The state’s high school sports scene, the ups and downs of the University of Maine’s athletic programs, along with mixed martial arts, Husson University’s sports success and auto racing proved popular with BDN Maine readers in 2014.
Here’s a look back at some of the top sports stories for each month of 2014.
JANUARY
The UMaine men’s hockey team lands youngest recruit: 13-year-old from Yarmouth.
UMaine unveils renovated $6 million New Balance Field House to rave reviews.
Class A state high school basketball finals will not be televised by MPBN.
FEBRUARY
F ormer student stops Davis after first round in MMA showdown fight
Two Brewer High School coaches step down from varsity posts
Cole Beal helps No. 16 Jonesport-Beals boys knock off No. 1 Washburn
MARCH
Hampden’s Gilpin perseveres through family tragedy
Former UMaine football player Dom Cusano dies
University of Maine nixes WABI offer to televise Hockey East playoff game Saturday night
APRIL
UMaine fires men’s basketball coach Ted Woodward
Cochrane captures Kenduskeag Race division with daughter 40 years after winning with dad
Baby steps: Washington County runner, 6½ months pregnant, completes Boston Marathon
MAY
NCAA’s only female baseball pitcher overcomes harassment, pursues dream at UMaine-Presque Isle
Bob Walsh, ‘a true winner on and off the court,’ named UMaine men’s basketball head coach
JUNE
Blodgett joins Boston University women’s basketball staff
Deer Isle golfer wins Bunyan tourney in playoff after defending champ leaves course
Hampden basketball star Zach Gilpin to attend Bridgton Academy
JULY
‘This is not an easy decision’: Veteran boys basketball coach leaves Calais post
Former Bangor soccer coach who lost battle with cancer remembered for knowledge, compassion
UMaine hockey winger Henke leaves team after one season
AUGUST
Maine Basketball Hall of Fame rescinds induction of former Jonesport-Beals coach
Abuse allegations preceded Ordman Alley’s ouster from Maine sports halls of fame
UMaine hockey player appeals to school president to end ‘overly harsh’ 1½-year suspension
SEPTEMBER
WABI makes offer to DISH to resolve blackout with Sunday Patriots game looming
Bangor woman in upcoming ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ series
OCTOBER
Nine Bangor High School football players disciplined for locker-room incident
Longtime sportscaster Bruce Glasier dies at 69
Youth hockey: Dispelling the myth of the 4 a.m. practice
NOVEMBER
Maine hockey coach Red Gendron ‘livid’ after team’s 4-1 loss to BC
Yarmouth overcomes rough play, beats Ellsworth for Class B boys soccer state crown
‘It’s his time’: Glenburn native shoots for dreams in NASCAR’s homeland
DECEMBER
Former UMaine basketball standout Nate Fox killed in Chicago suburb
Bates College senior finds inspiration, hope through Christmas tragedy
Five-class format for Maine high school basketball gains committee approval
OTHER STORIES
Other top sports stories for BDN readers:
Longtime Bangor High School football coach Gerry Hodge dies of cancer.
The UFC holds its first ever fights night at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.
The Maine Basketball Hall of Fame honors its inaugural class during induction ceremonies in Bangor.
Former UMaine football player Zedric Joseph is charged with murder in Florida after alleged stabbing of former girlfriend, man.
The Husson University football team wins the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference title, earns NCAA playoff home game for first time.
The Maine Principals’ Association Eastern Maine Classes B-C-D basketball tournament is held at the new Cross Insurance Center for the first time.
Karlton Creech named director of athletics at the University of Maine.
Old Town High School wins first boys basketball state championship in 23 years.
Husson University football player Steven Colvin killed in skiing accident at Sugarloaf.
Old Town High School student- athlete excels despite ‘bleak diagnosis’ of autism.