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Vol. 50 | No. 15 | April 12, 2024
1974 - 20
24
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Westborough three-sport athlete Kate Sams is ‘every coach’s dream’ By Evan Walsh Reporter
Former state hospital site to be developed GRAFTON | 7
A solar eclipse to remember in Shrewsbury shrewsbury| 10
WESTBOROUGH – Kate Sams couldn’t wait to get involved in sports — literally. Eager for her soccer practice, 4-year-old Sams quickly got ready, changing into her uniform, lacing up her cleats and gathering her equipment. Sams was ready to compete, but there was just one problem: It was 1 p.m., and practice wouldn’t start for another four hours. Sams didn’t mistake the time — she was just that excited to play. “She’s had the biggest appetite for sports literally since she could walk,” said Mike Sams, Kate’s father, remembering a conversation he had with her mother, Courtney, at the time. “This is when they’re playing with pop-up nets, she’s four years old… She’s just always loved sports.” Now a Westborough High School senior, Sams never lost her passion for athletics. Over the last four years, she’s become a standout athlete on the Rangers’ soccer, basketball and lacrosse teams. Although Sams has enjoyed impressive athletic success over her high-school career, she’s just as celebrated for her leadership, sportsmanship and lasting impact on coaches and teammates. Sams | 18
Kate Sams is introduced before a basketball game. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Citizens’ petition to disband Design Review Westborough boys tennis returns with improved game and outlook Westborough | 19
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor NORTHBOROUGH – A citizens’ petition heading to Town Meeting on April 22 would terminate the Design Review Committee. Resident Dick Rand presented the petition to the Planning Board on April 2. Last year, Town Meeting voters approved an
article put forth by the Planning Board to remove the Groundwater Advisory Committee. Rand said that part of the explanation to get rid of the committee was because there weren’t any experts on the committee. “It was just a committee made up of people in town. The only expert to have any input in the meeting was the town engineer,” Rand said. “This
Design Review | 6
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