Black Bear Nation 2017-18 | University of Maine Black Bear Athletics

Nation

Black Bear

2017–18 • University of Maine • Black Bear Athletics

Faces of Maine

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JUSTIN COURTNEY

KIRSTEN JOHNSON

KEVIN REED

RACHEL CARLSON

KELBY MACE

CAITLIN MACDONALD

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BROOKE STACEY

JAMIL DEMBY

ROB MICHEL

RACHAEL BERGERON

STEPHEN COMEAU

KENDRA RIDLEY

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EMILY BORGER

MIKE CONNOLLY

COACH DERBA

EMMA COCHRAN

ASHLEY WATERS

SAM HALLETT

Faces of Maine

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ABBEY COOK

COACH VACHON

WILSON ADAMS

KELLY NOBERT LAFOUNTAIN

COACH BARRON

JACLYN MASTERS

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PAUL HANNIGAN

LYNN HEARTY COUTTS, EMILY ELLIS & ANN ENGLAND-MAXIM

RYAN TAYLOR & JONATHAN LYNCH

BETSY & JOHN AMY VICKERY CORBETT BERNATCHEZ

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Alfond Fund, Golf Tournament, Ambassadors

The University of Maine does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. Contact the Director, Equal Opportunity, 5754 North Stevens Hall, Room 101, Orono, ME 044695754 at 207.581.1226 (voice), TTY 711 (Maine Relay System), equal.opportunity@maine.edu with questions or concerns.

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Maine Spirit

25th Anniversary of NCAA Hockey Championship

Photographers: Holland Haverkamp, Adam Küykendall, Ron Lisnet

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Points of Pride

Designer: Val Ireland

Community Outreach

Liaisons: Jack Cosgrove, Buffie McCue, Tyson McHatten, Seth Woodcock

Title IX Celebration

Black Bear Sports Properties Catch the Action Join the Team

Writer: Beth Staples

Photo contributors: Boston University, Buffalo Bills, Matt Michaud, Monty Rand, Peter Beuhner, University of Maine Athletics Department, University of Maine Special Collections, Terry Wyatt

Harold Alfond The Legacy

Harold Alfond and his family are among the University of Maine’s most loyal fans and generous supporters. Throughout the years, the Harold Alfond Foundation® has provided more than $15 million in support of UMaine Athletics. Gifts for capital projects, such as Alfond Arena and Alfond Stadium, have transformed the gameday experience for fans, coaches and players alike. In addition, the annual Alfond Challenge has provided the Black Bears with valuable support for annual operations, and encouraged hundreds of alumni and friends to make gifts to benefit Maine’s only Division I athletics program. The Alfonds’ philanthropy has benefited thousands of UMaine student-athletes, hundreds of coaches and countless fans of Black Bear Nation.

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The Alfond Fund

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n 2016, the Harold Alfond Foundation® presented a $1.5 million, three-year award that established the Alfond Fund in the University of Maine Foundation. The fund created a centralized fundraising structure for UMaine Athletics and continued support of the football program. Donors choose to support a specific team or a specific need (such as scholarships), or make an unrestricted gift that UMaine Athletics will use where “the need is the greatest.” All gifts support the Alfond Fund.

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Why do we need your support?

Alfond Challenge

UMaine remains committed to funding the Black Bears through its base budget (largely a mix of state support and tuition dollars) and through campuswide initiatives, including enhancing the gameday experience for fans and players.

The need for financial resources across campus, however, outstrips the university’s ability to cover all costs associated with an outstanding athletics program. We rely on generous donors to close the gap.

The Harold Alfond FoundationÂŽ matches gifts to UMaine football on a 1:1 basis, up to a total of $250,000 if specific terms and conditions are met. We count on generous alumni and friends to meet this challenge. Your gift helps us address a variety of needs, including expenses related to recruitment, team travel and equipment.

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First Annual

Alfond Classic Golf Tournament Belgrade Lakes Golf Club

Photo courtesy of Belgrade Golf Club

From left: Karlton Creech, Paul Hannigan, Robert Dana and Bill Alfond. Photo by Monty Rand

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n August, more than 175 people celebrated Black Bear Athletics at the Alfond Classic Golf Tournament at beautiful Belgrade Lakes Golf Club.

In addition to teeing it up on a picture-perfect day at one of the region’s premier golf courses, attendees met University of Maine coaches and staff and raised more $90,000 to support our studentathletes.

We extend a special thank-you to all of the teams and generous sponsors, including Maine Savings, Paul Hannigan, Tom Savage, 6

From left: Karl Suchecki, Staci Creech, Susan Hunter and Chris Emmons. Photo by Monty Rand

New Balance, University Credit Union, Darling’s, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England, Golden Pond Wealth Management and Wallace Events.

We’re already looking forward to the 2018 Alfond Classic and invite everyone interested in reserving a spot or discussing sponsorship opportunities to contact Buffie McCue, assistant director for athletic advancement, at buffie.mccue@maine.edu or 207.581.1130.

Alfond Fund Ambassador “A person who acts as a positive, goodwill representative and promoter of Maine Athletics”

“I was thrilled to be part of the team that organized the inaugural Alfond Classic Golf Tournament on Aug. 4, and what a great day and event it was. Being an ambassador for the only Division I athletic program in the state is exciting, and I look forward to more people joining the Alfond Fund Ambassadors and to being involved in future signature events.”

