Former Saint Joseph’s College lefthander Charlie Furbush, who played this season at Louisiana State University, was selected in the fourth round of the major league draft by the Detroit Tigers. The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder from South Portland was the 151st pick overall. Furbush posted a 3-9… Read More
Before the Christmas tree lights system was implemented for starting a drag race, flags were used. Those good old days are returning to Winterport Dragway for four races this season beginning Saturday at 12:30 p.m. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
With a stretch of good weather supposedly upon us, those of us stragglers are ready to dust off the golf clubs and renew our profanities as we ponder why a stationary white ball is so difficult to strike consistently well. Why the bleep doesn’t it… Read More
None of the three golfers with Maine ties who were in the U.S. Open sectional qualifying on Monday earned spots in the Open, scheduled for June 14-17 at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club. Hampden native John Hickson, who now lives in Topsham, had to withdraw after… Read More
The Caribou High School boys tennis team has been a perennial contender for an Eastern Maine championship, initially as a Class A school and more recently in Class B. Two years ago, for example, the Vikings lost in the final as Camden Hills of Rockport… Read More
For many bird hunters, crisp early fall mornings spent behind gun dogs are among the best times of the year. Others prefer to ride slowly along old woods roads, hoping to spy a ruffed grouse – commonly called a partridge – or two. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Thoughts turn today to the absolute essence of all these games we follow, namely when to concentrate on winning and losing, when to concentrate on teaching the fundamentals of each sport, and when to just have fun. Triggered by a conversation with a well-known youth… Read More
Jazz musician, youth sports coach, soccer player, possible future doctor – Caribou High senior Caleb Swanberg is a well-rounded student-athlete. He recently found out he has won an award that recognizes his wide variety of activities. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
Kevin Swallow, the seventh leading scorer for the Dartmouth College men’s hockey team this past season, has decided to transfer to the University of Maine. Due to NCAA regulations, he will have to sit out next season but he will be able to practice with… Read More
MPA made right call at state ski meet Paul Cyr’s letter to the BDN of May 22, “MPA should apologize for mistake at ski meet,” while heartfelt, is inaccurate. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
Last fall, for the first time since Maine’s salmon rivers were closed to fishing in 1999, anglers were able to cast flies on the Penobscot during an experimental season. In less than two weeks, anglers will be able to sound off on a pair of… Read More
Chris Parsons, a graduate of Thomas College in Waterville, has been named the assistant men’s soccer coach at the University of Maine. Parsons joins first-year coach Pat Laughlin’s staff after spending the last two seasons as an assistant at Bowdoin College in Brunswick. He also… Read More
Former Maine Senator George Mitchell continues to head up the MLB investigation into steroid and performance-enhancing drug use by players, saying little, but pressing for answers. His report has no time frame for completion and according to Commissioner Bud Selig, “The mission has not changed.”… Read More
Today is the day hikers and trail volunteers wait for all year. For the past 15 years, the first Saturday in June is celebrated as National Trails Day. If you hike, chances are pretty good that you’re taking part in the festivities. The day is… Read More
The Greater Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce will focus its attention on the St. John River and the Fish River on June 16 during the inaugural River Fest. The event will feature three races that promise to be entertaining. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Miles Bisher has walked the competitive walk throughout his three-sport career at Bucksport High School. He’s an all-conference soccer goalie, a varsity basketball player, and the starting first baseman for the top-ranked and defending Eastern Maine Class B champion Golden Bucks baseball program. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Thirteen months ago, Johnny Crawford was in a 22-day coma at Bangor’s Eastern Maine Medical Center. On April 30, 2006, Mark Dodge’s racecar was involved in an accident at Unity Raceway and wound up being launched over the dirt banking and landed on top of… Read More
The Maine Principals’ Association will release the final regular season Heal point standings for high school baseball and softball Friday morning. The final points were due Thursday, but will be one day late due to weather-related postponement of two Wednesday games. The preliminary round of the playoffs begins… Read More
Hundreds of local children will be aiming for first place finishes this weekend at the Eastern Maine Soap Box Derby in Bangor and the Midcoast Maine Soap Box Derby in Camden. Both events are scheduled for Saturday, but racing activities will be going on all… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations for Black Bear student-athletes, coaches, administrators and/or significant supporters for induction into UM’s Sports Hall of Fame. In order to be eligible, a candidate must have been affiliated with the University… Read More
