Speirs commits to Texas Christian Ex-Hermon star Keith gains spot on UMaine men’s basketball roster

FORT WORTH, Texas – Bangor’s Jesse Speirs is one of four standout golfers who have signed National Letters of Intent to attend Texas Christian University next fall.

All four of the Horned Frogs’ signees have reached the match play portion of the U.S. Golf Association’s Junior Amateur tournament during their careers, according to TCU men’s golf coach Bill Montigel.

Speirs reached the round of 16 at the 2003 U.S. Junior Championship, and is ranked 64th nationally, according to the Junior Golf Scoreboard.

He finished tied for 25th at the 2004 Rolex Tournament of Champions, and last summer became the first player in 50 years to win the Maine Junior Championship three consecutive years.

Among other career highlights, Speirs won the 2002 New England Junior Invitational and placed second at the Greater Bangor Open. In 2003, the son of Deborah and Donald Speirs tied for 22nd at the Rolex Tournament of Champions and tied for 15th at the Western Junior.

Joining Speirs in the TCU golf Class of 2009 are Jon McLean of Weston, Fla., Tom Miles of Dublin, Ohio, and Robby Ormand of Austin, Texas.

“I am really excited about this incoming group of freshmen,” Montigel said in a press release. “We are losing some terrific players this spring and will need several players to step up next year. If these four guys continue to work hard, they could make considerable contributions during their college careers and continue the strong TCU golf tradition.”

TCU, currently rated 10th nationally, has competed in the NCAA Championships 10 times in the past 14 years. In addition, the Horned Frogs have matched an all-sport school record by winning four consecutive conference championships.

Keith joins UM hoop squad

Jesse Keith of Levant, a former standout at Hermon High School, has been added to the University of Maine men’s basketball roster as a freshman walk-on, according to Black Bears’ head coach Ted Woodward.

“Jesse is a wonderful person who has brought great energy to our basketball team during our preseason tryout period,” said Woodward. “He is very excited to be able to contribute to our program.”

Keith captained the Hermon squad to a berth in the Eastern Maine Class B final during his senior season. He averaged 22.3 points, 3.1 assists and 2.5 steals per contest for the Hawks, while shooting 59 percent from the field and 77 percent from the free-throw line.

Keith was named the Big East Conference Class B player of the year and received Big East scholar-athlete honors as well as being named to the McDonald’s All-State Academic Team.

Unity’s Belonick All-American

Matt Belonick of Unity College has been named to the 2004 United States Collegiate Athletic Association All-America Men’s Soccer Team.

Belonick, a sophomore from Terryville, Conn., scored 13 goals and registered six assists in leading coach Gary Zane’s Rams to their 12th consecutive winning season.

Belonick was one of 14 players named to the All-America squad from among 55 USCAA schools.

“Matt’s award is well-deserved,” Zane said. “He possesses a nice blend of skill and athleticism. He has the ability to control the midfield and is always a scoring threat.

“Matt also plays the game with a real sense of dignity,” he added. “He continues to work on improving his game.”

Belonick is majoring in conservation law enforcement.