Daren Stone, a senior strong safety for the University of Maine football team, has been selected to play in the prestigious Hula Bowl All-Star Classic in Honolulu on Jan. 14.

The annual game, which brings together some of the country’s top senior players, will be broadcast live at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN-TV.

Stone, a 6-foot-3, 215-pounder from Lockport, N.Y., joins record-setting New Hampshire wide receiver David Ball and Delaware wideout Ben Patrick as the only Atlantic 10 players invited to play in the game.

“It’s an honor. I’m really happy they chose me,” Stone said. “I actually talked to David Ball through e-mail. I feel real lucky to be one of those three [Atlantic 10 players chosen].”

Stone is believed to be the first UMaine player to earn a spot in the game.

Stone has made 44 tackles this season, 71/2 for a loss, including four sacks, and has broken up five passes.

He has piled up 167 tackles and 10 interceptions during his career.

The last A-10 player selected for the Hula Bowl was former Villanova star and current Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook in 2002.

Hula Bowl players are chosen by a selection committee that this year is headed up by Reed Johnson, the former director of scouting for the Atlanta Falcons.

While working out with the East squad, Stone and his teammates will be evaluated by National Football League scouts in their preparations for the 2007 draft.

“Our team was doing real good nationally and I’m on a lot of NFL coaches’ lists,” Stone said of his selection. “I guess they want to see me compete with a lot of top-level players before the draft.”

Stone’s trip includes round-trip airfare, game tickets, room, meals and a gift package for the weeklong stay in Hawaii.

“I’ve talked to a lot of people about it,” Stone said. “They’ve said the environment is real relaxed. Practice is intense, but they give you time to go out and enjoy the scenery.”

The East team, which will be coached by Mark Richt of Georgia and Rich Rodriguez of West Virginia, also includes the likes of Florida quarterback Chris Leak and Boston College offensive guard James Marten.

Smith a preseason All-American

University of Maine third baseman Curt Smith has been named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association preseason All-America third team. He was the only player from the America East conference to be selected to any of the preseason All-America teams.

Smith batted .390 for the Black Bears with 56 runs scored and 55 RBIs. He led Maine with 87 hits and six triples along with 18 doubles, 19 stolen bases and five home runs.

The Willemstad, Curacao, native was the 2006 Defensive Player of the Year in the New England Collegiate Baseball League this summer and was named to the NECBL first team. He was also ranked the third best prospect in the summer league by Baseball America.

Bucksport’s Hall to play for Bears

Bucksport senior softball pitcher Terren Hall will continue her stellar career at the University of Maine in 2008.

Hall, who pitched the Golden Bucks to the Class B state championship and a 20-0 season last spring, signed a National Letter of Intent, said Maine coach Stacey Sullivan.

The pitcher-infielder went 14-0 for the Bucks last spring. She was named both the Class B Player of the Year and the Pitcher of the Year by the Penobscot Valley Conference.

“We are very excited to have Terren join our program,” Sullivan said. “She is a smart, hard-nosed player who knows what it takes to be successful on and off the field. Terren will provide us with a lot of versatility as she can play just about anywhere.”

Hall was also a PVC second-team all-star for soccer this fall.

Carragher named USM captain

Mark Carragher, a senior forward on the University of Southern Maine ice hockey team, will captain the Huskies this year.

Head coach Jeff Beaney also announced that junior defenseman Dane Marshall, and senior forwards Bobby Siers and Chris Sparkes will serve as assistant captains.

Carragher, the leading scorer last year, recorded 18 goals and 15 assists for 33 points in 27 games. He was named to the All-ECAC second team.

Colby runners headed to NCAAs

Three members of the Colby College cross country team are going to the NCAA Division III championships Saturday at Voice of America Park in West Chester, Ohio.

Dan Vassallo will run in the men’s race at 11 a.m., while Karen Prisby and Anna King will compete in the women’s race at noon.

Prisby earned All-America honors for her 19th-place finish in last year’s championship.