UMFK’s Ashby honored
University of Maine-Fort Kent Athletic Director Bill Ashby was named the 2013-14 Garth Pleasant Honorary Athletic Director of the Year on Monday at the 2014 USCAA National Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Ashby received the award for his support of the USCAA and efforts to promote USCAA membership growth and national recognition. Ashby also serves as the UMFK men’s soccer coach.
He has contributed as a member of the Coaches Poll Committee and presides over the USCAA’s Soccer Coaches Committee. Ashby’s vision and ideas within the Soccer Coaches Committee help shape the growth of soccer within the association.
Sea Dogs’ Betts promoted
The Boston Red Sox have promoted Portland Sea Dogs second baseman Mookie Betts to Triple-A Pawtucket.
Outfielder Jesus Loya will join the Sea Dogs from Red Sox Extended Spring Training to fill out Portland’s 25-man roster.
Betts leaves the Sea Dogs with the best average in the Eastern League at .355 (76-for-214). He also paced the league in hits (76) and runs scored (56) and is among the top five in stolen bases (second), doubles (second), OBP (second), slugging percentage (fourth), extra-base hits (third), total bases (fourth), and walks (second).
Saban’s new deal approved
University of Alabama trustees voted to make coach Nick Saban’s new contract official on Tuesday.
The deal could be worth more than $55 million for eight years. It includes $6.5 million in base pay, a “talent fee” and a $400,000 completion bonus for each season.
An contract agreement with Saban, 62, was reached nearly seven months ago but finally approved by the Alabama system trustees’ compensation committee. He is the highest-paid coach in college football.
Saban’s previous contract worth worth approximately $5.6 million annually.
Saban has coached the Crimson Tide to three national titles in his seven seasons at the school.”
Trustees also approved a contract for offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin that has a $680,000 salary for the next two years and $714,000 the following year.
Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart received a one-year extension through 2017. His three-year contract, signed in 2013, is for $3.85 million.
Tebow ready if NFL calls
Tim Tebow is gainfully employed by the SEC Network, but broadcasting would not qualify as the former Heisman Trophy winner’s dream job.
That’s why Tebow, a first-round pick of the Denver Broncos who last started regularly in the NFL in 2011, is staying in shape and keeping his phone close by.
“I’m training every day and feel like I’m the best that I’ve ever been,” Tebow told The Tennessean. “I still love it, love playing, talking about it, and I’m just excited about whatever the future holds. Who knows what could happen? But I’m excited about it, though.”
Tebow won the Heisman Trophy at Florida in 2007 and was a first-round pick to Denver in 2010 when New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was head coach of the Broncos.
Zidlicky re-signs with Devils
Veteran defenseman Marek Zidlicky signed a one-year contract on Tuesday to remain with the New Jersey Devils.
The 37-year-old finished last season as one of the Devils’ top scorers with 12 goals and 30 assists in 81 games. He led the team in power play goals with eight, power play points with 18 and penalty minutes with 60.
In 151 games since he joined the Devils after leaving Minnesota in 2012, Zidlicky has 18 goals and 51 assists.
Zidlicky will enter his fourth season with the Devils in 2014-15 and his 11th overall in the NHL. He has 78 goals, 367 points and 604 penalty minutes in 699 career games with the Nashville Predators, Wild and Devils.