March 25, 2008

ORONO, Maine.-- Several University of Maine varsity sports teams will be taking part in numerous community events in the upcoming weeks, including many aimed towards local youths throughout the area.

On Tuesday, March 25, student-athletes Colleen Kilmurray, Mackenzie Grobmyer, Kash Kiefer, Jerron McMillian, Derek Session, and Kevin Phanor all visited the Dr. Lewis S. Libbey School in Milford. They spoke to 60 fourth and fifth graders about being social without alcohol or drugs, and the negative impacts using alcohol or drugs can have. They emphasized the importance of making good choices, having a positive influence on their peers and setting goals for themselves. After the talk they played football and basketball outside.

On Wednesday, March 26, members of the men's and women's basketball teams as well as women's basketball assistant coach Rita Sullivan will be volunteering with the Special Olympics at the Old Town YMCA from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Men's ice hockey coach Tim Whitehead, football coach Jack Cosgrove, men's basketball coach Ted Woodward, women's assistant basketball coach Kelley Gibson, and players Kaimondre Owes and Jerron McMillian will be going to Asa Adams School on Friday, March 28, to celebrate community reading day. The coaches and players will be there from 9-10:30 a.m., and all will be reading to the students.

Over 20 student-athletes will be volunteering at Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 5, from 6-9 p.m. at the Bangor YMCA. Athletes from the soccer, basketball, football, swimming and hockey teams will be participating.

For more information on Black Bear student-athletes in the community, or to inquire on how Maine Athletics can help in your community, please contact Student-Athlete Student Services Coordinator Brandi Rideout at (207) 581-1828.