Tyler Benjamin of Belfast and Mike Marsh of Rockland were among 21 Maine football standouts honored recently as recipients of the 20th annual scholar-athlete awards presented by the State of Maine Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. Benjamin, a 5-foot-10,… Read More
The Maine-iacs continue to dominate the Cabot Trail Relay Race, held annually Memorial Day weekend in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, after posting their third straight win. This year, the crew of 17 Maine runners combined for a time of 17 hours, 43 minutes, 5 seconds –… Read More
Growing up in Maine, MacKenzie Rawcliffe admits, it was easy to overlook a problem that plagues people in many parts of the world. Clean water, after all, can be found just about everywhere … as long as you’re here. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
It’s been almost 12 years since Bangor native Matt Kinney realized nearly every young man’s dream and was drafted by a major league baseball team. Now in his 13th season of organized professional ball, the 30-year-old Kinney is simply hoping for a chance at his… Read More
Looking for a tough out in the upcoming Eastern Maine Class C baseball playoffs? Consider Stearns of Millinocket. 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++)… Read More
After Hampden native John Hickson advanced through the first stage of qualifying for the U.S. Open on May 9, the expectation would be that he would spend at least some time on a golf course preparing for the next round, the sectional qualifier. His sectional,… Read More
James Fineman has lived the doubles life since being born with a twin brother, so perhaps it’s no surprise he has found success in doubles on the tennis court. A senior at Mount Desert High School in Bar Harbor, Fineman last Saturday won the Penobscot… Read More
Next time you go to the grocery store, take an empty bakery bag up to the register and when the cashier asks you what you have in the bag, say “doughnut holes.” (Wouldn’t a doughnut hole be just plain air?) Or when you take a… Read More
PORTLAND – The Portland Pirates’ coach spent part of the Memorial Day weekend in the Cumberland County Jail while many Mainers were cooking out, heading to the beach and enjoying other outdoor activities. Kevin Dineen reported to jail Sunday to serve a 48-hour sentence on… Read More
SOUTH PORTLAND – The 38th annual A&J Open, the longest continuously-running tennis tournament in the state, will be held on the weekend of June 15-17 at the South Portland High School courts. Competition will be held in men’s and women’s open singles, mixed doubles, as… Read More
I have followed with great interest the recent hiring of former basketball phenom Cindy Blodgett to the position of head women’s basketball coach at the University of Maine. Cindy brings a lot to the table as Maine’s 10th women’s head coach. What she doesn’t bring… Read More
As the regular season in high school softball winds down this week, several of the Eastern Maine Class A teams are closer than ever. Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, and Nokomis of Newport are proving to be among the top squads in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference… Read More
Hard-nosed winger Barrett Heisten, who helped lead the University of Maine to its last NCAA championship in 1999, has retired from pro hockey, according to the Anchorage Daily News. The 27-year-old Heisten played for the Alaska Aces of the East Coast Hockey League this season,… Read More
For generations, Maine’s hunting traditions have been passed down in a time-honored way. A father takes his son afield for a short hike. He talks about animal sign and trees and habitat. Gun safety is discussed at length. Then, at some point in what is… Read More
I’d spent several hours the previous afternoon getting my 21-foot Scott canoe rigged and ready for my first spring outing, trolling for trout on the Aroostook River. Many of the regional lakes still wore their winter coat of ice, but like all old coats, they were wearing thin,… Read More
The Maine Winter Sports Center will introduce a new component this summer in the form of overnight wilderness trips for 11- to 14-year-olds from Aroostook County. The trips will take participants into local wilderness areas on hiking and canoeing trips. The goal is to familiarize… Read More
You might see him playing with his kids on the Boston Commons if you should be in the area this summer. You probably won’t recognize him unless you are a real hockey fan. Brian Leetch retired from hockey this week the same way he played… Read More
Wednesday night’s announcement that Cindy Blodgett is coming home to coach the University of Maine women’s basketball team has excited much of that program’s fan base. The Clinton native remains one of the state’s most recognizable faces nine years removed from an All-American stay on… Read More
Dresden native Stan Meserve said it’s business as usual at Dale Earnhardt Inc. even after Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced he is leaving that organization after this season. Meserve, who used to own Distance Racing Products in Unity, works on the car set-ups for DEI Nextel… Read More
BANGOR – The barn doors won’t be locked and the horses won’t be gone thanks to a new renovation plan for Bass Park. Penn National Gaming Inc., planned to tear down the existing paddock and racing offices, construct a building housing both units, raze four… Read More
