ORONO – Chris Binder knows the ecstasy – and the solitude – of place-kicking. He hopes to experience the first emotion here Saturday when he and the University of Maine football team open their 1995 season against Division II Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.

Kickoff for UMaine’s 104th football season is set for 1 p.m. at Alumni Field. The Black Bears are coming off two consecutive 3-8 seasons.

Binder, a sophomore from Bangor, realizes that place-kickers experience highs and lows, but little in between. Still, he savors the chance to take a chance.

“It’s probably one of the most unique positions in sport,” Binder said. “No matter what the situation is, you’re out there to score – and you can’t miss.”

Binder, who began kicking as an eighth-grader in Dudley, Mass., walked on at UMaine in 1993. Within 13 months, he was the Bears’ kicker.

“Kicking is something I always dreamed about,” said Binder, who lacked the size and speed needed to contribute elsewhere. “I really liked hitting, playing defensive back. But as time went along and I moved up, I wasn’t fast enough.”

In five years, he has transformed himself from a tiny 125-pounder into a solid, 180-pound place-kicker with good potential.

“He came to us as a skinny kid down the street and said, `give me a chance,’ ” said Maine Coach Jack Cosgrove. ” he legitimately gives us a chance to kick 40- to 42-yard field goals.”

The UMaine kicking situation was unsettled early in ’94. Tom Dadmun, who has since graduated, was inconsistent.

Enter Binder who, after redshirting in ’93, was ready to challenge. Two weeks into last season, after Dadmun missed two short field goals in a 28-21 loss to Rhode Island, Binder got the call.

“Last year, he won the job by default,” Cosgrove said. “We weren’t kicking the ball very well and he was the next guy in line, so we called on him.”

Binder debuted with a field goal and a PAT against Boston University and had a solid freshman season. He made 18 of 19 PAT tries and hit four of six field-goal attempts, including a 29-yarder in a 19-13 win over Delaware.

Binder, who moved to Bangor prior to his sophomore year in high school, has made steady progress because of his desire to improve.

“There aren’t many young people who like football more than he does, or who have any more knowledge on kicking,” said Gabby Price, who coached Binder at Bangor High. “He’s a great team player. He isn’t a selfish kid who just likes to kick.”

There is room for improvement, especially now that Binder has paid more attention to his diabetes.

“I had slacked off and I hadn’t taken the opportunity to get it under control,” Binder admitted. “Now I have, and I’m feeling a lot better.”

Binder, who has attended numerous kicking clinics, spent the offseason hitting the weights to improve his leg strength and kick beyond the 40-yard mark.

“He’s grown physically and mentally,” Cosgrove said. “He’s really committed himself.”

Yet, the pivotal element in a kicker’s makeup is the psychological aspect.

“I’ve gained confidence,” Binder said, “but you definitely have to earn the confidence of your coaches and teammates before they’ll let you kick.”

As the ’95 season begins today, Binder knows he’s only as good as his next kick. Freshmen Aaron Zych and Walter Golet are waiting for their chance.

“When I go to bed at night,” Binder said, “I always think about football and making the big kick to win the game.”

COLLEGE SCOPE: Maine (0-0) vs. Lock Haven (0-0), Alumni Field, Orono, 1 p.m. – Maine has had all kinds of problems against the run-and-shoot offense over the years but Maine may be able to keep the ball away from the Lock Haven offense. Maine’s interior offensive line averages 286 pounds while Lock Haven’s defensive linemen and backers average 222 pounds. The Bears will look to control the ball with their running game. …Lock Haven QB Bobby McLaughlin completed 54.8% of his passes for 2927 yards a year ago and the Bears have to get a pass rush on him or it could be a long afternoon for Maine’s defensive backs. Protecting McLaughlin will be an offensive line that averages 291 pounds per man. …McLaughlin will throw to four of the school’s top 10 all-time receivers. …Bangor’s John Tennett will make his first start at quarterback for the Bears. …McLaughlin has averaged 2556 passing yards per season. …Maine is coming off consecutive 3-8 seasons while the Bald Eagles were 2-9 a year ago. …Maine has played seven NCAA Division II opponents since 1985 and has won all seven by an average margin of 26.4 points.