Jared Turcotte’s best summer ever
Last season, University of Maine running back Jared Turcotte was forced to stay on the sidelines thanks to a couple of abdominal surgeries, recovery for which took longer than anyone could expect. Before that, though, Turcotte was the one to watch as he led the team to the NCAA playoffs in 2008. It was the first time the team reached the playoffs in six seasons. This next season could be even better, though, thanks to two reasons: first, Turcotte is returning to football, and second, he’s getting marriedand he’s going to be a father.Turcotte and fianc Allysha Jones were married Saturday, July 17, and their daughter is expected September 19. Turcotte hopes that’ll be a big day for two reasonsit could be the day after Maine beats Syracuse at the Carrier Dome.Turcotte was raised by his mother Nadine with his two brothers in Lewiston, Maine, but got a father figure from his cousins’ dad. In addition to training over the summer, Turcotte’s been working a 25 to 30 hour job and reading books on fatherhood so he’ll be prepared when these next few months fly by. He is already looking forward to fatherhood based on fond memories of taking care of a friend’s baby when he was younger.It’ll be a tough act to balance married life and college football, but Turcotte and his coach both think he’s ready. The real test, of course, will be on the field, and University of Maine fans will have to wait to see how that plays out. Can Turcotte come through again and bring his team to the playoffs, or will those sleepless nights of child-raising at home be an insurmountable obstacle? One thing’s for sure, and that’s that Turcotte will give it his all when the season starts next month.