The University of Maine-Machias’ soccer field has received a face-lift. And lights are in the on-deck circle.

The field has been leveled and resodded and director of athletics Bob Hepler said they hope to have lights in place by next fall.

“Every four to six years, you need to completely resod the field. It had been 10 years since our soccer field had been done,” explained Hepler. “It had become uneven, there was erosion going on along the edges of the area and the grass itself was in poor shape.

“We started in June by leveling it and clearing it and so forth,” said Hepler.

Jim Miner, the director of physical facilities, said they finished up two to three weeks ago.

“We resodded the field and hydro-seeded the outside. We were going to hydroseed the field itself but that requires a lot more time to take root and grow and we wouldn’t have been able to play on it this year,” said Miner. “We also put drainage around the perimeter.”

“I’m very pleased with the way it turned out. The biggest issue was the weather. That’s another reason we went with sod instead of hydroseed on the field. We don’t have a good watering system on campus,” said Miner.

The project cost in the vicinity of $30,000 and Miner pointed out that most of the money was donated by UMM professor Richard Larson and Jeff Huntley of J.L. Huntley Plumbing.

He also said Tim Francis of Atlantic Landscape was responsible for the landscape work and Hepler added that several other people donated their time and money to help the project.

The Clippers’ men’s and women’s soccer teams had their first practices on the field Wednesday.

Hepler said the field should help in several areas besides cosmetically.

“It will help prevent injuries,” said Hepler. “It will enable us to improve our schedule [as teams would be more open to visiting UMM]. It will also help us in recruiting.”

Miner and Hepler said Coca-Cola has donated a new scoreboard.

The lights are the next project.

“We have the poles and wiring already,” said Miner.

“Lights would give us more flexibility in scheduling,” said Hepler. “We would like to avoid having conflicts with class time although the professors have been great when it comes to working with the athletic department.”

UMM plays its first games on the resodded field Sunday when the Clipper teams entertain the University of Maine-Farmington.

UMM women receive honor

The UMaine-Machias women’s basketball team has been recognized by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association as one of its Academic Top 25 in the NAIA ranks for the 2000-2001 season.

The Clippers, under coach Tobin Slavin, posted a combined 3.338 grade point average and was ranked 19th among NAIA schools.

“I am very proud of what the team accomplished last season,” Slaven said. “There is a real correlation between what happens on and off the court and we hope to continue to achieve in both areas.”

Saint Joseph’s College of Standish, which also competes in the Maine Athletic Conference, earned a No. 14 academic ranking by the WCBA. It was the only other school from Maine on the list.

Clifford honored by Lyndon State

Brewer native Gerald Clifford, a retired teacher, coach and athletic director, has been inducted into the Lyndon State College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Clifford now is a golf instructor at Green Valley Golf Course in Enfield, where he conducts free clinics for youngsters.

Clifford, a graduate of UMaine-Machias, earned a master’s of education degree at Lyndon State in Lyndonville, Vt., in 1980 while teaching and coaching at nearby North Country Union High School in Newport, Vt.

Clifford worked at North Country for 31 years and guided the boys basketball team to 15 straight Division I state tournament appearances during his tenure from 1970 to 1989. He also directed the school’s golf team to 16 district titles and five state crowns.

Mitch Donar starring at Endicott

Mitch Donar of Endicott College in Beverly, Mass., recently made nine saves while earning his second straight shutout in a 2-0 win over Salem State.

Donar, a sophomore from Vassalboro who is a graduate of Erskine Academy in South China, is a sports management major.

Snowdeal takes UMM post

A former local sports star has taken the helm of the successful University of Maine at Machias women’s volleyball program.

Coral Snowdeal, who grew up in Jonesboro, graduated from Machias Memorial High in 1987 and starred at the University of New England, has filled the vacancy left when former coach Sharon Bonaventure left for West Chester (Pa.) University.

Snowdeal, along with her twin sister Carol, were volleyball and basketball standouts at Machias.

Snowdeal was also an all-conference player in both sports at UNE.

The new Clipper coach is on the staff at Down East Community Hospital, but jumped at the chance to return to athletics.

“It was hard to step into Sharon’s shoes, with the expectations and all, but Kandi Robertson as a returning assistant coach has been incredible in making the transition easier,” Snowdeal said.

The Clippers were the Maine Athletic Conference champs in 1999 and 200.

College writer Larry Mahoney can be reached at 990-8231, toll-free at 1-800-310-8600 or via e-mail at lmahoney@bangordailynews.net