Dear members of the Orono and Bangor community:
I would like to thank all of you for such a warm welcome this past week. I am back in Raleigh at this moment packing my office and squaring away business here at North Carolina State. While it is difficult to pack up memories, I find myself thinking of Maine. My wife and children talk constantly of the upcoming move. We are very excited and, despite many comments about snow and cold from friends, we are looking forward to the natural beauty and friendly people of Maine.
UMaine women’s basketball and, more generally, girls/women’s basketball have always been important to your community. The past success of the program and the large number of fans who follow the program were big factors for me in making the decision to come. It is my intention to rebuild the program to the prominence it enjoyed in the 1990s and early 2000s. In order to do that, I need your help. We need to pack Alfond arena again! Please consider buying season tickets now. You can do so at www.blackbears.com. If you are interested in taking it a step further, the Friends of Maine Women’s Basketball are accepting new members!
Over the next few weeks, I will be announcing my staff and I know you will extend the same warm welcome. We have camp coming up in a little over a month and I would be thrilled to see many of the area’s players in camp and get a chance to meet parents and grandparents. When we start practices in the fall, our practices will be open to the public and I hope you will attend. In short, this is your university and this is your program. It is my desire that you feel a strong sense of ownership, loyalty and accessibility.
Thank you again for such a positive reception.
Richard Barron
Head women’s basketball coach
University of Maine
Note to readers: The BDN reserves the right to edit submissions for libel, taste, clarity, and to fit available space. Letters should include a signature, full name, address, and daytime phone number. Letters may be mailed to: P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402, or e-mailed: bdnsports@bangordailynews.com