When longtime University of Maine baseball coach John Winkin headed to Husson College in 1997 as the Husson Fellow in Sports Leadership, some considered his new post a largely ceremonial one.

Five years later, Winkin has parlayed that position and a dedication to the Bangor college into a new job: Husson has appointed him as Vice President for Sports Leadership.

Winkin, who also serves as the school’s assistant baseball coach, said he doesn’t know exactly what changes the new position will entail, but said he wants to continue to make a difference on the campus.

“I try to do what I can for the college and the community in my world of sports, so to speak,” Winkin said. “Maybe this gives me … is the word ‘clout’ wrong? When I represent Husson in whatever I’m doing with the community and in my world, I guess it gives me a special position to represent the president.”

That president, Bill Beardsley, was effusive in his praise for the man who has made plenty of impact in his five years at Husson.

“John has earned this vice presidency,” Beardsley said. “John is role model for all of us and we are pursuing an array of major new sports-related initiatives. Vice president is a title commensurate with the college’s expectations for Winkin’s leadership in the initiatives that lie ahead.”

Among Winkin’s accomplishments at Husson, according to Beardsley:

. Playing the lead role in raising $1.5 million for a new artificial turf multisports stadium. Among the funds raised was a $250,000 personal donation from Winkin.

. Building the sports management and physical education programs.

. Conceptualizing the new health/fitness research center.

Winkin said he was flattered by Beardsley’s latest job offer, and said he looks forward to new challenges.

“I’ve been fortunate enough in each place [that I’ve worked] to be sort of a builder in a way, and would like to say I made an impact. And obviously, I care for Husson,” he said. “I see that it’s an important place for the community and for what the mission of the place is.”

Winkin said he views his role in the college as not much different than it is on the playing field.

“I like to mold winning combinations,” Winkin said.

“I like getting things done. I think that’s what makes life worthwhile. I feel fortunate that I can be at a place that I hopefully can help things get done.”

Winkin is a graduate of Duke University and earned his doctorate from Columbia University. He was an officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served as baseball coach and athletic director at Colby College and as baseball coach at UMaine. He led the Black Bears for 20 years.

Winkin, who has coached for 65 years, refuses to dwell on his age, and walks three miles a day every day.

“I’m young in mind and still pretty young and body and take good care of myself and can still work beside anybody,” said Winkin. “Let’s put it that way.”

Lawrence’s Freese heads to Husson

The Husson College softball team will welcome an All-Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference player into the fold next season when Lesley-Anne Freese of Lawrence High heads to Bangor to continue her education.

Freese, an infielder for the Bulldogs of Fairfield, helped lead her team to the 2001 Eastern Maine Class A championship game and is batting .440 so far this season. She has also stolen 40 bases in her career.

“Lesley is an outstanding athlete and also a gifted student,” Husson coach Randy Dodge said. “She is a strong middle infielder with a lot of heart and desire and will be a welcome addition to our young team.”