Last year, the University of Maine football team was the only Yankee Conference team to win all the games in its division, going 5-0 against New England teams.

But the best part about last year’s breakthrough year for UMaine is the Bears still have many of the same weapons, giving the Bears reason to believe – for the first time in a long time.

UMaine senior captain John Tennett said the group of some 30 players who stayed to workout this summer is no larger than last year’s contingent, but the team attitude is different.

So much so, Tennett is certain the Bears, who open camp today for the freshman and Thursday for upperclassmen, will improve on their 7-4 record.

“Definitely,” Tennett said. “There is a winning attitude. We had three 3-8 seasons before last year. Everyone was working, but we didn’t have the feeling – going in expecting to win. The attitude is totally different. Before, we were hoping to win. Up there now, we’re expecting big things.”

UMaine head coach Jack Cosgrove is optimistic, but also concerned. There are important holes the Bears need to fill. So while the Bears may be looking forward to winning, Cosgrove is hoping UMaine can get that eighth win.

The key to UMaine’s success last year was a defense that finished fourth in the conference after finishing 11th the year before, and an improved passing game thanks to emerging quarterback Mickey Fein and receiver Rameek Wright. Fein threw for 1,955 yards last year, while Wright set school single-season records for receptions (79) and yards (1,143).

Looking at the Bears’ defense, even the cautious Cosgrove contends UMaine should dominate. The fourth-ranked unit returns nine starters led by senior end Jon Gautier, who contributed 10 sacks to UMaine’s school record of 51.

“When you talk about the improvement theory, when you have all the veterans back, you have what you need to be at the top of the league,” Cosgrove said.

But the departure of the tailbacks Bob Jameson (1,135 yards, 11 TDs) and Andre Pam (819 yards, 11 TDs), leaves a question. The Bears have no reliable running back who has carried more than six times in a season.

And, at tackle the Bears lost Mike Flynn, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens, and Dave Rilatt, now with the New York Giants. Cosgrove looks to junior tackle Pat Sheehan, the first backup last year, or senior Andy Ferran, who played defense last year, to get the job done.

Among Maine’s seven returning players on offense, Wright will be the playmaker teams watch. Wright showed his ability to create the big play last year with TD receptions of 83, 69 and 66 and 49 and 59-yard punt returns for TDs.

Now, Cosgrove expects Tennett and Drew O’Connor to help free Wright.

Last year, Tennett played his first season at wide receiver after moving from QB and O’Connor, who led the team with 27 receptions and 337 yards in 1995, was granted a medical redshirt after breaking his collar bone.

“John really became a key player,” Cosgrove said. “Having Drew out last year limited us in depth. He brings another weapon to offense. They are game-tested guys and are going to help Rameek.”

What could be the difference for UMaine is the continued success of its special teams.

Senior Chris Binder helped push UMaine past Massachusetts and Hofstra last year kicking three field goals in each game. The Bears also have an arsenault of punt returners in cornerback Darrick Brown, who returned a 63-yard TD at UMass, tailback Bert Rich, who averaged 24.4 yards per return his first two seasons, and Wright, who finished second in the conference in punt returns (22 punts for 9.1 yard average).

Tennett contends UMaine will build on the marked improvement it made last year.

“All the receivers, we’re excited,” Tennett said. “Now we have to come out and prove that it was not just a one-time thing. Last year, we did a good job. I came through Bangor High School and coach Gabby Price had a saying, `Nothing beats knowing how to win.’ The year before, we didn’t know how to win. Now we do.”