The ice had long since melted for the celebratory champagne/beer/soda that the Portland Sea Dogs hoped to spray in celebration over securing an Eastern League playoff spot. The Sea Dogs’ magic number for their playoff countdown was stuck on 1 all weekend as Mother Nature… Read More
Early this season the Van Buren girls soccer team set a goal of winning 10 games. Now that they have a 6-0 record, the Crusaders have reevaluated things a bit. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
I couldn’t help thinking about Tony Conigliaro and Harry Agganis the other night when news came from Boston that Red Sox DH and star extraordinaire David Ortiz was wearing a heart monitor as doctors tried to get a true handle on his recurring heart rhythm maladies. Read More
One of this job’s many pleasures is getting the chance to catch up with some of the state’s more colorful characters for periodic outdoor updates. Those characters are generally smart, funny folks who love being outdoors … whether they get much opportunity to go outdoors… Read More
As surely as teal take wing at the first hint of frost, duck hunters hereabouts will fire more shotgun shells this fall. The reason being that, come opening day of Maine’s regular waterfowl season, the daily limit on ducks will be six, with no more than four of… Read More
Trappers from across the state will gather in Medway next weekend for the Maine Trappers Association fall rendezvous. The event, hosted by the Katahdin Chapter of the MTA, will run from Friday through Sunday at the East Branch Sno-Rovers clubhouse. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
Yikes! Summer is fast disappearing – gone like yesterday! I just got back from a couple of weeks of vacation. The second one I spent mostly on Warren Island off Islesboro with fantastically clear weather, crisp starry nights that were introduced by fiery sunsets and… Read More
Jim Leyland is the new darling of MLB, as is his team, the Detroit Tigers. They are both good for baseball. Leyland left baseball after managing Pittsburgh, Florida (to a World Series ring), and Colorado. He was burned out. He had young kids at home… Read More
Presque Isle’s Chris Pangburn is no stranger to Interstate 95. He can probably navigate it in his sleep. 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
This is the fun time of year. Every high school football team in the state is unbeaten – although yes, everyone’s still winless, too. But that’s what makes it fun, because even the most underdog of underdogs has a chance for a quick start, and… Read More
WINTERPORT – Winterport Dragway will host a Salute to America Day on Sunday, Sept. 3. Admission is free for all military, law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medial technicians in recognition of their service to their country and community. Admission for racers and spectators is $12… Read More
The leaves haven’t even begun to show a tinge of color yet, but fall officially arrives tonight in the form of high school football and area radio stations are ready for kickoff. Foxcroft Academy, Dexter, Mount Desert Island, and Stearns of Millinocket are getting extra… Read More
Former University of Maine men’s hockey player Mike McHugh and former men’s basketball star Jeff Cross highlight a list of six inductees into the university’s Sports Hall of Fame. Other inductees are Charlie Broomhall, Archer Grover, Sara Jewett, and Jack Small. They will be inducted… Read More
A crowd gathered around the pickup truck at the Old Town Trading Post on Wednesday as proprietor Dave Hanson hoisted a bear with his winch and weighed the bruin. Then, with the weighing done, it was time for photos … and the happy hunter hopped… Read More
ASHLAND – Crystal Cook started the soccer season wearing uniform No. 11 for the Ashland girls soccer season. Two games ago she switched numbers. The change has been more than routine. It’s provided both Cook and the Hornets with a big emotional spark. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Summer is coming to an end, unofficially at least, on Monday, and for local runners that can only mean one thing: The annual Bangor Labor Day Road Race five-miler is just around the corner. The 44th annual edition of the Bangor running tradition will take… Read More
It’s that time of year again: soccer season. Thousands of youngsters will be trying to find the back of the net in all different age groups encompassing all different levels. That also means the call for coaches has gone out for the local youth teams,… Read More
When a well-known golf club member dies, the people who remember him fondly – family and friends – sometimes decide to do something to honor his or her memory. It might be a memorial golf tournament or a tee plaque honoring the person. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
One of the state’s bigger high school cross country races already has been held, and the season hasn’t even started yet. That’s because it wasn’t a meet with direct state championship ramifications. It was an exercise in measuring preseason conditioning, and a bonding activity for… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine’s Black Bear Club fan bus for the Maine-Boston College football game on Sept. 30 now includes a pair of Red Sox tickets for Sept. 29 as the Sox play the Baltimore Orioles. The package includes transportation to the hotel… Read More