Alfond Fund Ambassador Janine Tremble ’86

In spring 2017, the University of Maine Department of Athletics created and launched the Alfond Fund with a generous grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation®.

The fund provides support for student-athletes, streamlines fundraising efforts and affords the department the opportunity to establish a comprehensive volunteer structure. The new structure, named the Alfond Fund Ambassadors program, invites people who are passionate about UMaine Athletics to enhance the studentathlete experience.

The Alfond Fund Ambassadors program helps teams meet the constant and growing demands of NCAA Division I athletics, as well as strengthens the Black Bear brand and creates a strong local and national community of UMaine volunteers and supporters.

“Through the generosity of the Harold Alfond Foundation®, we are excited to announce a new way for volunteers to help the Athletics Department meet the growing demands of funding successful Division I sports programs,” says Director of Athletics Karlton Creech.

“The change from individual team volunteers to a centralized structure allows us to maximize the talent of all of our volunteers by enabling them to serve all of our programs. With an emphasis on Alfond Fund membership and donation growth, and the successful execution of a small number of signature events, the ambassadors will be an essential part of our future success. We look forward to welcoming existing and new volunteers in the Alfond Fund Ambassadors program.”

The Belgrade Lakes Golf Club was the site of the Alfond Fund Ambassadors’ first signature event — the inaugural Alfond Classic Golf Tournament on Aug. 4. A committee of volunteers was tasked with, and met, a goal of attracting 44 teams to the dual-flight tournament.

“It was energizing to watch the cooperation and positive rapport between the UMaine athletic administration and this group of Alfond Fund Ambassador volunteers,” says Jim Dyer, organizer of the Alfond Golf Classic. “They combined to coordinate what was an exciting day of golf for the participants and supporters of UMaine Athletics.”

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Baseball Justin Courtney Student-athlete

When Justin Courtney was 5, his dad — a tennis professional — tried to teach him the finer points of the game. But Courtney preferred two-fisted power swings and catching the felt-covered yellow ball and chucking it as hard as he could.

Advantage, Courtney. These days, the 6’4” right-handed pitcher hurls 90-mph fastballs. “I’m going to challenge hitters with my best pitch,” says the Bangor High School graduate. The approach has worked well for the 2015 Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American and America East all-star. Besting perennial power Clemson is a highlight for Courtney, who takes aim at multiple academic and athletic goals, including playing professional baseball. “I’ve loved it here since day one,” says the business management major and economics minor.

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Basketball Kirsten “KJ” Johnson Student-athlete

Kirsten Johnson treasures her basketball experiences, including traveling to Italy, New Orleans and Miami; practicing where the game was invented; and visiting teammates from Van Buren, Maine to Greece. Academic and athletic demands have helped the business and marketing double major become an authentic, resilient, innovative woman. Johnson and teammates sing the “Stein Song” before each contest to remind them that they play for family, friends, school, community and the state. The California native and passionate and positive leader enjoys inspiring others. “I am honored to be a part of a team that sets the standards for all other athletes and students, and to serve as a role model for younger girls who had the same dream I had.”

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Basketball Kevin Reed ’07 Alumnus

Kevin Reed, who graduated as UMaine’s fourth all-time leading scorer (1,601 points) is now an assistant coach at his alma mater. Former coach John Giannini — in the stands to watch someone else — recruited Reed after seeing him score 36 points, including the game-winner at the buzzer, for St. Thomas More School. Reed played professionally in Europe and most recently was boys’ basketball coach, athletic administrator and physical education teacher at Bangor Christian. His family includes wife Hannah Socoby Reed (a former hoops star at Houlton High School); children Jalen, Rajon and Jordyn; and English mastiff Yogi Bear. The former America East All-Star wants to be a mentor and inspiration to young men, just as his coaches were for him.

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Softball Rachel Carlson Student-athlete

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The Alfond

Photo by Matt Michaud

Celebrating 40 years as home of Maine Hockey 1977–2017

College hockey rink with the “Best Atmosphere” The Wall Street Journal, 2011

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Track & Field Kelby Mace Student-athlete Self-improvement is gratifying for Kelby Mace. “It doesn’t matter if it’s sports-related or school-related, getting smarter, faster, stronger is rewarding,” says the engineering major and creative writing minor. The optimist embraces new experiences. At Maranacook Community High School, the determined and easy-going senior switched from tennis – he was a top singles player — to track & field. And as a junior at UMaine, Mace competed in the javelin throw at the NCAA East Regional at the University of Kentucky. His personal best is 63.85 meters.

The native of Readfield, Maine plans to travel to each continent and to keep learning. “I am inspired by people who never give up and don’t let others tell them what they can’t do.”

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Swimming & Diving Caitlin Macdonald ’11 Alumna

Caitlin Macdonald learned to be a focused, dedicated team member at UMaine, where she majored in psychology and minored in biology.

The former MVP and captain, who holds the school record in the 200 IM, says she greatly appreciated coach Susan Lizzotte’s leadership.

Today, the physician assistant finds it gratifying to care for and interact with patients, and continuously learn. The Phi Beta Kappa member and Charlottesville, Virginia native strives to inspire others with her positive attitude; Macdonald knows patients depend on her medical team to be confident, attentive and optimistic. Macdonald lives in Medford, Massachusetts with her husband, Dan and dog, Titan. She enjoys hiking and traveling to visit with friends and family.

