She was 4-foot-11, tops, and her times were middling at best.
But if you were to write a book about amazing Methuen athletes, Allison “Allie” Hawkes deserves a chapter alongside the likes of Olympic gold medalist Fred Tootell and Cy Young Award winner Steve Bedrosian.
Fellow Ranger swimming captain Abby Tremblay said of her close friend’s 20-year battle with cancer, “She took it like a champ.” And that may be the best way to describe Hawkes. She was a champion. The champ died on Dec. 6, a few weeks shy of her 27th birthday.
Allie Hawkes is remembered in this photo and words from 2010. As Methuen's head coach, Jason Smith extends his hand out to congratulate junior Allie Hawkes, right, her teammate Samantha Cullum gives her a big hug after finishing the 500 freestyle race. Hawkes, a cancer survivor in 2010 competed in the 500 freestyle race for the first time as a MHS Ranger. 10/26/2010.