While a few professional baseball players with Maine ties are starting to entertain thoughts about being promoted to the big leagues as a September call-up when major league clubs can expand their rosters, Simon Williams is just hoping to get another chance in affiliated ball. Read More
Two years ago, as Labor Day weekend approached, you would have been well aware of one piece of outdoor trivia: Bear season was upon us. Back then, several months of contentious debate had raged on, and as hunters headed into the woods, many half-expected to… Read More
Some of my basketball coaching colleagues may smile at the notion, but like most public school educators, I’ve coached a few fall sports through the years. With the start of official high school fall sports activities, I thought today might be as good as a… Read More
Better than the pros I had the great pleasure of watching the championship game of the Senior League World Series at Mansfield Stadium (what a treasure that is for Bangor) and also seeing some of the Little League World Series on television. Of course, I… Read More
Whenever you hear the words, “It’s time to move on,” coming from the mouth of an athlete (and a lot of others for that matter), beware. Those are the words now most popular with those who have used steroids, those called to testify about use… Read More
The Penobscot River above the Eddington boat ramp flowed low and slow on Thursday, and few boats or anglers were visible during a brief evening bass-fishing trip. A lone fisherman cast lures from shore, and a friend and his future son-in-law tried their hand with… Read More
If Maine’s harness racing industry is indeed on a major rebound due to the significant infusion of cash from Bangor’s Hollywood Slots casino operation, further evidence of that should come from an upcoming annual horse auction. The Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association/Pine Tree Sales… Read More
Hanging high over the mantle of my large rock fireplace, in a spot for all to admire, is an original painting by Tom Hennessey. Tom composed this breathtaking piece of sporting art at my request a number of years ago, just after we had spent a week at… Read More
Women interested in honing their outdoor skills or learning more about outdoor activities are invited to attend a Women’s Outdoor Adventure Weekend at the Greenland Point Center in Princeton from Sept. 8-10. The program will give women the chance to canoe and kayak on Long… Read More
The mist rose off the river, skeins of it moved by aberrant air currents sliding just above the surface of the water. The early morning sun seemed to make it glow, giving the place an ethereal light. We stood on a high bank of the… Read More
As the Rockland High School football team prepares for its 2006 season opener at Foxcroft Academy next Friday night, it also is breaking in a new defensive coordinator. But Archie Stalcup is no rookie. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
The University of Maine made it official Thursday by announcing that former UMaine hockey player Dan Kerluke will remain with the UMaine hockey team’s staff as a full-time coach. Kerluke was a volunteer assistant with UMaine last year. He and longtime assistant and chief recruiting… Read More
Judging from the ratings numbers, viewers will no longer have to wonder what if New England Sports Network’s original special is never aired again. The groundbreaking initial episode of NESN’s “What If…” special concerning then-Red Sox manager Grady Little’s decision not to relieve Pedro Martinez… Read More
HERMON – The Hermon High School alumni field hockey game is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. at the high school. Admission is free. Former players are encouraged to play. Contact Paul Soucy with any questions at 848-4062. Read More
Not too many years ago, if you mentioned the words “Pickerel Pond,” in certain company, you were likely to get quite an earful. Pickerel Pond – inconveniently located far enough from Old Town to make law enforcement efforts tough – had a reputation as one… Read More
It’s just about that time of year again, when a runner steps outside into the cool August mornings for his or her workout and thinks just one thing: “This is cross country weather.” Not only is the hot Maine summer finally starting to cool off… Read More
The University of Maine field hockey team was picked to finish second in the America East Preseason Poll, which was released Wednesday. “We are flattered to be chosen second in the conference,” Black Bears interim head coach Andrea Thebarge said in a press release. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
For the second straight year, the 102-team field picked for the made-for-TV BracketBusters men’s basketball tournament event will include two America East teams. For the first time in the event’s five-year history, one of those teams will be the University of Maine. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Look at the most successful high school football teams around, and you’ll find both talent and depth. Stearns High School in Millinocket has a rich football tradition, but a dramatic drop in enrollment in recent years is testing the depth of the Minutemen’s football program. Read More
SUGARLOAF Ross McGee and Toby Spector took a first-round lead in the 2006 MSGA Two-Man Championship at the Sugarloaf Golf Club. McGee and Spector shot a 10-under 62, leading by five shots over perennial champions Scott Dewitt and Keith Patterson. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