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Ice Hockey Brooke Stacey Student-athlete

Brooke Stacey, 21, has been skating for 19 years, starting at a rink her relatives built in Kahnawake, Quebec — a First Nations reserve of the Mohawks of Kahnawá:ke. Big dreams, she says, can start in small communities. She enrolled at Ontario Hockey Academy and won gold with Canada’s National U18 Team (outscoring opponents 25–2) in Budapest. Last summer, Stacey participated in Hockey Canada’s National Women’s Development Team selection camp. She’s made friends around the world, and at UMaine, the forward has made the Hockey East All-Academic and All-Star teams. The sociology major enjoys criminology courses and may opt for law school or being a law enforcement investigator. Her hobbies include hiking, dining out with friends, movies and road trips.

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Football Jamil Demby Student-athlete

Jamil Demby started playing football in a sandlot in Vineland, New Jersey and he’d like to continue competing in NFL stadiums after his distinguished UMaine career.

“It’s a dream of mine and I’ll pursue it as long as I can,” says the Black Bear captain, All-CAA selection and STATS FCS Preseason All-American. The daily responsibilities of earning a degree in kinesiology and physical education while playing DI football — weightlifting, classes, position meetings, practice, film breakdown and study — require endurance and focus. The humorous, humble 6-foot-5, 335-pound offensive lineman recognizes and appreciates he has opportunities not afforded to others.

“The experiences have helped me become more mature, build character and be a better man,” he says. “I feel blessed.”

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Ice Hockey Rob Michel Student-athlete

For Rob Michel, UMaine’s a good match. “I get to play the sport I love while getting a great education,” says the high-scoring defenseman and electrical engineering major. Michel gleans inspiration from his family, including brother Ryan, an assistant coach at SUNY Cortland; and father Dave, an engineer. The 2014–15 Central Canada Hockey League Defenseman of the Year got started early, skating at 3 years of age. Michel thrives on challenges and last season tallied two game-winning goals for UMaine. The native of Camillus, New York says his most rewarding athletic moment was signing to play for the Black Bears. “It showed all of my hard work paid off,” says Michel, who plans to earn his degree and play professional hockey.

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Track & Field Rachael Bergeron Student-athlete

Rachael Bergeron is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s message that it’s better to fail attempting greatness than to live timidly.

Adhering to that philosophy has produced excellent results for the Waterville, Maine native. She competed in the NCAA Division I Track & Field East Preliminary Round and placed second with a personal best 195-foot hammer throw at the Penn Relays. Bergeron’s a bioengineering major and math minor with a pre-med concentration. And she thoroughly enjoyed beginner tap dance class. Next up: qualifying for the NCAA Championships in Oregon; breaking UMaine’s hammer and weight throw records; and contributing to advances in the medical field. “I believe success is pushing yourself to be better and never settling for less than you are capable.”

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Swimming & Diving Stephen Comeau Student-athlete

Stephen Comeau loves learning, in and out of the pool.

The biology major and business administration minor with a premedical studies concentration is a quick study; he’s on pace to graduate in three years. Comeau was selected for the Sophomore Owls Honor Society, which includes men who promote integrity, scholarship, leadership and service. The Bangor native plans to become a physician and chose UMaine for its academics, affordability and chance to swim competitively. Comeau remembers being at the wrong end of a 50-meter pool during an elementary school relay race. He dashed to the opposite end just in time to dive in, still wearing his Crocs. The motivated freestyler says he’s prepared for the fastest season of his career.

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Soccer Kendra Ridley Student-athlete

Kendra Ridley was so keen to play soccer as a young child that she wouldn’t stay off the pitch at her older brother’s games. So league officials allowed her to compete early. She participated in five sports in high school and has earned all-rookie, all-academic and all-conference honors in Orono. The senior nursing student from Ottawa, Canada is intrigued by challenges presented by the body and wants to care for patients as she would for her own family members.

Ridley believes in laughing often, continually evolving and living life to the fullest. The captain midfielder chose UMaine to be a member of the close-knit, supportive Black Bear family. “I know I’ll be leaving Orono as a better version of myself.”

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Swimming & Diving Emily Borger Student-athlete

Emily Borger, whose dad is an Air Force chaplain, has lived in California, Colorado, Texas, Hawaii, Kansas, South Korea and Massachusetts. And since age 8, Borger’s been at home in pools. Because her family moved about every three years, she was homeschooled by her mom, an educator.

Borger plans a career in science education outreach. “I love children and love teaching,” says the student president of The Navigators — an interdenominational Christian organization. First, Borger plans to pursue an advanced degree somewhere she has yet to live, perhaps Ireland or Scotland. This season, the marine biology major wants to break UMaine’s 50 freestyle record. Her advice to aspiring student-athletes: Do what you love and work hard at what you love.

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Baseball Mike Connolly ’18 Alumnus

Mike Connolly had an incredible 2013 campaign.

