ORONO — It encompassed 27 practice sessions and 20 days.
Finally, training camp ended Thursday for the University of Maine football team.
Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Black Bears were determined to maintain their intensity right through the final session.
“Twenty-seven practices seems like quite the daunting task when you first start, but it’s definitely a good feeling of accomplishment when you get toward the end and it’s exciting to actually be able to hit another team besides your own,” said junior quarterback Chris Treister of Cape Elizabeth.
Treister admitted there are some minor skirmishes on the field among Black Bear teammates as heat, fatigue and frustration combine to bring out some anger. However, any such moments are quickly forgotten as the players re-focus on the next phase of the season.
“Everyone’s just bursting with excitement for this game against Albany on Sept. 2,” Treister said.
Upperclassmen such as senior linebacker Mark Masterson know the importance of trying to get the most out of each day, every session, during both preseason and the regular season.
“We use the term, ‘focus on the process,’” Masterson said. “So far, I think the team has done a good job of that. We haven’t gotten ahead of ourselves and we need to continue that all season long. We’re still getting better each and every day.”
UMaine head coach Jack Cosgrove admitted the last few days of training camp provides a stark contrast to the start in terms of the players’ energy level.
“At the start of camp they’re fresh, they’re excited, their bodies feel great and their minds are working better,” Cosgrove said. “Near the end of camp, the body and the mind tire and break down, then your discipline level and your ability to focus and bear down at critical times is really challenged.”
From a coach’s perspective, August’s consistently hot, sunny weather was a helpful tool in allowing UMaine players to be physically tested along with the rigors of team workouts.
“We’ve been pushing them and they’ve really responded,” Cosgrove said.
Thursday’s 2½-hour practice in the rain on Morse Field at Alfond Stadium provided a nice change of pace — and a reminder the recent gorgeous weather will soon begin to fade into autumn.
“Anybody who’s been around football up here knows it’s going to be wet, a little cold and you might even have a snowstorm, and the wind’s always going to be here,” Cosgrove said. “It was almost like it was scripted.”
As is the case nationwide, injuries are among the key concerns for Cosgrove and the Black Bears during training camp. UMaine has become increasingly conservative in dealing with player injuries during preseason and would rather have them sit out with a minor injury than keep playing and risk exacerbating the condition.
The Bears have been fortunate this summer to keep most of their players, the veterans in particular, in relatively good health.
“I think we’ve been on top of things pretty well,” Cosgrove said. “We’ve been encouraged by the guys who have been injured and gotten themselves back in the mix in terms of competition.”
He explained virtually all the players on UMaine’s two-deep chart should be ready to go for the Albany kickoff on Sept. 2.
UMPI coach gains national office
Paul Stone, who was recently named the head ski coach at the University of Maine-Presque Isle, added another title to his resume this week. He was elected by NCAA ski coaches to be president of the United States Collegiate Skiing Coaches Association.
“I am humbled to be recognized by my peers in this way,” Stone said. “The USCSCA has an important role to play in the growth of NCAA skiing and I am looking forward to working with the coaches across the country to make that happen.”
The USCSCA is responsible for the professional development of ski coaches in the U.S. and for advocacy on behalf of collegiate skiing within the NCAA. Stone was elected by the head coaches of the 26 NCAA ski programs.
“Within a group of highly motivated, highly competitive people, Paul has gained the respect of his coaching peers for his easy manner and thoughtful leadership style,” said Bud Fisher, head coach of the Williams College Ski Team for 27 years. “I look forward to Paul bringing that leadership to the USCSCA.”
UMaine holding softball tryouts
The UMaine softball team will be holding open tryouts for the 2010-11 squad beginning Sept. 7.
Coach Deb Smith has scheduled a mandatory meeting Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. in the Palmer Lounge at Mahaney Clubhouse for students interested in trying to earn a spot on the squad. The meeting is informational and tryouts are scheduled to begin Sept. 7.
Prospective players must show proof having had a physical exam within the last six months and must submit medical paperwork which is available at http://www.goblackbears.com/information/student_athlete_services/first_time_student_athletee_checklist, and also must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours.
Medical packets, proof of physical and a fall class schedule should be taken to the first meeting.
Those who are not able to attend the meeting should contact Smith at debra.j.smith@umit.maine.edu or Linnea Utecht at linnea.utecht@umit.maine.edu. Utecht also may be reached at 581-4509.