Sox send DiNardo to Sea Dogs for rehab BOSTON – The Boston Red Sox sent left-handed pitcher Lenny DiNardo on a rehab assignment with Double-A Portland Tuesday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
All this Little League and Senior League baseball action triggers a lot of memories for this old coach. I wasn’t much of a baseball player, but truth be known, it is the one sport I’ve followed the closest since the late 1950s. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Shelby Pickering, an all-state soccer and basketball star at Lee Academy, is transferring from Division I University of Maine to Division III Husson College in Bangor. Pickering, who will be a sophomore this fall, plans to play soccer and basketball for the Eagles and will… Read More
Five years after breaking into professional baseball as a 21st-round draft pick, Rusty Tucker is trying to complete his long journey back to the point he reached three years ago. He’s also hoping that point won’t be his career zenith. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
When my name magically popped out of the electronic moose-lottery hopper in June, one of my bosses (of which, I find, there are many) quickly itemized the outdoor columns my good fortune would spawn. The hunt itself was an obvious topic. We’d be able to… Read More
Former Bucksport High School shortstop Jill Richards has been awarded a $500 scholarship from the Maine American Softball Association. Richards, a second baseman and shortstop for Merrimack College, was one of four scholarship recipients. Courtney Wallace of Bonny Eagle was also awarded $500, while Jill… Read More
BANGOR – The price to be paid for following sons in their quest to be world champions was, in a word, priceless for the parents of the Pearl City, Hawaii, Senior League baseball team. Each of the past two summers, Pearl City has advanced through… Read More
HERMON – The annual Hermon High alumni soccer games will be held today starting at 6:30 p.m. All former boys and girls alumni soccer players are welcome to participate. The format has the teams alternating 30-minute halves beginning with the girls at 6:30 p.m. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
After three revisions and five months in the making, the Maine State Harness Racing Commission’s rules change to allow Maine-owned or Maine-bred harness races will become official. Monday morning marks the official realization of the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association’s goal to have exclusive races for… Read More
The state has been buzzing for the past several days about the mystery beast that turned up dead down in Turner. Many have accepted the opinion of an expert who said the odd-looking animal could be a feral chow dog which may or may not… Read More
In the wide realm of outdoor activities, each endeavor has certain gear sportsmen just can’t do without. Hunting requires a weapon of some sort, anglers need a rod, canoeists and kayakers need paddles, and every well-equipped camper and hiker needs a tent, sleeping bag and backpack. In the… Read More
Visitors to Maine’s state parks and historic sites can begin purchasing 2007 season passes. Those passes will be honored by the Bureau of Parks & Lands from the date of purchase until Dec. 31, 2007. Season passes are very popular with park visitors. In 2005,… Read More
This summer is drawing to a close. Cars fill the trailhead parking lots from Acadia to Aroostook. It seems that everyone wants to hike the same trails you do, before they go home for the season. There’s still more than a month left until autumnal equinox and the… Read More
In any endeavor a little outside influence provides just the right amount of encouragement and incentive to just get going. When it comes to birdwatching, that incentive for me comes in the form of my two birding friends, Ed Grew and Paul Markson. Many times,… Read More
BANGOR – Here’s a reminder that the starting times for Friday’s two semifinals of the Senior League World Series have been pushed back to later in the day, according to tournament director Mike Brooker. Originally scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the games will… Read More
It was the buzz of Greater Bangor on Thursday – that Big Papi would finally discover Maine. Specifically, rumor had it that David Ortiz would make an appearance at the Senior League World Series being held at Mansfield Stadium. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
Five games in August: There is a book title there somewhere and maybe a division title. THE doubleheader is on today at Fenway with the Yankees. The 5 games to be played this weekend are far more important to the Sox than the Yanks-that’s all… Read More
By no means is a triathlon easy. On Sunday in Orrington and Brewer, over 100 athletes from all over Maine and from seven other states will test their endurance in the first annual Pine Tree Triathlon. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
Even now, nearly eight years after the accident that changed his life forever, Philip Jandreau doesn’t allow himself to play the what-if game. What if I’d done something differently? What if that tree stayed up for a second longer? What if I hadn’t turned my… Read More
For four players on the Regina, Saskatchewan, baseball team representing Canada at this year’s Senior League World Series, Wednesday’s 5-2 victory over Asia Pacific champion Makati City, Philippines, was a welcome relief. Brett Barth, Taylor Cameron Kyle Richardson, and Matt Strueby all were part of… Read More