The junior played every position in one game, was an all-star catcher and pitcher, was a finalist for the best two-way college player award and was drafted by the San Francisco Giants. 2017–18 was solid, too. The San Jose Giants hurler, who’s engaged, earned a child development and family relations degree. Connolly concentrates on positives, including his own. After management, in effect, cut him during the 2015 offseason, Connolly responded by listing reasons he should be invited to spring training. He was persuasive, proved his value and became a league all-star. The Massachusetts native credits UMaine, including cold-weather training, with developing student-athletes’ toughness and ability to handle challenges.

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Spirit

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Baseball Nick Derba Head Coach

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Nick Derba seeks blue collar studentathletes to join UMaine’s tradition-rich baseball family. The Black Bears have made 16 appearances in the NCAA regionals and seven trips to the College World Series.

Among the program’s many stellar studentathletes, 98 joined the professional ranks and 19 made it to Major League Baseball.

Players are “Black Bears forever, not just for four years,” says Derba, who was drafted and played six seasons in the St. Louis organization. “When they’re 55, I hope they pick up the phone to talk.

I have that relationship with former coaches and there’s nothing better.” Derba was accepted to medical school but chose coaching to guide young men to be “Maine tough” on the field and gentlemen in life.

Field Hockey Emma Cochran Student-athlete

Emma Cochran’s dad gave her shrewd advice years ago when they golfed and played catch: Believe in yourself. “This has stuck with me throughout my entire athletic career,” says the senior goalie. The British Columbia native also has made a believer of others; in 2015 she had a 1.37 goals against average for the 19–4 Black Bears, who were ranked 17th nationally.

Cochran, who majors in mass communication and minors in business administration, leadership, technical writing and English, plans to pursue a media career in sports or the entertainment industry. The former U17 Junior National squad member has a twin brother, Daniel. She enjoys teaching field hockey and experiencing the joy that youth get playing the sport she loves.

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Softball Ashley Waters ’09 Alumna

At home plate, on second base or in the coaching box, Ashley Waters is at ease. No wonder. She grew up shagging fly balls at Amesbury High School in Massachusetts, where her mother has coached softball for nearly 30 years. Waters loves the sport because it teaches humility and tests mental toughness. “UMaine Athletics fueled my drive for excellence,” says Waters, a UMaine Sports Hall of Fame inductee who earned America East Player and ScholarAthlete of the Year honors. Now Boston University’s softball coach, Waters majored in communications to be an effective mentor.

“I am proud to see where the Coutts’ family has taken the softball program. Their dedication to the university and student-athletes has created a winning culture.”

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Broadcast and Video Production Sam Hallett Director of Digital Content

Sam Hallett is thrilled to coordinate live broadcasts of University of Maine contests on ESPN3. The Caribou, Maine native says it’s rewarding to have work-study students operate cameras and create graphics to showcase the talented Black Bear scholar-athletes and coaches, as well as the exciting gameday atmosphere. Hallett became interested in a video production career in a class at Caribou High School, where he competed in golf, wrestling and tennis. Hallett thrived while attending the New England School of Communications and enjoys mentoring UMaine students interested in the fast-paced, evolving, fun field. At home, the tech-savvy dad of two enjoys flying drones, 3-D printing and DIY projects.

He appreciates the encouragement his wife, Ashley has provided throughout his career.

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Ice Hockey Abbey Cook ’16 Alumna

When Abbey Cook was 4, her mother Amy (a former UNH swimmer) took her to a free skate. Cook noticed people playing ice hockey on a nearby rink and asked to try it. “I never looked back,” says Cook, whose dad Geoff graduated from UMaine.

When Cook visited campus, she says it felt like home. “I still talk with my coaches,” she says. “We’re a big family.” The forward and captain loved the sport’s fast pace, as well as road trips and pregame rituals. The tenacity that benefited the biology major on the ice also gives the Hockey East all-academic selection confidence in dental school at BU. “I want to be in the medical field and positively impact people’s lives.”

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Basketball Amy Vachon ’00 Head Coach

Playing at UMaine was a slam dunk for Amy Vachon, the Gatorade Player of Year and Miss Basketball winner from Cony High School. She wanted to compete for coach Joanne Palombo-McCallie in front of 5,000 fans, including her parents. The intelligent, crafty point guard led the Black Bears to four NCAA appearances, which included the 1999 upset over Stanford. The elementary education major who graduated magna cum laude still holds the career university and league assist records (759). Coaching the Black Bears also is the right move. Vachon thrives on helping players improve and become confident women. “I love getting up in the morning. I want to make an impact on others. I want people to be better for knowing me.”

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Track & Field Wilson Adams ’15 Alumnus Wilson Adams embraces failure — on the field, in the lab and in life. Then he adapts and advances. It’s worked well for the Eagle Scout from Rhode Island. The former team captain and four-time America East champion is dedicated to learning. By heeding details, Adams broke UMaine’s hammer throw record (189–2) and 50-year-old weight throw record (62-7 1/4 inches). Resilience is critical, says Adams, who’s pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Vanderbilt University. The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellow plans to develop cutting-edge optical imaging tools for medical professionals and have a meaningful impact on the way scientists conduct research. The quest for knowledge runs in his family; his mom Lynn is pursuing a nursing degree.

