With only scattered remnants of hurricane Isabel scheduled to pass through Maine Friday night, the state’s college football teams should be blessed with a decent day for Saturday’s action. Massachusetts (1-1) at Maine (2-1), Alfond Stadium, Orono, 6 p.m. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Colby College All-American tailback Aaron Stepka led all NCAA Division III rushers in yards per game last season, but the Mules had to settle for a .500 finish in the New England Small College Athletic Conference. Whether Stepka is able to improve on his 171.3… Read More
Marcus Williams may be only four games into his junior season, but he must be considered a threat to eventually challenge the University of Maine’s all-time rushing record. The most recent evidence of Williams’ potential was Saturday night’s 24-14 victory over Florida International. The 5-foot-10,… Read More
PORTLAND – Winning is supposed to be fun, but the University of Maine football team found out Saturday night it can also be frustrating. The 18th-ranked Black Bears engaged in a hard-hitting, trash-talking game with Florida International and overcame an uncharacteristic 145 yards in penalties… Read More
WELLSVILLE, N.Y. – The Alfred State College Pioneers racked up 233 yards on the ground and another 339 in the air en route to a 42-14 victory over Husson College in the Braves’ first varsity football game in six decades. The Braves racked up 307… Read More
Husson College of Bangor plays its first football game of the Gabby Price era, while the University of Maine engages in another nonconference game, highlighting Saturday’s schedule involving Maine college teams. Elsewhere, Maine Maritime Academy of Castine also sets sail into the 2003 season with… Read More
Maine Maritime Academy of Castine was on the brink of achieving a fair amount of success last season. Instead, the Mariners lost four games by a total of 18 points, including a one-point loss and a two-point setback during the first three weeks. They wound… Read More
The University of Maine football team showed off its talent and depth at the tailback position during Saturday night’s 44-21 dismantling of Hofstra at Hempstead, N.Y. Junior preseason All-American Marcus Williams and junior Onyi Momah combined for 303 rushing yards and nearly seven yards per… Read More
BANGOR – There’s a sense of urgency this week at Husson College, where coach Gabby Price and his staff are preparing their team for the school’s first football game in 60 years. Husson is coming off Saturday’s preseason scrimmage at MIT, where the hosts edged… Read More
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Inexperience, injuries and a lack of depth in the defensive secondary were key concerns for the University of Maine going into its Atlantic 10 opener at Hofstra. The 14th-ranked Black Bears were so dominating Saturday night, any worries about the secondary were… Read More
The University of Maine and Hofstra University football programs each have had a week to work out some of the early season kinks in losses to exceptional opponents. The margin for error shrinks considerably tonight as Atlantic 10 season begins when the 0-1 Black Bears… Read More
ORONO – There’s something special about living on the west side of Grand Rapids, Mich. Many of the families there are of Polish descent and it’s a community, Michael Zyskowski will tell you, where virtually everybody knows each other. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine football team was reminded Saturday night that when you’re playing the No. 3 team in the country, there is little margin for error. The 14th-ranked Black Bears turned the ball over four times and suffered three special teams breakdowns… Read More
As a youngster, Ron Whitcomb spent a lot of time and effort trying to improve his basketball skills. His efforts paid off, as Whitcomb became the career scoring leader at East Rochester (N.Y.) High School. Even with that success, he eventually realized his future was… Read More
ORONO – In the Atlantic 10, there is a fine line between winning a championship and finishing 6-5. Nobody knows that better than University of Maine coach Jack Cosgrove, who will try to direct his team to a third straight league title. That quest begins… Read More
ORONO – There are 12 days left until the University of Maine football team takes Morse Field for its season opener against perennial national power Montana. (Fans who want to know the exact time can check out the countdown clock on UMaine’s Web site at goblackbears.com.). Read More
ORONO – You won’t see the bull’s-eye on the back of University of Maine junior tailback Marcus Williams’ football jersey. But it will certainly be there as opposing defenses key on him. And that’s just fine by Williams, who was the Atlantic-10’s leading rusher last… Read More
ORONO – Jack Cosgrove had no plans to leave the University of Maine. Now the Black Bears’ head football coach has a new five-year contract to reinforce that fact. Cosgrove and the university have agreed on an extension that will keep him in his present… Read More
Four was the number associated with the University of Maine men’s football team Thursday as the Black Bears were picked to finish fourth in the Atlantic 10 Conference preseason poll and four Maine players were named to the preseason all-conference team. Seniors Dennis Dottin-Carter, Matt… Read More
For the first time in 15 years, the University of Maine could find itself lining up against a Division I football team. For the first time ever, the Black Bears may play a nationally-ranked Division I football power if ongoing talks between officials at UMaine… Read More