These are busy times for the area’s high school athletic administrators. Except in Aroostook County, where soccer season already is under way, this marks the first week of practices for fall sports teams, and one of the athletic administrators’ main jobs is to make sure… Read More
UNITY – Unity Raceway has rescheduled its Longest Ramp Jump Contest for Thursday after its regular racing card begins at 7 p.m. George Fernald Jr. of Benton, Mike St. Germain of Auburn, Dustin Hubbard of Unity, and Bob Morey of Lisbon will be competing in… Read More
PORTLAND – The Boston Red Sox returned righthanded pitcher Barry Hertzler to the Portland Sea Dogs from Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday. Lefthanded pitcher Randy Beam was placed on the disabled list. Also, catcher Mike Leonard was returned to Single-A Greenville and catcher Mat Kent was… Read More
As the Greenville girls soccer team opens defense of its Western Maine Class D title today, the man who led the Lakers there has moved on. Three-year coach Dan Menard has resigned due to a professional transfer. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
The University of Maine football team’s quest for an Atlantic 10 championship officially kicked off Monday afternoon as preseason camp opened with a 70-minute practice at Alfond Stadium. “It’s good to get going again,” head coach Jack Cosgrove said in a press release. “It’s great… Read More
I’m not entirely certain when the phenomenon arrived here in Maine, but as memory serves, my first recollection of sidewalk surfing with skateboards in Bangor started about 1965. According to Wikipedia, the skateboarding encyclopedia, the hobby originated during the 1950s as an offshoot of surfing. Read More
BANGOR – The first thing you notice while talking to Bloomfield, N.J., outfielder-pitcher Rich Monroig are his eyes. His dark – well, make that dark-and-orange – eyes that look like something out of a high-end Halloween costume kit. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
Wrong way isn’t right at Speedway 95 I have been a huge race fan of Speedway 95’s Wacky Wednesday and Saturday night races, and also have done some racing there myself in the past. I find the article about Del Merritt and Speedway 95 (BDN,… Read More
SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo. – Adam Craig of Corinth and Bend, Ore., raced to a fifth-place finish Saturday in the National Mountain Biking Series pro men’s cross country final. Craig, 24, finished 5 minutes, 11 seconds behind winner Jeremiah Bishop of Harrisonburg, Va., who competed the… Read More
EXETER, N.H. – Charlotte Firestone of Bangor placed first for Maine and third overall in the intermediate ladies unrestricted free skate Saturday during the New Hampshire Figure Skating Festival, a tri-state competition. More than 70 athletes from Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire competed in the… Read More
BANGOR – For a baseball-crazy 15-year-old visiting relatives in the Bangor area, there probably isn’t a better activity this time of year than the Senior League World Series. Last summer, while visiting his aunt and uncle in Orono, Vincent King did attend many of the… Read More
During the last four summers, Ron Whitcomb has spent many hot days in the parking lot of the Home Depot in Bangor. Inside a converted truck that houses a business called “Freedom Franks,” the University of Maine senior grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, and Italian… Read More
He stands leaning against the railing of the dugout in Cincinnati, his head down and his voice lowered. He is the Kid to baseball fans in this city. He is the name relied on by the team for leadership, big hits, and keeping the attitude loose in the… Read More
August’s hot and muggy dog-day weather causes stream levels to plummet and water temperatures to skyrocket. It’s a trying month for trout fishermen as native brookies school up in deep holes, near spring inlets or ledge seeps, and along bank undercuts, seeking cool water, shade, and relief from… Read More
Wasn’t last weekend a gem? I had the opportunity to spend most of it on the salt water, and I took advantage of it by paddling old familiar waters and exploring some new. Friday evening I visited paddling friend Karen Francoeur in Castine, accompanying her… Read More
SOUTH PORTLAND – Anglers will have a chance to get an up-close look at a shark and compete for cash and prizes first Casco Bay Classic Shark Tournament, which will be held Sept. 8-9 at Spring Point Marina. There will be a 6:30 a.m. shotgun… Read More
Up until last week, my birding friend Paul Markson and I had been feeling very guilty. Fellow bird enthusiast Ed Grew had told us about hearing whippoorwills in Bangor’s Walden Parke Preserve, as well as provided detailed instructions on the best times to hear them. Read More
Those who still think there’s nothing to do around Bangor during the summer really need to get out of the house and leave those “CSI” marathons for cabin fever season. Not counting the ocean, lakes and mountains an hour or so away, there’s plenty to… Read More
A local radio station will auction off everything from a triple-chocolate cake to VIP accommodations for a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, homemade blankets and a replica World Series ring to raise money for cancer research next week. Bangor all-sports station WZON (620 AM)… Read More
