Ron Whitcomb, who established a University of Maine freshman record with 21 touchdown passes this fall, has been named the ECAC Division I-AA Rookie of the Year.

Whitcomb, who earlier had been named the Atlantic 10 Football Conference Rookie of the Year, finished the regular season as the league’s No. 3 passer. He averaged 221 yards per game, an A-10 freshman record.

Whitcomb, from East Rochester, N.Y., completed 186 of 329 passes for 2,428 yards, helping lead the Black Bears to a 7-5 record this season. He threw for 432 yards in the season finale at New Hampshire, setting an A-10 freshman record.

His 2,428 passing yards rank fifth in UMaine’s single-season annals, while his 21 TD throws is the fourth best in a season.

Walker sets Husson wins mark

Kissy Walker became the winningest coach in Husson College women’s basketball history Sunday when the Braves beat Becker College 76-52.

Walker improved her coaching record to 242-102 in 12-plus seasons, eclipsing the previous mark of 241 wins held by Husson coaching legend Clara Swan.

“I have been very fortunate to have some great student-athletes over the years who have made the program successful,” said Walker, who returned to the bench this season after a two-year hiatus.

Husson, which ended the first semester 6-2 after four straight wins, next plays Jan. 10 in Bangor against Castleton State.

Swan posted a 241-34-7 record, guiding the Husson program from its inception in 1940 until 1958. She had two undefeated seasons.

UMaine sponsors food drive

The Salvation Army will collect food Saturday prior to the University of Maine’s 1 p.m. men’s basketball game against Morgan State at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland.

Fans who bring two nonperishable food items to the game will receive a coupon for a buy-one-get-one-free ticket to a future UMaine men’s or women’s basketball game. All food donated will go to the Greater Portland Food Pantry.

Saturday’s game also will feature youth events, including a Banner/Spirit Contest for area youth basketball teams. The winning team gets a free clinic with the UMaine coaching staff and selected players.

All area high school teams that contact the UMaine athletic marketing office will receive free admission as part of High School day. Call 581-4849 or email UMaine at info@goblackbears.com for more information.

Colby players honored

Caitlin Cleaver and Kimberly Prescott, members of the Colby College volleyball team, have been selected for the American Volleyball Coaches Association New England Region Team.

They are the first White Mule players to receive the honor.

Cleaver, a sophomore outside hitter from Kennett Square, Pa., set a Colby single-season record with 417 kills for the 23-9 Mules. She was second on the team with 351 digs, second in service aces with 55 and third with 57 blocks.

Prescott, a senior from Buena Park, Calif., set Colby season marks with 1,278 assists and 100 service aces and finished her career as the school’s career leader in both categories. She also was third on the team with 337 digs.