ORONO – The coveted job as the starting quarterback at the University of Maine is up for grabs. Ron Whitcomb, one of three Black Bears competing for the position, may have taken the first serious step Saturday toward becoming Jake Eaton’s successor. The talented freshman… Read More
You’d think a guy who was voted the Atlantic-10 Conference’s defensive player of the year for the last two seasons would have a pretty good shot at hearing his name called sometime during the two-day, seven-round NFL Draft. But if you’re a University of Maine… Read More
He bears the same last name as one of the most successful NFL coaches of all time. That’s because Craig Parcells, one of 17 football recruits who signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Maine Wednesday, is the nephew of new… Read More
MARTIN, Tenn. – Two former Maine football players suspended in September by the university after an alleged off-campus sexual assault are enrolled at Tennessee-Martin, a school spokesman said Tuesday. Wide receivers Paris Minor and Stefan Gomes, both juniors, have joined former Maine assistant Matt Griffin… Read More
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Western Kentucky completed a remarkable turnaround by winning its first Division I-AA football championship, avenging an early loss by defeating McNeese State 34-14 Friday night. Jon Frazier ran for two touchdowns and Jeremi Johnson caught a TD pass for Hilltoppers, who were… Read More
The postseason honors continue to roll in for University of Maine senior linebacker Stephen Cooper. The two-time Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year has been named to The Associated Press’ I-AA All-America team as a first-team defensive pick for the second straight year and… Read More
University of Maine football star Stephen Cooper, who last month was found in possession of what were reported to be 1,000 anabolic steroid pills, is expected to be charged next week with a Class A misdemeanor at U.S. District Court in Bangor. “He’s going to… Read More
STATESBORO, Ga. – The University of Maine football team had its hands full Saturday with perennial national power Georgia Southern and its vaunted triple option offense. The Eagles rushed for a whopping 416 yards in an NCAA Division I-AA national quarterfinal game at sun-splashed Paulson… Read More
STATESBORO, Ga. – With some peeks of sunshine and temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Friday afternoon, the University of Maine football team appeared relieved to be back outside. Coach Jack Cosgrove’s fifth-ranked Black Bears (11-2), who were preparing for today’s NCAA Division I-AA national quarterfinal… Read More
STATESBORO, Ga. – The University of Maine football team has worked an entire year to get back to the NCAA Division I-AA national quarterfinals. Today, coach Jack Cosgrove’s Black Bears look to take an unprecedented step forward when they battle Southern Conference champion and perennial… Read More
Over the years, not much has changed where Georgia Southern football is concerned. The Eagles are a perennial Division I-AA power, having won six national championships. And Georgia Southern is still utilizing the triple option offense that has given opponents fits for two decades. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
The University of Maine football team has an outside shot of getting a home playoff game after all. That was the news Wednesday on the Orono campus, where UMaine acting athletic director Paul Bubb was putting together a proposal to bid on a potential NCAA… Read More
It’s amazing how much things can change in the course of a year. Last season, the University of Maine football team went into postseason play with more questions than answers. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
BOONE, N.C. – The University of Maine football team has reached a point where it is unflappable in the face of almost any adversity, physical or emotional. The Black Bears demonstrated their resilience again Saturday with their season on the line. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
BOONE, N.C. – The University of Maine went into Saturday’s Division I-AA football playoff game with a healthy respect for Appalachian State’s defense, its down linemen in particular. The Black Bear offense, still trying to develop a rhythm behind third-string quarterback Jon Meczywor, was determined… Read More
BOONE, N.C. – A year ago, when the University of Maine football team made its first postseason appearance since 1989, there were plenty of unknowns. With last year’s playoff experience still fresh in their minds and a second straight Atlantic 10 championship under their belts,… Read More
BOONE, N.C. – There was no “quarterback controversy” this week surrounding the University of Maine football team. That’s because among the veterans, only Jon Meczywor has been 100 percent healthy. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
The University of Maine football team heads up “on the mountain” Saturday when the Black Bears take on Appalachian State in an NCAA Division I-AA football first-round game at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, N.C. Appalachian (pronounced Appa-LATCH-in) State is a well-respected program, one that… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine football team had dreamed of playing an NCAA playoff game on Morse Field next Saturday. Despite posting a school-record 10 victories, earning a No. 9 national ranking and claiming a share of the Atlantic 10 Conference championship for the… Read More
