It was only a year, but it probably seemed much longer than that to Derek Rodgerson.

The former Hampden Academy boys basketball career scoring leader and Franklin Pierce College (N.H.) standout found himself uninvolved in organized basketball for the first time in more than a decade.

That’s not to say life wasn’t good for the 2000 NEWS All-Maine first-team player. He had a business degree from Franklin Pierce, a master’s degree in business from Lynn University and had a new job as assistant director of admissions at Saint Joseph’s College in Standish.

“I knew I wanted to get back to Maine and I knew I wanted to work at a college,” Rodgerson said. “I met some kids who graduated from Saint Joe’s at Lynn and they told me about an opening there.”

So Rodgerson left behind the warmth and sunshine of Boca Raton, Fla., and came back north. Having his master’s concentration in athletics administration, the former guard also had an eye on eventually getting into coaching.

“I’ve never coached before, other than a few camps here and there,” he said. “I like to be around the game and it’s something I always thought about doing.”

Due to a policy discouraging double duty, especially in the first year of a new job, Rodgerson wasn’t able to pursue assisting for Monks men’s coach Rob Sanicola. But this year, things changed.

“The new vice president of enrollment here, Dr. [Joseph] Lee, is a sports guy and a big advocate of double duty, so I decided to go for it,” the 24-year-old Hampden native said. “It’s been a smooth transition.”

As an assistant, Rodgerson helps out with recruiting, scouting, practice, coaching and anything else that comes along.

“I really do a little bit of everything,” Rodgerson said. “I really like being involved with everything. I’m in a really good situation here.”

The Monks are 6-4 after advancing to the championship game of their own tournament last weekend and Rodgerson is excited about the team’s prospects. Then again, just being back on the college basketball court is cause for excitement for him.

“I think the thing I missed the most was the camaraderie with the guys. I think it’s actually more fun as a coach than a player, but it can be frustrating at times, too,” he said. “The competition is fun, but you have to keep something in mind: You’re not just preparing kids for the next game, but for life as well.”

Dribbling down in Daytona

While many of their classmates were heading home to warmer temperatures during the college Christmas break, the members of Husson College’s men’s team hits the court for a holiday tournament.

Don’t feel too sorry for the Eagles, though. They will have a chance for some fun and sun during a “working vacation” in Daytona Beach, Fla., this week.

“Yeah, we play two games in six days, so I’m guessing we’ll have some time to hit the beach,” senior forward Tyler Muzzy said with a chuckle.

The Eagles flew out of Bangor Monday evening and play games Friday and Saturday against Castleton State and Johnson State, respectively, in the Carrabba’s Shootout.

The Eagles take an 8-2 record into the tournament after winning seven of their first eight games this season. Still, they’re coming into the Carraba’s tourney a bit dissatisfied after dropping a 20-point decision to Saint Joseph’s last weekend.

“We were mad after that Friday [Dec. 29] game. We thought we should have been playing in the championship game,” said Muzzy, who scored his 1,000th collegiate career point Dec. 14 against Gordon College.

Muzzy is averaging 16.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. He and freshman Martin Cleveland (16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds) have injected punch in Husson’s frontcourt.

“Tyler’s responded to the challenges we’ve made to him and Marty’s been a pleasure to have and every day he continues to improve,” said Husson coach Warren Caruso. “We’re fortunate to have him.”

Rojas new Bowdoin soccer coach

Former two-time William & Mary (Va.) All-America goalkeeper Maren Rojas, who has spent the past 13 years as a Division I assistant coach, has been named the women’s soccer coach at Bowdoin College in Brunswick.

She replaces John Cullen, who racked up 237 victories in his 22 seasons, including the last two as a co-head coach with Katie Sheridan.

Rojas was an assistant at James Madison, Syracuse and Virginia. She spent the past four seasons at Virginia and the Cavaliers made the NCAA Tournament every year.

“We’re thrilled to have someone of Maren’s character and experience to continue the rich tradition of women’s soccer at Bowdoin,” said Bowdoin athletic director Jeff Ward.