BRUNSWICK — A lot of excitement surrounding Black Bear football is statewide. You don’t have to look too far to find some former University of Maine graduates cheering on the blue and white.
With their 23-18 victory over Weber State in a Football Championship Subdivision quarterfinal last Friday, the UMaine football team will play for a chance to compete in the national finals when they square off against Eastern Washington University on Saturday at Roos Field in Cheney, Washington, at 2 p.m., televised on ESPN2.
Eastern Washington is ranked second in the nation among FCS schools in total offense and fifth in points per game. The Black Bear defense is seventh in total defense and leads the nation in rushing defense to counter the high-powered Eagles.
Following the unprecedented win in the quarterfinal, some of the area athletic directors and coaches reflected on their time in Orono and some of their memories they have of the football program.
“I attended many games as a child growing up in Dover-Foxcroft and attended most games as an undergrad,” Todd Hanson said. The Brunswick High School boys basketball coach and Brunswick school teacher attended the university from 1986-1990.
Whether it was something to do on a fall afternoon or a group activity, most found reasons to go.
“I went a few times, usually just to have something to do on a Saturday afternoon,” Lisbon baseball coach Randy Ridley said, who also teaches physical education at Philip W. Sugg Middle School.
“I attended all of the football games when I was there and usually went with a bunch of friends,” Greg Nadeau, who coaches track at Brunswick, said. “It was a time when UMaine was cracking down on tailgating and limiting the pre-game festivities.”
Brunswick Athletic Director Jeff Ramich was recruited by coach Ron Rogerson as a preferred walk-on, but once Ramich went out for the team, Rogerson had left and a new coaching staff had come in and the running back concentrated more on school, but still attended “most, if not all of the games.” Ramich does reflect on a memory that has stuck with him years later.
“I remember when Mike Buck came in to relieve Bob Wilder and Bobby never got his starting position back,” Ramich said.
Buck was later drafted by the New Orleans Saints and played four seasons between the Saints and Arizona Cardinals.
Coach Hanson had similar memories of Buck.
“There were so many games during the ‘Mike Buck’ era that stand out. Perhaps the most memorable was the game Mike started in place of incumbent Bob Wilder and threw for over 400 yards,” Hanson said. “You kind of got the feeling you were seeing something special and a new era in Maine football.”
While specific games come to mind to some, others remember players like Buck, Justin Strzelzik, Mike Hough and Mike Flynn, who played center and guard for the Baltimore Ravens for 10 seasons.
Nadeau also recalls taking a couple of classes from UMO Sports Hall of Fame member Walt Abbott. Abbott was a former player, coach, faculty member and interim athletic director.
“He was very informative about the football program, both past and present,” Nadeau said. “Walt is a great guy to talk to about football and anything in life.”
It wasn’t just the players wearing the home uniform that some of these graduates remember, they also have memories of opposing players in the Yankee Conference coming to Alumni Field, later changed to and currently called Morse Field at Harold Alfond Sports Stadium.
“One game I remember was when Dave Meggett of Towson State, more known for playing in the NFL for the New York Giants, came to UMaine and just ran all over the field against Maine,” Ridley remembers. “I believe he had over 200 yards rushing, he was a sight to see.”
“Special ones that stood out were Dave Meggett of Towson and Rich Gannon at Delaware,” Hanson adds.
Last Friday night’s game clashed a bit with local alumni’s schedules, as that was the opening night of the high school winter sports season. With the game airing on ESPN2, most were able to get home and catch the end of the game.
Lisbon High School’s athletic director Eric Hall was able to take in the second half after the boys basketball team hosted Mountain Valley. Hanson, Nadeau and Ramich all made it after Brunswick hosted Morse in boys and girls basketball.
“I made it back for the second half at Frank’s Restaurant and Pub where I watched with my brother Joel and some friends.”
Ridley did not catch Friday’s game, however, he did attend the home playoff game the week before.
“It was a good time and I enjoyed being back at UMaine for a few hours,” Ridley said of the 55-27 win over Jacksonville State. “I will be watching (this week) and hoping they can pull off a big win.”
Ridley won’t be the only one watching the game, as all of the others will have their eyes glued to the television.
“No special plans, hope to catch it from my living room,” added Hanson.
Feelings are mixed on how far the Black Bears will advance, but one thing is for sure, these area educators are proud of their school’s accomplishments.
“It’s nice to see that the coaching staff had them working hard and well prepared for the game,” Hall said. The athletic director was an athlete on the men’s indoor and outdoor track teams and had many teammates that were also members of the football team.
“They are playing really good football right now and I feel they have a great shot to get to the championship game,” Nadeau said. “I also think the winner of this game will have a tough time. I don’t see anyone beating North Dakota State.”
The Bison beat Colgate, 35-0 in the quarterfinals and will play South Dakota State in the other semifinal matchup.
Either way, it’s been a historic run in Black Bear football and in time we will be able to reflect back on this playoff run, whenever it ends, and see how special of a run it was to the UMaine family, both past and present.
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