ORONO – All eyes at Alfond Stadium were focused on Jon Meczywor Saturday afternoon. With a conference title and an NCAA postseason spot riding on the outcome, the University of Maine’s third-string quarterback was making his first collegiate start. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
ORONO – When the University of Maine football team takes the field for Saturday’s Atlantic 10 regular-season finale against New Hampshire, a group of eight seniors may be gracing the Morse Field AstroTurf for the final time. The talented group, headed by co-captains Jake Eaton,… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine football team takes the field for today’s noon Atlantic 10 contest against New Hampshire with a great deal riding on the outcome. With a victory, coach Jack Cosgrove’s ninth-ranked Black Bears can earn their second straight conference championship and… Read More
ORONO – Coach Jack Cosgrove and the University of Maine football coaching staff preach a simple philosophy to all their players: At any moment, you’re only one play away from being called upon, so you have to be ready when that time arrives. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
The University of Maine football team has worked all season to repeat as Atlantic 10 champion and return to the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs. Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Black Bears can accomplish both of those goals with a victory Saturday over traditional rival New Hampshire. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
RICHMOND, Va. – Stephen Cooper is among the toughest football players in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Saturday afternoon, as close friend and University of Maine teammate Jake Eaton lay writhing in pain with a knee injury, Cooper cried. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
RICHMOND, Va. – There’s little margin for error this weekend for the University of Maine football team. The 11th-ranked Black Bears resume their quest for the Atlantic 10 championship and an NCAA postseason berth today with a pivotal 1 p.m. league game at Richmond’s UR… Read More
ORONO – If the University of Maine football team is going to win the Atlantic 10, or earn an NCAA playoff spot, it’ll have to start playing better – soon. Delaware knocked fifth-ranked UMaine down a peg Saturday, posting a dominating 37-13 victory at Alfond… Read More
Justin Cummings of Millinocket rushed for 238 yards and two touchdowns Saturday as Maine Maritime Academy of Castine avoided a winless season with a resounding 39-7 New England Football Conference victory over Framingham State. In other Maine small-college games, Colby of Waterville outlasted traditional rival… Read More
The University of Maine is rested up and ready to battle for the Atlantic 10 championship and an NCAA postseason berth. Meanwhile, the state’s small-college football teams will close our their seasons during Saturday’s action. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
ORONO – Pete Richardson has always towered over his peers. Growing up in Millinocket, he was the biggest kid in his class. Likewise on the football field, where he earned all-state honors for Stearns. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
Bates College notched its second win of the season as Sean Atkins and the Bobcats rolled over Bowdoin 48-28, giving them their first victory in the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin series since 1999. In other Maine college games this weekend, Colby shut out Tufts 9-0 while Westfield State… Read More
With the end of the 2002 Maine small-college football season drawing near, Maine Maritime Academy of Castine is still looking for its first victory of the season. The task doesn’t get any easier today as the Mariners play their final home game against Westfield State,… Read More
ORONO – Like the thousands of fans who made a hasty exit from Alfond Stadium, the University of Maine football team realized it was in serious trouble during the second half of Saturday afternoon’s Atlantic 10 game against Hofstra. Trailing by 17 points midway through… Read More
There’s no place like home. Nobody knows that better than the University of Maine football team, which has won 10 consecutive games on Morse Field but has played five of its last six contests on the road. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Pat Conley passed for two touchdowns for Colby and ran for a third as the White Mules trounced Hamilton 29-7 in college football action Saturday. In other games involving schools, Trinity beat Bowdoin 35-14 at Brunswick; Middlebury downed visiting Bates 28-7; and Fitchburg State defeated… Read More
MIAMI – The University of Maine had some fun in the hot Florida sun Saturday afternoon. The eighth-ranked Black Bears closed out the non-conference portion of their schedule by posting a convincing 33-7 victory over Florida International at FIU Community Stadium. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Losing can shake a team’s confidence. The University of Maine, Maine Maritime Academy of Castine, Colby College of Waterville, and Bates College of Lewiston all look to bounce back today after losses last weekend. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
AMHERST, Mass. – Saturday was a sloppy, miserable day at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. And that’s exactly the way the University of Maine football team played. Massachusetts shackled the struggling Black Bear offense, while the Minutemen capitalized on a handful of momentum-building offensive plays on their… Read More
CLINTON, N.Y. – Brian Durant returned a punt 50 yards for a touchdown and Bowdoin went on to beat Hamilton 28-14 Saturday in college football action. In the third quarter, Durant caught the punt at midfield, weaved through defenders and broke up the sideline for… Read More
