern Vermont Decathlon for the fourth time in six years, narrowly edging out Weathersfield's Shane Mas. With standout performances across multiple events, including victories in the 400-meter dash and the one-mile run, Lashway's achievements highlight the continued excellence of Brattleboro Bears student-athletes in local competitions. Fellow BUHS athletes, such as Landon Mas and Jess Curtis, also showcased their talents, with Curtis matching Lashway's accomplishment by clinching her fourth overall title in the same event.

Mike Zaranek, recognized as Golf Professional of the Year by the Vermont Chapter of the PGA, has made significant contributions to Brattleboro Country Club over the past 25 years, inspiring Brattleboro Bears through his junior golf camps and community-driven initiatives. His commitment to fostering a love for the game has helped local youth, including many aspiring athletes looking to form a high school golf team, find their passion for golf. With over 200 members at BCC, including a surge of young players, Zaranek's efforts exemplify the sharp upward trajectory of golf in Brattleboro, encouraging generations of golfers to embrace the sport.

The recent Firecracker 4-Miler in Brattleboro showcased impressive talent from our local athletes, with Brattleboro Bears making a strong showing. Notably, Trinley Warren clinched first place overall with a remarkable time of 22:57.17. Among the standout performances were Nico Conathan-Leach and Jonas Ackerman-Hovis, both from the Brattleboro boys track team, finishing fourth and sixth, respectively, in their age group.

The Rabideau family recently celebrated their father Sonny's racing legacy by reuniting with his iconic 1934 Ford, a vehicle that helped him secure six dirt track championships. Kelsey Rabideau described the trip as a memorable Father's Day surprise, highlighting the deep connections the family maintains with local racing history. This reunion not only honors Sonny’s achievements but also resonates with the Brattleboro Bears, reminding us of the enriching local sports culture that continues to inspire current student-athletes.

Brattleboro Union High School is proud to announce that student-athletes Evan Wright and Rowan Lonergan will represent the Bears in the upcoming Make-A-Wish Twin State All-Star Hockey Classic. Both players achieved significant milestones this season: Wright celebrated his 100th career goal during a thrilling match against Stowe, while Lonergan set a record for the most points by a defenseman in a single season for Brattleboro hockey. Join us in cheering on these talented Bears as they showcase their skills while supporting a great cause!

Brattleboro Union High School proudly celebrates its standout student-athletes recognized in the Southern Vermont League's spring sports all-star selections. Notable achievements include Jack Cady, Teagan Thurber, and Hailey Richards earning first-team honors in track and field, while the ultimate team shone with Desmond Longsmith and Colby Bristol also making the elite list. Congrats to all Brattleboro Bears for their impressive performances this season!

Brattleboro Bears track & field athletes Jack Cady and Hailey Richards shone at the Division 1 state meet in Burlington, both earning state championships while setting new school records. Senior Cady clinched the boys 400-meter dash with a remarkable time of 48.92 seconds, while sophomore Richards soared to victory in pole vault, clearing 10 feet 1.25 inches. With strong performances from the team, including podium finishes from Teagan Thurber and Nico Conathan-Leach, the Bears look to build on this success in future seasons!

Brattleboro Union High School Unified recently hosted the fourth annual Special Olympics Vermont State Unified Bocce Tournament on Natowich Field, bringing together unified teams from across Southern Vermont for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. Coach Tyler Boone emphasized the event as a way to celebrate the end of the basketball season while fostering unity and joy among athletes, who eagerly earned medals and built lasting friendships. With engaging smiles, the Brattleboro Bears showcased their sportsmanship, embodying the essence of unified sports: “On the field we are teammates; off the field we are friends.”

Several Brattleboro residents, including our talented Brattleboro Bears, showcased their determination in the annual Delta Dental road race up Mount Washington. Despite challenging conditions forcing the race to be shortened to 3.8 miles, local athletes displayed impressive resilience and teamwork. Their spirit and commitment to running continue to inspire the Brattleboro community!

In a heartfelt tribute to local racing legend Moran "Sonny" Rabideau, we celebrate his lasting impact on Brattleboro as a champion stock car driver, known for his remarkable achievements at tracks across New England. The legacy of the "Flying Frenchman," who won multiple championships and charmed fans with his gentle spirit, continues to inspire the Brattleboro Bears and our community's future athletes. As the memories of Sonny’s illustrious career evolve, they remind us of the rich sports heritage rooted in our own backyard.

The Brattleboro Bears boys lacrosse team capped off their season with a commendable run to the Division 2 quarterfinals, achieving their first playoff victory in 11 years. In a thrilling match against Spaulding, Alex Dick led the charge with three goals, helping secure a 9-5 win, while the team showed tenacity in their subsequent game despite facing the top-seeded Highlanders. As they look ahead to building on this momentum, the Bears exemplify the spirit and determination of Brattleboro Union High School athletics.

Join the Brattleboro Bears community at the 22nd Annual BUHS Alumni Golf Tournament on June 21 at the Brattleboro Country Club! This cherished event not only brings together alumni, friends, and supporters but also raises crucial funds for BUHS athletics, helping provide uniforms, equipment, and travel for our student-athletes. Don't miss the chance to support our dedicated Bears—register now and be part of a great day of golf and community spirit!

Join us on June 20 for the 18th Annual Golf Tournament & Silent Auction at the Brattleboro Country Club, hosted by Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS). This event not only promises a day of fun for the Brattleboro Bears but also directly supports vital housing needs in our community. With generous local sponsors backing the cause, every dollar raised will help ensure that families in Brattleboro have a safe place to call home.

The Brattleboro Bears faced a tough challenge in the Division 2 lacrosse quarterfinals, falling to Harwood with a final score of 16-1, concluding their season with a 5-13 record. Meanwhile, Bellows Falls' softball team advanced in the Division 3 playoffs with a commanding 16-4 victory over Randolph, showcasing the strength of local high school sports as teams push beyond the regular season. As the spring sports playoffs unfold, Brattleboro's athletic community continues to celebrate the dedication and achievements of its student-athletes.

Eight Brattleboro Bears showcased their talent at the recent boys state individual tournament, competing fiercely in singles and doubles matches. Standout performances included Malo Renault's victory in the first round and Eli Welch's competitive spirit against the No. 1 seed. As the team looks to build on their experiences, the future looks bright for the Bears, especially with strong players returning next season!