ORONO -University of Maine athletes Michel Leveille and Tal Shpaizer have been named to the ESPN the Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-District Second Team. Leveille played in 40 games for the Black Bears’ hockey team this season, and tallied 19 goals and 25 assists. He graduated earlier… Read More
OSHKOSH, Wis. – Colby College’s Ian London qualified to run in the final of the NCAA Division III Track and Field Championship meet Thursday. London finished second in the second heat with a time of 4 minutes, 3.6 seconds. The Topsham native will be among 12 finalists in… Read More
BIDDEFORD – Joan Howard has been named head field hockey coach at the University of New England. A former assistant at UNE and a one-time head coach at Fitchburg (Mass.) State, Howard will step down as UNE’s head softball coach to become just the second… Read More
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – Greg Norton has a chance to make history today when he takes the mound for the University of Maine. The senior righthander from South Portland gets the start in the 3:05 losers’ bracket game in the America East Baseball Championship at Farmingdale… Read More
With spring upon us, many people start to pay more attention to the abundant wildlife around us. Unfortunately, one Maine game warden warns, that’s not always a good thing. Warden Kevin Adam, who patrols the Dexter and Newport areas, said he receives several calls each… Read More
Ellsworth High School will have two new varsity basketball coaches in place next winter with very different backgrounds. Longtime middle school coach Peter Austin has been hired to take over the boys basketball team, while former Boothbay High School and 2005 University of Maine-Farmington graduate… Read More
The Brewer, Mount Desert Island, and Old Town girls track and field teams earn their points in different fashions, but they will share one common goal at this weekend’s conference championships in Bar Harbor. The Witches, Trojans, and Coyotes are all out to end Bangor’s… Read More
Portland Sea Dogs hitters will get a chance to be part of The Rocket’s re-entry into professional ball tonight. Portland’s hitters will get an advance look at what Boston’s batters will be seeing in another couple weeks as Roger Clemens starts on the mound for… Read More
Matt Rossignol has either played or coached basketball every year since he first took up the sport as a youngster in his native Van Buren. That run will end next winter, as Rossignol has stepped down as the boys varsity basketball coach at Madawaska High… Read More
The University of Maine’s Tal Shpaizer has been named one of three finalists for the America East Woman of the Year award along with Binghamton University’s Megan Hoag and Boston University’s Marisa Ryan. Shpaizer, who had a 3.95 GPA, was named MVP of the UMaine… Read More
The Sebasticook Valley Area girls’ Bangor Y Basketball Club 13-under team went 5-0 at the AAU State Tournament to win the championship. The team is now seeking area sponsors to help defray the cost of the trip to the Division I Nationals in Ohio, Division II Nationals in… Read More
With plans announced last week for a Maine Golf House to be situated at Highland Green Adult Resort Community and Golf Club in Topsham, all that’s left now is the fundraising. “We figure we need between $800,000 and $1,000,000 for the building and to outfit… Read More
A week or so ago, I asked readers for help after another reader saw an eagle swimming in the ocean, then asked me for a possible explanation. Knowing that “He was probably training for a triathlon” wouldn’t cut the mustard, I turned to you …… Read More
Belfast High softball pitcher Stephanie Whittier was back in school Monday, Lions athletic director Terry Kenniston said, after a scary incident in a game Thursday. Pitching in a key Eastern Maine Class B matchup against Winslow, Whittier took a line drive off her forehead during… Read More
I have to admit that I wasn’t paying attention to the first conversation in my house about Heelys sneakers. My family might tell you that I am not a good listener, but I would counter with the fact that I absorb, then respond. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
MPA should apologize for mistake at ski meet An electronic timing issue negatively affected the girls skimeister results at the state Class C ski meet held in Mars Hill and Presque Isle on Feb. 19. At the completion of any ski event, unofficial results are… Read More
The University of Maine men’s hockey program will lose a defenseman and gain one this offseason. Bryan Plaszcz, who would have been a junior in the fall, has decided to transfer while Jeff Dimmen, who helped lead the St. Louis Bandits to the North American… Read More
The University of Maine baseball team hopes today to continue its quest for a berth in next week’s America East tournament – if the weather will cooperate. Although there is more rain in the forecast, the two teams are scheduled to play a 3 p.m. Read More
As amateur fish-stockers go, Damyan True, is one of those who believes in getting close to his work. Really close. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i… Read More
One of a high school baseball coach’s tougher decisions can involve how to juggle a pitching staff, particularly when one of the pitchers is also the starting shortstop. In many cases, to use the shortstop as a starting pitcher is to sacrifice elsewhere, unless the… Read More