The football season is a long one, especially when a team plays five games in a six-game span on the road. The University of Maine, ranked No. 2 in the nation, takes to the road for the fourth time in five weeks today when it… Read More
ORONO – John Gelsomino doesn’t get a lot of glory in his role as the fullback for the University of Maine football team. Even though he carries the ball only two or three times a game and might have one pass thrown his way, the… Read More
HARRISONBURG, Va. – Each week, winning in the Atlantic 10 seems to get increasingly difficult for the University of Maine football team. The third-ranked Black Bears continue to do whatever it takes. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
WATERVILLE – Sophomore running Aaron Stepka ran for 217 yards and three touchdowns Saturday to lead Colby College to a 27-19 victory over previously unbeaten Wesleyan Univesrity at Seaverns Field. Wesleyan (2-1) held a 19-14 lead after three quarters, but Stepka scored two touchdowns in… Read More
The University of Maine football coaching staff went into the 2002 season with the goal of improving production in the run game. Five weeks into the campaign, the third-ranked Black Bears (5-0) have made significant strides toward that end. UMaine averaged almost 230 rushing yards,… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine football team unexpectedly found itself facing a four-point deficit in the third quarter of Saturday’s Atlantic 10 game against Rhode Island. Realizing their team needed some inspiration, senior captains Stephen Cooper and Jake Eaton called upon their experience and… Read More
ORONO – Game day finally arrived Saturday for the members of the University of Maine football team, providing them with a hint of emotional relief. After a troubling week that included the announcement teammates and friends Stefan Gomes and Paris Minor had been suspended from… Read More
CASTINE – This is getting old in a hurry to the Maine Maritime Academy football team. For the second time in three games, the Mariners played a solid game defensively before losing in the final minute. This time it was Massachusetts Maritime Academy of Buzzards… Read More
WATERVILLE – Bill Lazzaro rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown as Middlebury pulled out a 17-14 college football win over Colby Saturday. Middlebury (1-1) jumped to an early 14-0 lead, but needed a 23-yard Mike Frissora field goal in the third quarter to provide… Read More
Seldom does a week pass during the college football season in which teams don’t have to deal with setbacks. Usually, it’s injuries. But today, the University of Maine football team looks to conduct business as usual, to the extent possible, after the suspension of starting… Read More
WASHINGTON – The University of Maine spotted Howard a 6-0 lead, but the fourth-ranked Black Bears responded with 21 unanswered second-quarter points on their way to a convincing 42-12 Division I-AA football victory Saturday at Greene Stadium. UMaine limited the 1-2 Bison to 180 total… Read More
The University of Maine football team has worked hard to earn the kind of respect demonstrated by its No. 4 national ranking. This week, one of the keys for the Black Bears will be maintaining a healthy respect for Saturday’s opponent, Howard University. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
ORONO – Brendan Curry has enjoyed tremendous growth during his four-plus years at the University of Maine. When he arrived on campus in 1998, both the Black Bear football program and Curry himself were looking to establish themselves. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
Three weeks into the 2002 season, the University of Maine football team continues to build on the momentum it generated last season. Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Black Bears are off to a 3-0 start, coming off Saturday’s testy 21-14 road victory at then-No. 11Villanova. UMaine had… Read More
VILLANOVA, Pa. – Not long ago, falling behind by two touchdowns, on the road, against a ranked opponent, would have undone the University of Maine football team. Not anymore. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
ORONO – Getting off to a good start is an important component of a successful season. The University of Maine hopes to use its 2-0 start to springboard the team onto the road Saturday as the sixth-ranked Black Bears visit No. 11 Villanova (Pa.) for… Read More
The Maine Maritime Academy football program has averaged two wins and seven losses in its last three seasons. That was also last year’s record under first-year coach Chris McKenney. The Mariners are hoping to make some inroads this season although there will still be some… Read More
ORONO – Being considered a Division I-AA national power is new territory for coach Jack Cosgrove and the 11th-ranked University of Maine football team. The Black Bears proved again Saturday night they deserve such a distinction. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
ORONO – Playing home games on Morse Field at Alfond Stadium has become a special sense of pride and ownership for the University of Maine football team in recent years. Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Black Bears defend their territory with grit and determination, as evidenced by… Read More
BANGOR – During his coaching days at Bangor High School, Gabby Price could always count on a large turnout, plenty of enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment from his players. The charismatic Price is hoping for the same kind of response as the head football coach of… Read More
