BDN interviews coaches of fall sports about summer schedules
The Bangor Daily News talked with University of Maine fall coaches about their respective summers in light of COVID-19, their seasons being put on hold until spring, and an NCAA ban on in-person recruiting. “We watched a showcase in Sweden online,” said women’s soccer coach Scott Atherley said. “It has been a game-changer, but it has been a game-changer for everyone. This is an opportunity to get creative with technology to maximize what we can do given the current rules.” Field hockey coach Josette Babineau said that she and assistant Michelle Simpson “have been thinking about [the players’] situations and what is best for them and their future” regarding eligibility. She said she’s found recruiting calls to be a “lot deeper and more meaningful” than some traditional in-person conversations. Football coach Nick Charlton said the staff has compiled a video folder of recruits doing drills, in addition to playing games because “a lot of student-athletes aren’t going to have seasons this fall.” Men’s and women’s cross-country coach Mark Lech said he’s been communicating via Zoom with other coaches in America East due to the potential problem if cross-country and outdoor track are held in the spring.