Maine-grown talent

A lot of people are talking about the University of Maine coaching situation. This is not idle chatter from people who don’t know what they are talking about. These thoughts are from the people who have invested their time, money, and pride over several decades. This is a summary of what they are saying.

Considering all aspects of college sports, UMaine athletics have never been in better shape than when Maine graduates have been on the coaching sidelines. Sam Sezak, Hal Woodbury, Jack and Jim Butterfield, Woody Carville, Walt Abbott, Peter Gavett, Skip Chappelle, Gib Philbrick, Jim Ballanger, Ann Maxim, Jeff Wren, Jack Cosgrove, and many others have done exceptionally well with what they have had and produced fine young men and women as well as victories.

The current administration can search all they want, but the best UMaine has produced should be the choice to lead the basketball and baseball programs. The best we have is right on campus.

Mike LaPlante is a case in point. I remember him as a hesitant freshman who grew into a steady leader as a senior. He always left his heart on the court. He had the energy to compete against many who were taller and quicker than he was and he had the patience and good will to bounce balls with 5-year-olds who hung around after practice. He was a nice kid then and he is a nice man now. He is the kind of coach every parent hopes their son will have.

All the aforementioned coaches invested in a UMaine education when they could have gone elsewhere. They chose to coach here when they could have gone elsewhere. Maine citizens have shared in their return on investment. These coaches are like blue chip stocks; the longer we hold them, the more they are worth.

Regardless of scores, wins and losses, or league standings, Maine students, athletes, fans, and the general public are best served when a Maine graduate is coaching a Maine team. Mike Round Orono