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Basketball Kelly Nobert LaFountain ’89 Alumna

When Kelly LaFountain competed, fans were so loud in “The Pit” even opponents loved playing there. The Sanford native, who majored in business administration, is honored to have helped create the program’s rich tradition. During the two-time captain’s career, UMaine posted an 88–25 record. LaFountain says hoops taught her to gracefully handle successes and disappointments. She cherishes her family — husband Mark ‘89; daughter Caitlin, who studies accounting and plays hoops at UMA; and son Alex, who attends MMA and plans to tackle football. “I’m totally convinced I am who I am because of the people I met and experiences I had as an athlete at UMaine,” says LaFountain, adding she’s delighted her former teammates are still her best friends.

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Basketball Richard Barron Head Coach

Richard Barron savors fresh starts. After surgery to repair a small skull fracture, he’s energized and healthy. And UMaine’s 2015 America East Women’s Coach of the Year is eager to be back on the sidelines to steward the men’s squad. “When you face your own mortality, it puts things in perspective,” says Barron, who built programs at Princeton and Baylor, and traveled to Italy with the Phoenix Suns to learn under thencoach Mike D’Antoni. Barron intends to forge connections throughout Maine, recruit and hire talented people, and focus on daily individual and team improvements. Community support sustained Barron and his family — wife Maureen, twin daughters Lane and Rae, and son Billy — during his illness and recovery. And he invites fans to also back the Black Bears on the hardwood. “We can’t do it without you. Come and cheer.”

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Track & Field Jaclyn Masters ’16 Alumna

Jaclyn Masters has endurance, a collaborative outlook and time management skills — which she attributes to participating in athletics. She utilizes those competencies as an overnight intensive care nurse, and high school assistant soccer and track coach. When Masters took up track at age 8, she wanted to do every event.

She came close at UMaine; in addition to holding the school indoor and outdoor pole vault records, the ECAC champion and NCAA qualifier ran four sprint events and two relays. Caring for patients has taught Masters — whose mom and twin sister also are nurses — to treasure health, family and friends. The Auburn, Maine native has traveled to Costa Rica, Germany, Austria and England and plans to continue exploring the world.

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Training and Performance Ryan W. Taylor Head athletic trainer

Jonathan Lynch Director of sports performance

Jonathan Lynch loves competing. He found that weightlifting vastly improved his prowess on the football field in high school and college. Lynch, who earned a master’s in kinesiology/human performance at Central Connecticut State University, now shares his expertise about cutting-edge technology, techniques, research, mental and physical health, and nutrition with Black Bears. The Granby, Massachusetts native believes honesty, integrity, trust and a commitment to excellence are vital when encouraging student-athletes to maximize their performance. “I do everything possible to benefit my family, my university and the athletes that I work with,” says Lynch, who’s raising a toddler with his wife, Jenny.

“I study my field of expertise with a lens of intent, learning what I need to be great.”

For head athletic trainer Ryan Taylor, interactions with student-athletes and coaches are very rewarding. “This is the perfect job and career for me,” says the native of Willoughby, Ohio. Taylor, who oversees the treatment and care of 450 Black Bears at UMaine, was a student athletic trainer in 1990 at the University of Toledo with then-Rockets coach Nick Saban’s MAC champion football squad. His 12-hour inseason workdays in Orono include medical paperwork, evaluations, rehabilitation, practice coverage, treatments and meetings with coaches.

But “nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else,” Taylor says, quoting playwright James Barrie. Every spring, Taylor says he misses the graduating student-athletes, “however a new batch comes in and it all begins again.”

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Field Hockey Amy Corbett Bernatchez ’92 Alumna

When Amy Bernatchez began playing hockey, she was shorter than the stick.

The native of Rome, Maine grew. So too did her game. The Hall of Fame Black Bear made the 1990 U.S. National Team and successfully coached high school, college and club teams — including USA Futures.

Bernatchez was motivated to coach so girls could reach their potential. Her children sure did: Katie competed at BU and Kristy at UNC. Son Jack plays football at MIT. She’s proud of their work ethic and positive approach.

Now a Realtor, Bernatchez enjoys the lake and traveling with husband, Brian. “I’ve been blessed to coach thousands of young women and share my love of the game. My dream is they’ll do the same.”

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Supporters Betsy ’91 and John Vickery Jr.

Betsy and John Vickery Jr. value their family’s longstanding connection with UMaine. Their company — W.S. Emerson — customizes Black Bear sweatshirts, hats and other branded apparel.

John Vickery Sr. ‘64 (former company president) and Russ Vickery ‘70 (senior VP) are both alums.

The Vickerys frequently see students and staff sporting their gear when they visit campus to work out at the recreation center, hike trails and cheer for the men’s hockey team. Nephew Sean Walsh — a UMaine student and son of former hockey coach Shawn and Lynn (Vickery) Walsh — analyzes game film for this year’s squad in a room named for the family’s patronage. It’s important to give back, says John Jr. and Betsy, who have two children, Kathleen and John III.

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Supporter Paul Hannigan Paul Hannigan experienced his first college ice hockey game in a skybox at the Alfond.

He’d been invited to watch his alma mater Boston College play the Shawn Walshcoached Black Bears. The electric atmosphere and nonstop action hooked the Houlton native. Now, the owner of Bee Line Cable has his own skybox — with photographs, numerous mementos and many comforts of home. He jokes that his wife says he has a bed there. The generous supporter loves occasionally traveling with the hockey and football squads as well as meeting other fans and attending pregame locker room talks.

