Hayes selected for all-star contest Rotary Gridiron Classic is Jan. 26

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Chad Hayes’ memorable senior season with the University of Maine football team continues to produce postseason surprises.

Hayes, a tight end from Old Town, has been selected to play in the fourth Rotary Gridiron Classic, a senior all-star game, at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

The contest is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 26, at 2 p.m.

Hayes, a first-team All-American selection by the American Football Coaches Association and a second-team pick of The Associated Press, The Sports Network and Don Hansen’s Football Gazette, departs for the game on Sunday for several days of preparation.

The Rotary Gridiron Classic pits all-stars from across the country on Team USA against a contingent of standouts from Florida.

Hayes, a 6-foot-6, 252-pounder, has been placed on Team Florida, which reportedly had only one tight end prior to his invitation. Rotary Classic alumni include Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper, New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon, and Denver Broncos running back Mike Anderson.

Hayes had a superb senior season in helping lead the Black Bears to a 9-3 record, its third NCAA playoff berth, and its initial postseason victory. He finished with 39 catches for 510 yards and nine touchdowns, setting season records in all categories during the regular season on his way to All-Atlantic 10 first-team honors.

The former Old Town High School standout continues to work out on his own in preparation for NFL scouting combines and hopes to be selected either in April’s draft or as a free agent.

Maine women gaining confidence

Coming off its best offensive effort of the season in Saturday’s 88-58 win over Albany, the University of Maine women’s basketball team is hoping to charge into the meat of the America East season with a sense of renewed enthusiasm and confidence.

Coach Sharon Versyp’s 9-6 Black Bears hold down a share of fifth place with a 2-2 conference record. UMaine is five games ahead of last year’s pace, when the team had struggled to a 4-11 start.

The Bears emerged from Thursday’s loss to Vermont determined to start putting things together.

“Thursday night I told the kids that we’re not going to forget about it, we have to move on, but something was stolen away from us and it’s us against the world right now and we really need to take care of business,” Versyp said.

UMaine did just that in Saturday’s victory, which featured the Bears’ usually stingy defense and a more balanced offensive effort. The 30-point margin was the largest in a league game since a 1999 win over Boston University and the 88 points were the most by a UMaine team since a 92-64 victory over Drexel in February of 2000.

The increased offensive output appears to be a function of the young players’ confidence level.

“All of us are more confident,” Versyp said. “We were clicking [against Albany] and we need to carry this on.”

Sophomore guard Melissa Heon knows confidence is a function of performing her role as a defensive stopper.

“That comes along with getting my steals that I need every game, and my assists and not turning the ball over so much,” Heon said. “It’s all about confidence.”

While UMaine is a middle-of-the-pack team in most America East offensive statistics, the Bears continue to lead the league in rebounding (43.4 per game), rebounding margin (plus 6.3), and field-goal percentage defense (.363).

Versyp said her team needed a boost of confidence heading into a stretch where four of the next five games, including two this week against Hartford and Binghamton, will be on the road.

“It’s very important for us to do this right before we go on the road,” Versyp said.

“Hopefully, we’ll keep heading in the right direction,” she added.

UMaine softball signs two players

The UMaine softball program has received commitments from two players who are expected to join the team next fall.

Amy Kuhl of Phoenix, Ariz., and Molly McKinney of Byron Center, Mich., both have signed National Letters of Intent to attend UMaine.

Kuhl, a first baseman, batted .341 with 20 RBIs and a .991 fielding percentage last season at Apollo High School. She also plays for the Paradise Valley Premier Gold team during the summer months.

“Amy comes from a top-level Gold team which will prepare her well for Division I play,” said Black Bears head coach Deb Smith. “I am confident that she will step in and contribute at first base in her rookie season.”

UMaine also landed McKinney, who is a third baseman, outfielder, and pitcher at Byron Center High. As a junior, she hit .576 with 47 RBIs and a .635 on-base percentage.

“Molly is a versatile player, as she can play third base, outfield and pitch,” Smith said. “I feel that her experience at Compuware [a Gold team] will prepare her to play at an elite level.”

Warner enjoys return to UMaine

When Mari Warner was a student-athlete at the University of Maine, the women’s basketball team practiced at Lengyel Gym and played its games at Memorial Gym, a/k/a “The Pit.”

A great deal has changed since Warner played for former coach Eileen Fox and the Black Bears from 1977-1981, but she was thrilled to return to the Orono campus Saturday as the head women’s basketball coach for the University at Albany.

“It’s wonderful,” Warner said after Saturday’s game against her alma mater. “I haven’t really been any further than this [Alfond Arena] parking lot on this trip.”

Warner, a native of Saco, was joined Saturday by her older brother Bob, who played at UMaine from 1972-76 and still owns the school’s records for rebounds in a game (28), season (352), and career (1,304).

“My brother was here for us and he’s the leading rebounder here at Maine,” Mari Warner said. “It was special to have him up here as well.”

Warner, in her 20th season at Albany, fondly recalled her playing days, except for having to practice at Lengyel Gym instead of in The Pit, where the men practiced. She is happy Albany has joined the America East Conference, which will allow her to be closer to home more often.

“To be in New Hampshire and Vermont and Maine, my family and friends can now see what I do for a profession and it’s kind of fun,” she said.

“We will be stronger and we will be competitive and that’s what I hope for my family and friends to watch,” Warner said.

The Great Danes are 4-9 overall this season, 0-2 in league play.

“I have very fond memories of the University of Maine and it’s fun to be back. It will be more fun when we make it more competitive.”

America East to make donation

The America East Conference announced recently that it will make a contribution of $20,000 on behalf of the league’s athletic departments to the relief and recovery efforts pertaining to the tragic terrorist events of Sept. 11.

The conference will make a series of donations over the next few years. The first, for $5,000, was made to the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, which assists with the education tuition of children of victims.

“The America East institutions, like so many colleges and universities, lost students, alumni, and friends in the tragedy of September 11,” said Gary Strickler, athletic director at Boston University and president of the AE Executive Committee. “The board of directors feels strongly that the donations should address the educational needs of descendents of the victims. We hope this will serve as a lasting tribute by providing financial assistance to deserving graduates for years to come.”