He is in his first year as hitting coach of the Red Sox – and loving it. Dave Magadan spent 2003 through June of 2006 as the roving hitting instructor for the San Diego Padres. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
It’s graduation season, time to reminisce over the past several years and look ahead to the next great adventure. If you’re a parent of a college graduate, you cross your fingers and hope for the best for your child — and hope that big tuition bill will somehow… Read More
I find April to be an untrustworthy month. There are signs of spring, promises of what might be that raise the hopes of winter-worn sportsmen. And then a surprise snowstorm, days of sleet and rain, or unpleasantly cold, windy weather that drags on for days at a time… Read More
The sky was a nondescript shade of gray when I woke up in the morning. After days of bright sun, the prospect of a little spring rain would have been more welcome had I not been going to co-lead a bird walk that day. As… Read More
The annual Maine Canoe Symposium, where paddlers of all ages and abilities learn “hands-on” from North America’s foremost canoeing professionals, will be held on Moose Pond at the historic Winona Camps in Bridgton June 8-10. Since 1986, this family-friendly weekend has drawn Americans and Canadians… Read More
When Judson Cake last ran a marathon, he did it for the benefit of others and still won. But when the Bar Harbor native lines up for Sunday’s 25th Sugarloaf Marathon, the ambitions are more personal – earning a trip to November’s U.S. Olympic men’s… Read More
Pro All-Stars Series president Tom Mayberry will unveil a new Sportsman/Limited Sportsman/Super Street series on May 27 at Hermon’s Speedway 95. It will be the fifth division offered by the tour. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
Judy Merrifield will never become independently wealthy doing what she does, but she considers her life to be a lot richer because of it. Merrifield is a weekend dispatcher/switchboard operator for Maritime Energy, but she only does that to supplement her real job, which also… Read More
While reigning state champion Searsport and tradition-laden George Stevens Academy of Blue Hill dominate most conversations about Eastern Maine Class C baseball this spring, a third contender has quietly joined the division’s elite entering the final stretch of the regular season. Central of Corinth is… Read More
Ten days after being promoted to Triple-A Syracuse, Camden’s Mike MacDonald was watching highlights of Tuesday’s game between Toronto and Baltimore with great interest. Jesse Litsch, MacDonald’s teammate and a fellow pitcher with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, was making his major league debut with… Read More
One of my favorite fly fishing spots (shh … don’t tell anybody) is the East Outlet of the Kennebec River, and I’ve spent many enjoyable hours wading the river and trying to entice landlocked salmon and brook trout. On Saturday, during a moose-watching safari, East… Read More
Jeremy Durost was hoping that more than 100 runners would show up to participate in the Saucony 5-kilometer road race Sunday in Bangor. The Saucony Outlet’s manager got that many participants and then some: 125 to be exact. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
BOYS Big School (Classes A-B) 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… Read More
The Roger Clemens discussion is a good one for major league baseball and a necessary one. Clemens is the ultimate hired gun. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0;… Read More
Ian London of Colby College in Waterville has qualified for the NCAA Division III Track and Field Championships by breaking the school record in the 1,500 meters. London, a senior from Topsham, finished second overall in Saturday’s New England Open Championships. Competing against runners in… Read More
When Jesse Speirs of Bangor steps to the tee Thursday, the sophomore at Texas Christian University will be competing in his first postseason NCAA men’s golf tournament, but he won’t be treating it that way. “It’s still golf,” he said Tuesday. “I’m not trying to… Read More
When Woody Moore joined the football coaching staff at Rockland District High School five years ago, helping to preserve the struggling program was the immediate goal. Now, as Moore takes over the Tigers as their varsity head coach, the team’s motto is “chasing perfection.” googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Upon beginning my tenure as an auto race beat writer, Portland Press Herald columnist Steve Solloway gave me some valuable advice. He told me it was the people involved in the sport who made it such an enjoyable beat. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
GORHAM – Ryan Bourque of the University of Southern Maine, a senior outfielder from Sanford, was named the Little East Conference Baseball Player of the Year. He, freshman third baseman Josh Mackey, and senior designated hitter Max Arsenault were named to the All-LEC first team… Read More
UMaine has planned some special events for its upcoming America East baseball series against Binghamton in Orono. Friday is Service Day and firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians may receive a free ticket to the 5 p.m. game by calling 581-1086 or by emailing to angela.bohovich@umit.maine.edu. Read More
Travel the state’s rural highways – they do exist by the way, and go by such names as Golden and Telos and Stud Mill roads – and you’re bound to see plenty of wildlife. Many love being outdoors, and relish the thought of packing a… Read More
