Several legendary UMaine athletes and coaches have been named to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame, according to a report in the Bangor Daily News. UMaine education faculty member Walter Abbott, a former Black Bears football coach, will be inducted this year, as will alumni Phillip Coulombe (football), Emily Ellis (women’s basketball) and Dennis Libbey (baseball).
Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777
Bangor TV station WABI reported on Sunday’s 3-on-3 basketball tournament that was a fundraiser for the Strong Minds, Strong Bodies organization headed by UMaine alumnus and former Black Bear football player Roosevelt Boone. Boone said the free program offers kids the opportunity to participate in physical activity and able to learn during the summer months instead of participating in at risk activities or at risk behaviors. The tournament was held in UMaine’s field house.
Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777
Several state and national news outlets, including the website Boxscore News, noted that UMaine football coach Jack Cosgrove, a 1978 UMaine graduate, was named Tuesday the New England Football Writers Division I FCS Coach of the Year. Cosgrove, in his 19th season as head coach, has led the Black Bears to an 8-3 record and a berth in the FCS playoffs. The announcement was also noted on a Portland Press Herald blog.
Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777
Several news outlets reported that former UMaine softball player Lynn Coutts has been named the Black Bears’ new coach. Coutts is a member of the UMaine Sports Hall of Fame and is married to former UMaine baseball baseball player Mike Coutts. In a Bangor Daily News story, Coutts said she is eager to move forward on the field, in the classroom and in the community. UMaine Athletic Director Steve Abbott said Coutts has great vision for the program. Coutts told the Portland Press Herald she is eager to start recruiting. Bangor TV station WABI also reported on the hiring.
Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777
Horror writer and UMaine alumnus Stephen King and his wife Tabitha King, also a writer and a UMaine graduate, were mentioned in a BDN editorial about Halloween. The editorial noted that the Kings give generously to libraries around the state,
recreation groups and education efforts, notably to UMaine. The editorial made the link between the King’s donation and the story that the Kings meet through Tabitha King’s work-study job at UMaine’s Fogler Library.
Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777
The Bangor Daily News had a story about the news that Tom and Sally Savage of Key Largo, Fla., have donated $500,000 for athletic facilities upgrades. Tom Savage, who graduated from UMaine in 1968, is a retired attorney. The Savages are recipients of UMaine’s Stillwater Society Presidential Award, given to university supporters who are notable for extraordinary achievement in their professional and personal lives.
Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777
Chris Corro from the UMaine Alumni Association was a live Wednesday morning guest on WVOM’s George Hale/Ric Tyler Show, providing a detailed preview of UMaine’s Homecoming Weekend, scheduled for Friday-Sunday.
Ellen Stinson, chair of the University of Maine Foundation Board, has announced that Foundation President/CEO Amos E. Orcutt plans to retire in 2012 after 22 years of service in that role.
During Orcutt’s tenure at the Foundation many new programs and initiatives have been undertaken. He was instrumental in the planning, design and completion of Buchanan Alumni House, which has become the architectural gateway to the UMaine campus. Under Orcutt’s leadership, the Foundation’s asset growth has been dramatic, increasing from $25 million in 1990 to approximately $200 million currently. (more…)
UMaine’s fantasy baseball camp, which was held last weekend at Mahaney Diamond, was featured in a Bangor Daily News sports story. BDN reporter Pete Warner participated in the camp and wrote about some of his experiences with the attendees, which included former UMaine athletes, UMaine alumni and other members of the media. UMaine baseball head coach Steve Trimper organized the camp which was directed by his assistant coaches and players. John Warden, a former Detroit Tigers player, was a special guest.
Contact: Jessica Bloch, 207-581-3777
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, in collaboration with the U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Justice and LexisNexis Special Services, Inc. will bring its “Badges for Baseball” program to UMaine on Saturday Sept. 24 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Mahaney Dome. (more…)
