A 10-member search committee headed by oceanography professor David Townsend has begun working to find the next athletic director for the University of Maine.

UMaine has embarked on a national search to replace Patrick Nero, who resigned the position in June and in July became the commissioner of the America East Conference.

UMaine President Robert Kennedy in November appointed the search committee, which met several times late last year to develop a job description and related materials so the active search could begin later this month.

“This is an important position in our administration and I am pleased that we are moving forward in this process,” Kennedy said in a press release.

“Athletics represent an important part of our student experience at UMaine and sports provide a strong link to the greater community. I believe that UMaine has the appropriate perspective on intercollegiate athletics and we aim to hire a strong leader who will manage a department that continues the Black Bear tradition of excellence both in the classroom and on the field of play.”

Blake James has served as UMaine interim athletic director since last July. He was senior associate athletic director during the tenure of Nero.

James is expected to be a candidate for the permanent position, although he has not announced his intention to pursue it, according to UMaine athletics spokesman Brent Williamson.

Townsend, the director of UMaine’s School of Marine Sciences, is chairing the search committee. That group includes two other faculty members in Sandra Caron of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, and George Jacobson of the Department of Biological Sciences. Jacobson also serves as UMaine NCAA Faculty Representative.

Black Bear men’s hockey coach Tim Whitehead and women’s basketball coach Ann McInerney represent the coaching staff on the committee, which also includes director of university relations Joe Carr, interim director of student records Tammy Light and Associate Dean of Students Angel Loredo.

Dan Willett, a planned giving officer with the University of Maine Foundation and community members Barb Dalton, a 1981 UMaine graduate who lives in Veazie, and Tom Patrick, a 1962 grad from West Boothbay Harbor, round out the 10-member search committee.

When finalists are identified, they will visit Orono for a series of interviews and meetings.

Softball assistant hired

Nicole Trimboli, a former University of Nebraska standout and professional softball player, has been named an assistant softball coach at the University of Maine.

Trimboli will join new coach Stacey Sullivan on the staff. Her responsibilities will include working with the outfielders.

As an infielder-outfielder Trimboli was a member of the Akron Racers of the National Professional Fastpitch, a seven-team league based in Denver. The Racers won the 2005 league championship and Trimboli was named to the East all-star team in 2004 and 2005.

As a player at Nebraska, Trimboli had a career .303 batting average and was a two-time All-Big 12 selection in 2001 and 2002. She was a member of a Huskers team that went to the Women’s College World Series in 2002.

Trimboli, who graduated in 2004, spent last year as a volunteer assistant coach at Nebraska. She also provided private lessons to high school players.

The University of Maine softball team played at the University of Nebraska’s stadium in Lincoln, Neb., during the 2004 NCAA tournament.

UM Baseball Evening set Jan. 28

UMaine baseball coach Steve Trimper has announced the Black Bears will hold A UMaine Baseball Evening on Saturday, Jan. 28 in Brewer.

The evening, which will feature special guests Stump Merrill and Mike MacDonald, is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. at the home of former UMaine pitching great Joe Ferris. The UMaine baseball team also will be on hand.

The cost for the event, which will include hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided by the Muddy Rudder, is $50 per person. For more information, call Trimper at 581-1090.

Mahaney Dome nears completion

Construction crews continue work on the new Mahaney Dome indoor practice facility at the University of Maine in Orono.

While student-athletes are back on campus for the start of the second semester, the dome is not quite ready to begin hosting Black Bear practices.

Williamson said the crew is installing insulation in the pressurized structure and the presence of lifts and other machinery make it impossible for teams to utilize the dome.

UMaine officials are hoping the building will be open for use any day now, Williamson said.