“UMaine provides a quality education at an affordable price,” says Hannigan. “I appreciate what they do.

They’re an asset to the state of Maine.”

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Title IX Ann England-Maxim, Emily Ellis and Lynn Hearty Coutts

In 2017, to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Title IX becoming law, three outstanding UMaine alumnae, from left, Ann England-Maxim, Emily Ellis and Lynne Hearty Coutts, shared their stories.

Ann England-Maxim ’84

Lynn Hearty Coutts ’87

Director of academic support

Senior associate director of athletics

Tenacious is Ann England-Maxim’s favorite word. Competing and excelling still motivate her. “I don’t give up,” she says. Growing up in Searsport, Maine, England-Maxim camped, swam and played backyard games with brothers and neighbors. When the dinner bell rang, she’d go inside — with grass-stained knees. At UMaine, the Hall of Famer and record-setter earned 12 varsity letters in field hockey, cross-country and track, and twice was the 1,000yard New England champion. As director of academic support, the former Black Bear coach continues emphasizing goal-setting and effort. “I love being around strong, determined young people, and working with them through challenges and triumphs,” she says. Seeing graduates positively shape their respective communities is gratifying and gives her hope for the future.

Lynn Hearty Coutts feels blessed to work with student-athletes and help prepare them to “win at their own lives.” The UMaine Hall of Fame and NCAA Northeast All-America softball pitcher grew up in Quebec and enjoyed everything from track to volleyball and basketball to figure skating. She also played with her older brother and his friends. “It was normal. If they could do something, so could I.” In high school, she lived in the U.S. with her uncle, who coached the Washington Capitals. Coutts believes girls flourish when they have role models who look like them. The former Black Bear softball coach treasures her athletic lessons — including how to compete, fail, be a good teammate and win at her own life.

Emily Ellis ’85 Realtor In 1972, Emily Ellis was 10, hadn’t heard of Title IX and wasn’t allowed to play in a community weekend winter basketball league. “Knowing I was better than some of the boys that got to play ignited a fire that smoldered in me for a long time, and perhaps exists now.” Today, the record-setting Black Bear is a successful Realtor, is in four halls of fame and her No. 40 has been retired. She remembers and loves the camaraderie of teammates, weight training and the sweet taste of sweat. Ellis coached in a hoop league where her son and daughter played together. The Brooks, Maine native appreciates the pioneers before her and is honored that she “helped move progress forward.”

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Sports Bands Christopher White ’94G Director Pride of Maine Black Bear Marching Band Screamin’ Black Bear Pep Band

Christopher White has attended many memorable UMaine athletic contests since he began directing the sports bands in 1992. “I love music and the process of creating music. I get paid to do what I love,” says White, who grew up in Durham, Maine. He’s witnessed nearly every men’s ice hockey playoff win, including the ‘93 and ‘99 national championships, and the women’s NCAA basketball tournament victory over Stanford in ‘99. White enjoys seeing student musicians react to the excitement and energy they help create. Band members are “rewarded with musical experiences, friendships and memories that last a lifetime,” says White. His advice to them: Every public performance contains first and last impressions, and both need to be great.”

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Football Brian Gaine ’95 Alumnus

Brian Gaine, right, made lifelong friends and learned valuable lessons at UMaine, including how to prepare and achieve goals. “Winning a football game doesn’t just happen Saturday, it happens based on the work you put in Sunday through Friday and from January to July,” says the general manager of the Houston Texans. The New York native and star tight end began his college career with a touchdown reception versus UNH. Gaine, who also played in the NFL, credits his family with being instrumental to his development. His father Jim and mother Alice, immigrants from Ireland, labored tirelessly and provided guidance and unconditional support. “That was all I needed to see and learn about work ethic, character, dependability and importance of family.” Here, Gaine is joined by Black Bears Jeremy Kelley ’10, left, Buffalo Bills alumni manager; and Phil McGeoghan ’08, center, Buffalo Bills wide receivers coach.

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The Vision: Department of Athletics

Strategy 1 — Maine’s Team

Strategy 2 — Academic Achievement

The Maine Black Bear brand is the most recognizable athletic brand emanating from the state of Maine.

As the only NCAA Division I athletics program in the state, Maine Athletics helps the university gain recognition across multiple platforms. These platforms engage both existing and new constituents, and aid recruitment and retention of students, faculty, staff and supporters.

Our current student-athletes hail from every corner of Maine, the country and the world. Broadcasts of games can be seen and heard locally, regionally, nationally and internationally via local and cable television and mobile streaming applications. We proudly share our brand with prominent corporate partners throughout Maine and New England.

Our athletic competitions serve as gathering points for the university community as tens of thousands of fans pack our venues every year. And our student-athletes serve as role models for Maine’s youth, inspiring them to seek a better life through education and athletics.

We proudly accept and embrace the opportunity to be Maine’s Team.

UMaine places a high value on academic achievement for our student-athletes. Our coaches and staff are committed to putting academics first for our studentathletes, who maintain a higher GPA and graduate at a higher rate than the overall university student body. Simply put, many of the very best and brightest students on campus also are athletes.

