June 6, 2008

The mission of the Black Bear Summer Caravan is to thank "Black Bear Nation" from all across the state and region for their tremendous support of Maine Athletics. The Black Bear Caravan is a free event open to all fans, and offers an opportunity for University of Maine supporters to gather and meet the Black Bears in a local setting. Maine fans generously support athletic programs throughout the year with both their donations to the Black Bear Club and their time. The Summer Caravan is designed as an informal way to be a part of the Maine experience and an opportunity to interact with key members of the Black Bear Program.

"We're pleased to have the opportunity during this tour for our staff to have personal contact with our loyal supporters that are with us all season," said Blake James, Director of Athletics. "Our fans support our teams year round, and we are committed to building state-wide support for Maine's Team. We need our supporters to embrace this program and help `paint the state blue'."

"This Caravan is a chance for us to visit with and personally thank those that have been there for many years, as well as the growing numbers of new Maine fans, who are passionate about Black Bear Athletics."

The first stop on the 2008 Summer Caravan will take Black Bear coaches, student-athletes and staff to Portland on Wednesday, July 9th. Head Football coach Jack Cosgrove and Head Baseball coach Steve Trimper will conduct free clinics for youth at Deering High School from 3:00 to 5:00pm. The football clinic will run from 3:00 to 4:00pm, with the baseball clinic taking place immediately after from 4:00-5:00pm. The free clinics are open for everyone entering grades 1 through 8, or ages 5-14. Those wanting to participate in the clinics must pre-register by calling (207) 581-4849 or emailing jeff.wildey@umit.maine.edu.

Among those scheduled to appear at stops along the Summer Caravan are men's hockey coach Tim Whitehead, head football coach Jack Cosgrove, men's basketball coach Ted Woodward, women's basketball coach Cindy Blodgett, baseball coach Steve Trimper, along with Black Bear student-athletes, support staff, and Bananas the Bear, Maine's mascot.

All Summer Caravan stops are free for all fans. Also provided at each location will be a chance for fans to meet the coaches and student-athletes, and get autographs as well as photos taken with Black Bear student-athletes and members of the Black Bear staff.

The 2008 Black Bear Caravan schedule follows:

∑ Wednesday, July 9- Portland Maine, - FREE youth baseball and football clinics at Deering High School in Portland from 3:00-5:00pm. Black Bear coaches and staff will be in attendance at that evening's Portland Sea Dogs game to meet and greet loyal Black Bear supporters.

∑ Saturday, July 19 - Ft. Fairfield, Maine - Potato Blossom Festival. Black Bear coaches and staff will interact with fans at the festival and will also participate in the parade.

∑ Saturday, August 23 (12pm-8pm) - Bangor, Maine - Summer Folk Festival

For more information on the Black Bear Summer Caravan and the three stops on the fourth-annual tour, please call (207) 581-4849 or visit www.GoBlackBears.com.