What’s new for the U. Maine Black Bears?
The Black Bears haven’t been hibernating this summer. Instead, there have been officer changes, new appointments, and special awards galore. First, Kelsey Wilson, women’s soccer midfielder, has been named captain of the 2010 team. She was a starter for all of the Bears’ games last seasons, scoring three goals and four assists. Off the field, Wilson made the America East Honor Roll for the past three years. The new season starts on the 18th with an exhibition match against Burlington.Meanwhile, assistant swim coach Brad Smith is staying right where he is after serving as interim assistant coach under Susan Lizotte last season. The Bears’ swim team broke several records at the America East Championships last seasonhere’s hoping Smith can keep up his past success. Smith himself was a star swimmer at Vermont up through 2007. Since then he’s also worked at the YMCA, U. Vermont, and the Burlington Country Club.The swim team also made news when sophomore Brian Landry graduated from the U.S. Army‘s scuba school on July 1. As an ROTC cadet, Landry got the opportunity to attend the school, which caters to special ops forces as well as underwater disposal units. Landry was also a winner during the school season, raking in a 100 Breast victory against Boston U. in 1:01.31 as well as being a part of the 400 Free Relay.Finally, the women’s basketball team welcomed junior college guard Sheay Longstaff from Coffeyville Community College. Over her last season, Longstaff pulled in 71 3-pointers, and Bears head coach Cindy Blodgett is hoping that she’s got a lot more still left in here. Other additions this season include freshmen Jaymie Druding, Alison Nalivaika, and Ashleigh Roberts. Keep an eye on these ladies as they get ready to start off an exciting new season.