Game goes on but war not far from thoughts

ORONO – Along with her blue University of Maine sweatshirt, Glenburn resident Cass Martin picked out a blue baseball cap with the letters USA in a red, white, and blue motif to wear to Thursday’s WNIT matchup between the Black Bears and Creighton at the Alfond Arena.

It’s just Martin’s way of showing pride for her country. She spent 22 years in the Navy, working as an audio-visual specialist all over the country, including some time stationed on a ship based in Norfolk, Va. The idea of going to a basketball game in Orono now – as war against Iraq is in its early stages – is one reason, Martin said.

“It’s not really a distraction, but it’s always good to be able to see what we’re fighting for,” she said in the moments before the game. “These guys are worried about shooting free throws; when I was their age, I was worried about shooting M-14s. … It would be just wrong not to show that you’re aware of the people who would normally be here sitting in the stands from the National Guard right here in Bangor, that can’t be here because they’re doing what they feel is right.”

While the Maine women faced the Bluejays Thursday night, the war against Iraq continued thousands of miles away. UMaine officials said the conflict is on their minds, too, but they’ve deemed few measures necessary.

The most visible acknowledgement of the war occurred just before the national anthem when public address announcer Brett Baber asked fans to stand and “keep our troops foremost in your thoughts.”

“We do have in the script where we’re honoring the individuals, asking people to keep their minds and thoughts on those who can’t be here,” UMaine athletic marketing director Shaun Russell said before the game.

Other fans wore hats and sweatshirts with patriotic themes of flags or bald eagles.

Earlier in the evening, while the teams were warming up and fans were filing into the Alfond, Baber instructed spectators that, in case of an emergency, they stay in their seats and wait for an official announcement.

Maine interim athletic director Paul Bubb said the school has placed restrictions on how close vehicles can park to the Alfond – all vehicles must be at least 50 feet away from the building – and has closed off some building entrances that might otherwise be open. Backpacks and other bags weren’t checked as fans entered the arena, but security guards have been asked to keep a special eye on suspicious bags. Banning bags and backpacks is a move that could come in the future, Bubb added.

NIT officials are apparently following the lead of the NCAA tournament. NCAA president Myles Brand said Tuesday no games would be canceled or moved.

“I’ve been in contact with the WNIT office and there wasn’t a lot of discussion other than the fact that they would pretty much follow what the NCAA would do,” Bubb said.

Postponing or canceling games is something Martin wouldn’t want to see. She recently saw a group of U.S. soldiers interviewed, she recalled, and the troops were firm in their feelings.

“They said yes, let us see [the games],” she said. “That’s what they’re fighting for. That’s what we’re fighting for, the freedom of education and choice.”