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The Department of Athletics strives to be a Signature Program of the University of Maine

Strategy 3 — Innovative Leadership

Strategy 4 — New Resources

Strategy 5 — Expectation of Excellence

The Department of Athletics believes in leadership education. We embrace the opportunity to use the unique competitive environment of NCAA Division I athletics at Maine’s flagship university to teach and inspire our student-athletes, coaches and staff to be leaders.

We will partner with campus programs and faculty members to fully integrate athletics into the university’s leadership curriculums.

We will embrace and teach personal leadership, and we will seek new and innovative platforms to promote the leadership message across the state of Maine.

The Department of Athletics will aggressively seek new resources to support our programs. We will reimagine our fundraising structure and priorities to better serve the needs of donors and create the opportunity for more annual financial support.

We will embrace transparency as we tell the story of Maine Athletics and our needs. We will constantly review and change our approach to ticket sales and gameday atmosphere to meet the needs of our customers.

We will embrace our corporate partners and seek to expand this network of support, and we will candidly assess our facilities and infrastructure needs, and invite our supporters to help us meet those needs.

The Department of Athletics will establish expectations of excellence for our studentathletes, coaches and staff. We will expect to be excellent in everything we do, and we will hold ourselves accountable to this standard.

We will work according to plans and goals while measuring progress through defined metrics for each of our sports programs and support areas.

We will work as a team to meet our challenges head-on with a positive attitude and the expectation that we will succeed.

We will be compliant with all university, conference and NCAA policies and procedures. We will seek constant improvement through LEAN projects that maximize our time and energy.

We will be excellent.

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Men’s Ice Hockey 25th anniversary of 1993 NCAA Championship

University of Maine 1993 Men’s ice hockey NCAA championship team

42-1-2 NCAA Division I National Champions • Hockey East Champions The Black Bears captured their first NCAA Championship with a 5–4 thriller over Lake Superior State on April 3, 1993 in Milwaukee. UMaine trailed 4–2 to start the third period, but captain Jim Montgomery notched three goals in 4:35 to secure the win. Mike Dunham made 12 saves and Garth Snow eight. To reach the title game, the Black Bears topped Michigan 4–3 on Lee Saunders’ overtime goal. Montgomery was named the Frozen Four’s Most Outstanding Player.

Paul Kariya won the Hobey Baker Award — the first frosh to do so. Shawn Walsh coached UMaine, often called the best-ever college hockey squad. In 2017, the team and former longtime assistant Grant Standbrook were inducted into the university’s Sports Hall of Fame.

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Points of Pride Black Bears have achieved multiple athletic Points of Pride since 1881, when baseball became the first intercollegiate sports team at the University of Maine, then called the Maine State College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts. The university’s studentathletes, teams, graduates and coaches have excelled at the IAAF World Championships, the Big Dance, Frozen Four and College World Series. Black Bears also have competed at the Olympics and in American Ninja Warrior, as well as professionally in the WNBA, NBA, NHL, NFL and MLB. Here are seven remarkable feats.

1929 Cross-Country National Champions Harry Richardson and Francis Lindsay cross the finish line hand-in-hand in Van Cortlandt Park in New York City to become 1929 co-cross-country national champions.

Carl “Stump” Merrill leaps into the arms of Joe Ferris at the 1964 College World Series. The Yankee Conference champions, coached by Jack Butterfield, finished third with a 3–2 record in Omaha, Nebraska. Ferris, who earned two wins and a save, was selected the Most Outstanding Player. Senior David Thompson was named to the All-Tournament Team.

1964 College World Series

Photos courtesy of University of Maine Special Collections

In 1965, the football squad coached by Harold Westerman earned a bid to the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, Florida. The Yankee Conference champions squared off with East Carolina University on Dec. 11, losing 31–0. The Black Bears, who received the Lambert Trophy for being the best team in the East, finished 8–2.

1965 Tangerine Bowl

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Points of Pride continued

Amy Vachon tallied 11 points and dished out seven assists in the women’s basketball team’s 60–58 upset of Stanford University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 12, 1999 at Old Dominion University.

It was the fifth of six straight NCAA Tournament appearances for coach Joanne Palombo-McCallie and the Black Bears.

1999 NCAA Tournament Win 1999 NCAA Division I National Champs Six years after winning its first NCAA Championship, the Shawn Walsh-led men’s ice hockey team captured national title No. 2, topping UNH 3–2 in overtime April 3, 1999 in front of nearly 70,000 fans at Arrowhead Pond in California. Marcus Gustafsson scored the gamewinner and Alfie Michaud — the Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player — recorded an astounding 46 saves on 48 shots for the 31-6-4 squad. UMaine’s semifinal was a thriller too, as Bobby Stewart scored in OT to lead the Black Bears to a 2–1 victory over Boston College.

Forward Niko Dimitrakos was named to the AllTournament team.

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Photo by Peter Beuhner

The field hockey team completed its 2015 season ranked 17th in the nation with a program-best 19 wins. It was the third time that coach Josette Babineau’s Black Bears finished their campaign with a top-25 national ranking; in 2011, they were 13th and in 2012 they were 22nd. In the America East Tournament, the Black Bears bested the University of California 2–1 and Stanford University 2–1 before losing to Albany 2–0. Babineau and Courtney Veinotte were named league Coaching Staff of the Year.