ORONO – Dave Cusano has learned during his 21 years that facing adversity often provides a new perspective on how fortunate he really has been. Cusano, now a senior on the University of Maine football team, recalls his early teenage years in Wallingford, Conn., where… Read More
PORTLAND – It was a game the University of Maine football team was expected to win and the Black Bears took care of business. More than nine months after losing to Northern Iowa in the NCAA quarterfinals, 13th-ranked UMaine kicked off a new season Saturday… Read More
ORONO – Matt DiBiase has gone through a hectic week with the University of Maine football team. The worst part hasn’t been the practices and meetings. His toughest struggle was trying to acquire enough tickets to take care of the numerous family members and friends… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine football team is understandably excited about kicking off the 2002 season Saturday evening in Portland against Central Connecticut. The Black Bears remember vividly the successes of 2001, including a 9-3 record, a share of the Atlantic 10 championship, and… Read More
ORONO – There was a time not too long ago when University of Maine football coach Jack Cosgrove dreaded taking his team to play in Portland. And while it’s still not as enticing as a home game on Morse Field, the Black Bears’ 10th-year boss… Read More
ORONO – Most people figure college football training camps are a perfect way for coaches to work their athletes into shape during the dog days of August. University of Maine head coach Jack Cosgrove doesn’t agree. For Cosgrove and his staff, a perfect camp is… Read More
What a difference a year makes. Last August, head coach Jack Cosgrove had high hopes for his young but talented University of Maine football team, but his fellow coaches did not. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
NEWARK, Del. – Harold R. “Tubby” Raymond, one of the winningest coaches in college football history, announced Monday he is retiring from the University of Delaware. Raymond, 75, is ending a 36-year career with the Blue Hens after 300 wins. He became just the ninth… Read More
BANGOR – A few too many drives to Bar Harbor, reflection on the events of Sept. 11, and time spent away from the football field have sparked Jonathan “Gabby” Price’s drive to return to the sidelines. Price, who served two head coaching stints with the… Read More
There is no better recruiting tool than success on the field. University of Maine football coach Jack Cosgrove and his staff found that out as they put together their 2002 recruiting class. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
ORLANDO, Fla. – Mel Mitchell III and Chad Hayes made the NFL scouts take notice. Mitchell intercepted two passes and forced a fumble to set up a touchdown as Team Florida beat Team USA 42-13 on Saturday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
COLLEGE AP I-AA All-America List googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0] googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
ORONO – One of the most impressive aspects of the 2001 University of Maine football team is its sense of perspective. Despite their unprecedented run to a share of the Atlantic 10 championship, the program’s first-ever postseason victory and an appearance in the NCAA Division… Read More
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – It’s 12:53 p.m. on the biggest Saturday of the University of Maine football team’s season, and Paul Culina paces the sideline, jaw tense, game face firmly cinched in place. Kickoff of the NCAA Division I-AA playoff game against Northern Iowa looms… Read More
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Time after time Saturday afternoon, the University of Maine defense appeared to have Northern Iowa right where it wanted it: Third down and long. All game long, Panthers quarterback Griff Jurgens and an elusive receiver corps connected on momentum-building passes that… Read More
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Whoever said football players aren’t interested in fashion obviously haven’t met some of the University of Maine players. Defensive back Malik Nichols, for instance. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Relaxed and confident. That’s the best way to describe the University of Maine football team Friday afternoon as it went through a half-speed practice in the comfort of the UNI Dome. Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Black Bears appeared to be loose, but… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine football team hopped on a plane late Saturday night for a return trip to Bangor knowing that two starters would face a week of treatment for injuries they’d sustained in a 14-10 win over McNeese State. They also knew… Read More
So you’re all fired up to watch the University of Maine play its second-round NCAA Division I-AA football playoff game and you’ve just gotta know something about Northern Iowa. Right? Well, here’s the easy three-step primer: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
ORONO – Less than 48 hours after the most significant victory in the history of the University of Maine football program, things were remarkably quiet in the football wing at Memorial Gym. At 3 p.m. Monday, a time when players normally are crammed into the… Read More
LAKE CHARLES, La. – It’s three hours before game time on a perfectly crisp Cajun football Saturday night, and the lights of Cowboy Stadium are diffused by a soft, gray cloud of smoke that casts everything in that surreal haze you only see in Hollywood productions. Read More