Ever since the 2006 season ended, Mike Brusko and Adam Farkes have been dueling to see who would succeed Ron Whitcomb as the University of Maine’s starting quarterback.

Saturday morning, prior to the Black Bears’ final preseason workout, offensive coordinator Kevin Bourgoin ended the suspense, telling Brusko he has earned the job.

“It’s something that I’m extremely excited about, something I’ve been waiting for for a really long time,” said the sophomore from Zionsville, Pa. “Now all I can do is prepare to help my team win and that’s obviously the ultimate goal.”

Brusko, a 6-foot-3, 215-pounder, will get the start in Saturday’s 6 p.m. season opener against Monmouth at Alfond Stadium in Orono.

Brusko said the coaching staff’s decision was revealed during a meeting between Bourgoin and the program’s four quarterbacks.

Head coach Jack Cosgrove said Brusko emerged with his performance in practices.

“I guess a simple way to say it, he was the guy that was more efficient throughout preseason in all those measurables and we felt he gives us the best chance to win, as a football team, as the quarterback on offense,” said Cosgrove, who was quick to praise Farkes.

“This was not one of those easy decisions,” he added. “These are two very good football players and they’re even better young men. They embody all the qualities you want for that position.”

However, Brusko’s time with the program and knowledge of the Bears’ spread offense helped give him the upper hand. He appeared in all 11 games last season.

“Michael’s got an edge in experience and that’s a really big factor in running this offense,” Cosgrove said.

The 20-year-old Brusko also has impressed with his calm demeanor and unselfish approach. Those are qualities of which he is proud.

“I could feel myself progressing throughout camp and I could feel my teammates getting behind me and feeling more comfortable with me as well,” Brusko said.

While Farkes has been touted for his ability to throw the football, Brusko likely will be a solid threat to run or pass.

“Michael’s got great running instincts,” Cosgrove said. “I would expect him to be able to make those kind of decisions, whether he runs it or throws it. Those are going to be critical to our success, because he’s not a drop-back-and-throw kind of guy.”

Even though Brusko has been anointed as the starter, Cosgrove is confident in the abilities of Farkes, a 6-2, 198-pounder from Boston.

“I look in his [Farkes’] eyes and they say ‘it’s only a matter of time, coach’ and I loved seeing that,” Cosgrove said.

“I think we’ve got two very good quarterbacks in this program right now and that’s exciting to know, in case an injury happens or whatnot, we’ve got some depth there.”