Photo by Peter Beuhner

2015 Field Hockey Ranked 17th in the Nation

2013 Colonial Athletic Association Champions

2016 NCAA Regional Tournament Berth In 2016, the softball squad earned a spot at the NCAA Regional Tournament in Athens, Georgia. The Black Bears, coached by Mike Coutts, advanced to the regional after topping Albany 14–1 to win the America East crown. Pitcher Erin Bogdanovich was selected the America East Tournament Most Outstanding Player and catcher Janelle Bouchard was the league Player of the Year.

In 2013, the 10–3 Black Bears captured the Colonial Athletic Association title and hosted their first-ever NCAA FCS playoff game at Alfond Stadium in front of 8,000 fans. Quarterback Marcus Wasilewski won the Chuck Boone Leadership Award, presented to the CAA player who embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity, teamwork and sportsmanship in academic and athletic achievements. Jack Cosgrove ’78 — the winningest coach in program history — earned CAA Coach of the Year and American Football Coaches Association FCS Regional Co-Coach of the Year honors.

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Community Outreach Left: Softball team members volunteer at the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen at the Salvation Army in Bangor.

Below, left: Football players and children cheer at the ‘Meet the Black Bears’ night at Alfond Stadium. Boys and girls enjoyed a free clinic, pizza party and movie shown on the highdefinition video scoreboard.

Below, right: A young fan gets an autograph from senior forward Kirsten Johnson after a free youth basketball clinic at Cross Insurance Center.

Black Bear Sports Properties (Corporate Partnerships) Black Bear Sports Properties (BBSP) is the official multimedia rights holder for University of Maine Athletics. Sponsorship opportunities include a statewide radio and television network, gameday impact and fan engagement events, signage and corporate marketing, as well as print, social media and internet exposure. To become an official corporate partner of Maine Athletics, contact Black Bear Sports Properties: Karl Bedal, Coordinator — Business Development 207.581.4117 • kbedal@blackbearsportsproperties.com

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Tickets 581.BEAR Catch the Action To purchase single-game or season tickets, call 581.BEAR or purchase tickets online, and view seating maps and pricing at goblackbears.com.

Athletic Ticket Office Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Students with a valid MaineCard get in FREE to all home events.

All home games are streamed free on

goblackbears.com Fans, visit goblackbears.com to learn more about: • Bananas Cub Club • Black Bear Insider • Black Bear Nation app • Composite schedule • Donation request • Fox College Sports channel numbers • Radio affiliates • Summer camps • Travel • University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame • Guide for visitors

Follow us on: Twitter.com/BlackBearNation Facebook.com/UMBlackbears instagram.com/blackbearnation

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Join the Team

Donors help student-athletes reach their potential The University of Maine Athletics Department has a longstanding tradition of excellence in the classroom and in competition. We work tirelessly to positively represent the university and the state, and we’re proud to develop the character, leadership and excellence of hundreds of student-athletes every year. When you give to UMaine Athletic programs, you make a direct impact on the resources available to these students. Investments from donors like you help our student-athletes reach their full potential. All gifts to UMaine athletic programs help us achieve our short- and longterm goal, to enhance the athletic experience for student-athletes, fans and the state of Maine.

How to give There are several ways to make a gift to UMaine Athletics. Gifts may have added tax benefits, and often employers match gifts to make even more of a positive impact. Gifts to the Harold Alfond Football Challenge qualify for an additional match through the Harold Alfond Foundation® to support UMaine football. Gifts to the Grant Standbrook Fund/Savage Challenge may qualify for a matching gift to support the men’s ice hockey program. You may choose to support other sports individually or athletics as a whole via the Alfond Fund in the University of Maine Foundation, which was created in fall 2016 with a $1.5 million, three-year award from the Harold Alfond Foundation®.

The most common ways to make a gift are online, through the mail and by phone.

Online:

Phone:

To make a gift online, visit goblackbears.com/give.

You may elect to make a one-time gift or choose to make a monthly, quarterly or annual gift.

To make your gift over the phone, please call our Gifts Processing Department at 866.578.2156.

Mail: When making a gift with a check, please: • Make your check payable to “University of Maine Foundation.”

• Indicate the fund name, sport or area of support on the check memo line or include a letter of instruction stating the fund you wish to support or how you wish the gift to be used.

• Send your check to: University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792

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Many other opportunities to give to UMaine Athletics are available, including: appreciated securities; real estate/property; life insurance; retirement plan assets; charitable lead trust; life income plans; bequest/estate gift; establishing endowment funds; creating a scholarship; donor-advised funds; memorial or honorary giving; and employer-matching gifts.

Annual gifts of $1,000 or more per year qualify donors for our President’s Club Society. Total lifetime giving in excess of $25,000 qualifies donors for recognition in our Stillwater Society. And donors who have made a planned gift as part of their estate qualify for membership in the Charles F. Allen Society.

Our goal is to make giving to UMaine Athletics an easy process. To inquire about giving to UMaine Athletics, please call the University of Maine Foundation at 207.581.5100 and ask for Seth Woodcock, senior associate athletic director for development.

We value and respect our athletic history, our university and our state. We are proud to be Black Bears.

We face all challenges with focused determination and a will to win.

We are responsible stewards of our resources and always attempt to find a better way.

University of Maine BLACK BEAR ATHLETICS 5747 Memorial Gym Orono, ME 04469-5747 207.581.1052 • goblackbears.com