AUBURN – Even pro golfers need help, and sometimes it can be a surprise where it comes from. Rich Parker of Lebanon, N.H., is packing more fun into this week’s Charlie’s Maine Open than he otherwise might. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Eric Weinrich was the consummate professional. Quietly efficient. Dependable. Resourceful. Durable. Weinrich typified the stay-at-home defenseman. 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… Read More
Two former Foxcroft Academy standouts will seek to continue their football careers at the NCAA Div. I-AA level. Josh Pelletier, an offensive lineman and inside linebacker from Charleston who graduated from the Dover-Foxcroft school in June, is joining the football program at Liberty University in… Read More
Maine Maritime Academy’s Ritchie Field will have a new look this fall. Sprinturf, a synthetic turf fiber with an all-rubber infill, will replace the 13-year-old knitted nylon artificial surface similar to AstroTurf. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
Have you ever moved? That may seem like a silly question, but my family and I are in the midst of what is, arguably, one of the most stressful events in one’s life: Moving from one house to another. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
While most high school athletes are enjoying their last week of freedom before fall tryouts and practices begin, the athletes up in Aroostook County have been hard at work for about a week. County soccer players, golfers and cross country runners traditionally start their fall… Read More
“Ken Huckaby is a professional catcher,” said Boston manager Terry Francona on Thursday night after Huckaby made his first, and perhaps only appearance of the year from the Sox. “He was tremendous,” added the skipper. Huckaby is also back in the minors. Starter and captain… Read More
Two years ago, the St. John River raged as organizers staged their first Fort Kent International Muskie Derby. Despite the high water and limited preparation time, 87 anglers showed up. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
Magdala Johnson is a volleyball player and high jumper. But it’s basketball she’ll pursue when she gets to the University of Maine in 2007. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
For nearly 10 years now, Stan Bogdan, the mild-mannered octogenarian reel maker whose main lodge and shop are located in Nashua, N.H., has arrived at my house in early July. Accompanying him, to put it politely, are a couple of characters who Stan and I refer to as… Read More
Ducks Unlimited has announced that after a busy fiscal year in 2006, it has surpassed its conservation goals by conserving nearly 170,000 acres. “We’re proud of this accomplishment and we couldn’t have done it without the tremendous dedication and support of the entire DU family,”… Read More
I’m putting in a request early for some normal summer weather for the two weeks after next week. I figure that gives whoever is in charge of these things time enough to get all the lousy humidity, thunderstorms, and heat pushed out to sea and pull in some… Read More
The lot of a runner-up is bittersweet; satisfaction at the obstacles overcome, disappointment at the one last challenge too tough to be met. That was the mind-set of Brewer Falcons as the 2006 state American Legion baseball tournament concluded its five-day stay at Hadlock Field… Read More
CUMBERLAND – Whitney Hand of Bucksport captured her second straight girls title in the Maine Junior Golf Championship at Val Halla Golf Course Thursday. Hand, 17, defeated Katy Heskett of Sebasco in the championship round in match play 4 and 2 after advancing with victories… Read More
The Boston Red Sox made several moves in their minor league system Thursday, promoting Chris Smith to Pawtucket and Iggy Suarez and Andrew Dobies to Portland. Dobies, a lefthanded pitcher and Suarez, an infielder, were both called up to the Sea Dogs from Single-A Wilmington. Read More
For most high school cross country athletes, their summer training program doesn’t start until maybe two or three weeks after the spring track season has concluded. For Casey Quaglia, his summer training started after the state outdoor championships, and led him all the way to… Read More
One by one, the invited guests filed into the new dining and multi-purpose lodge at Camp Roosevelt in Eddington on Wednesday. One by one, their gazes drifted upward, toward the massive trusses and the majestic pine ceiling, 34 feet above the floor at its peak. Read More
HERMON – The Wacky Wednesday auto racing card at Speedway 95 was rained out. Racing has been rescheduled for tonight at 7 p.m. Read More
The Boston Red Sox didn’t make a significant move at the trade deadline. Meanwhile, the Yankees acquired a career .301 hitter in Bobby Abreu; a pitcher in Cory Lidle who won 13 games for the Phillies a year ago and a useful first baseman-outfielder in… Read More
WATERVILLE – The Portland Beverage Sharks, which features several local players, won their second straight Maine Class A/B Coed State Championship in a tournament last weekend. The Sharks beat Waterville-based Northern Signs 9-2 in the championship game and went 6-1 overall in the tournament. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
WINTERPORT – Winterport Dragway will hold its second annual Nostalgia Drag Race and Nostalgia Day this weekend. The Nostalgia Drag Race will take place on Saturday. Street legal cars from 1963 or older will be involved in the race. Just as in the old days… Read More