As San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds closes the gap between himself and all-time homerun king Hank Aaron – Bonds currently has 745 homeruns, while Hammering Hank’s record stands at 755 – talk is rampant about the validity of Barry’s chase, based on all this steroid talk. Read More
The Penobscot Valley softball team has a rough week ahead but the Howlers will more than likely deal with the pressure. The senior-laden squad, which had one of the school’s best finishes in basketball this winter, is 7-0 after Monday’s 12-6 win over Piscataquis of… Read More
College team in Bangor deserves support When the Bangor Blue Ox and then the Lumberjacks left town, I was disappointed and disillusioned. In fact, my mind was pretty much convinced that this was the end of baseball (pro or semipro) in Bangor. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Patrick McEachen, a hard-nosed defenseman from Stouffville, Ontario, has verbally committed to attend the University of Maine beginning in 2009. The 16-year-old McEachen had 15 goals and 49 assists in 72 games for the North York Rangers in the Greater Toronto Hockey League this season. Read More
Each year at about this time, a friend of mine calls or e-mails with an invitation he figures I can’t refuse. “The smelts are running,” he’ll tell me. “You’ve got to get up here.” googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
Ice cleared from the Miramichi River extraordinarily early that April due to an unusual combination of rain, wind and then a stretch of unusually warm, sunny days. Most of the camps didn’t have their first groups of black salmon fishermen booked for at least a week, and suddenly… Read More
The Maine Wildlife Park in Gray is beginning its series of wildlife exhibits and demonstrations with a timely program on a disease that plagues many outdoors enthusiasts. On May 19 the park will give visitors the chance to learn about Lyme disease. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Finally, spring is in full bloom. Warm weather and southerly breezes are coaxing flowers from the ground and our most colorful songbirds up from the south. A celebration of both of these events will take place with the Ninth Annual Warblers and Wildflowers Festival on Mount Desert Island… Read More
Way down at the southern tip of Hancock County, out in the ocean just before Knox County begins, there’s a little island you and I own called Steves. It’s on the charts, but it may not be named on some because it’s so small. And… Read More
BANGOR – Back when they were teens, horsepower had an entirely different meaning for Greg Bowden than it did for his friends. While his friends were saving money, checking car lots, and perusing magazines, Bowden was already a proud owner of a harness racing horse. Read More
The road to success in what used to be called Division I-AA football is filled with challenges, particularly for someone from Maine’s relatively small gridiron world. At 6-foot-3 1/2, 280 pounds, Corinna’s Steve Shea looks all the part of someone capable of making that transition. Read More
BANGOR – The Saucony 5K Road Race will run Sunday at 9 a.m. Race-day registration of $15 will be held 7-8:30 a.m. at Saucony’s Factory Outlet Store. Preregistration of $10 is accepted until Saturday. Those seeking more information may call Jeremy Durost at 942-7644. Read More
LEWISTON – Former Bates College lacrosse player B.J. Majeski has been signed by the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse. Majeski, an All-NESCAC defenseman for the Bobcats, is the only player on the team from a NESCAC school. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
The Maine Icebreakers basketball team captured a state AAU title for ages 11-under (fifth grade) last weekend in Portland and is now trying to raise funds to compete in the national tourney on July 22-28 in Lexington, Ky. In the state tourney, the Icebreakers won… Read More
University of Maine baseball players Matt McGraw and Brian Hackett have been named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District first team. Both will be placed on the ballot for Academic All-America consideration. McGraw, a second team Academic All-American last season, is a senior business… Read More
Former NHL player and UMaine star Eric Weinrich has been named the spokesman of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, the organization announced Thursday. Weinrich will appear in BCM’s new “Share the Road” radio and TV spots. He will also participate in BCM-sponsored events such as… Read More
The return last Saturday of the Orrington 10-kilometer road race was a successful one, with 89 runners finishing the flat, fast 6.2-mile jaunt through the small village. One runner who is having success on roads all over Maine this spring is the 10K female division… Read More
It wasn’t the type of season Husson College baseball coach John Winkin envisioned. The Eagles finished a disappointing 15-21 and lost to rival Saint Joseph’s College of Standish in the North Atlantic Conference tournament championship game. However, Husson loses only three players and has a… Read More
It has been nearly two weeks since the state sponsored its annual Youth Turkey Day and plenty of youngsters undoubtedly added another page to their mental outdoor scrapbooks with successful hunts. This morning, let’s meet three of them. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More