By Liam Nee
Homecoming Weekend at the University of Maine generally brings along reminiscing talks between reunited alums, absolute mayhem for parking on campus and several plays of Rudy Vallee’s ‘Maine Stein Song’ — no matter the setting.
But, perhaps the most prevalent feeling common for all parties involved is a sense of pride. And undoubtedly, there’s nothing that brings out this pride more than athletic events.
In preparation for UMaine’s four games being played this past weekend — women’s ice hockey’s hosting of Quinnipiac University at 7 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday, football’s hosting of William & Mary College at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and men’s ice hockey’s hosting of Bentley University at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday — Campus Activities and Student Engagement put together a pep rally and bonfire in the Satellite Parking Lot in between Alfond Stadium and the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity house.
The pep rally and bonfire featured the complete Black Bear Marching Band, the UMaine Cheerleading team and speeches from football head coach Jack Cosgrove and men’s ice hockey’s first-year head coach Red Gendron.
About 60 to 70 students were in attendance, not including the athletic-association groups and teams that were there. CASE provide free nachos, popcorn, stuffed black bears, pens and other refreshments for attendees.
Brian Woodbury, a fourth-year psychology, sociology and legal studies student, says the spirit at UMaine is great, for the most part.
“Support is there, especially at bigger sporting events that attract large crowds,” Woodbury says. “With UMaine athletics’ current success rate, it’s not surprising to see an increase excitement … it even looks as if we’re attracting more non-student fans too from around the community.”
Woodbury, a member of UMaine’s indoor and outdoor track and field teams, says the extensive collection of Maine fans in attendance, from all different backgrounds, has led to a dynamic perspective for the event itself.
“I like the fact that student-athletes, university officials and the school’s biggest sports fan students are able to get together, in one spot, supporting one an other, for one common cause … we’re here to support each other and get fired up.”
Woodbury’s teammate, Travis Hutchins — also a fourth-year student — says “the atmosphere is pretty good here.”
“The best part about being a student-athlete is being able experience the act of cheering on other sports while also benefitting from motivation to excel in your own sport too,” Hutchins said. “So, it’s the best of both worlds.”
Michael Tudor, a second-year engineering student who’s one of 11 trumpet players in the Black Bear Marching Band, says the attitude of the event is just what the teams need.
“This is a great opportunity for spirit building,” Tudor said. “Especially for UMaine in preparation for the Homecoming games.”
This is Tudor’s first year with the Black Bear Marching Band, and he’s glad he made the decision to join.
“It’s an interesting experience,” Tudor says. “[During] freshman year, I didn’t take part in the band, but I decided to pick up my trumpet late in the year and I joined a bunch of great people this fall.”
During his speech, “Coach Cos” thanked everyone for coming and gave special shout outs. The first was to the Black Bear Marching Band.
“We really, really look forward to the Stein Song at the end of the game,” Cosgrove said. “That’s been great the past few home games.”
Cosgrove also thanked the cheerleading team and men’s ice hockey team, who showed up to stand behind Coach Gendron during his speech.
The football team was unable to attend because of an already scheduled meeting in Little Hall to go over last second assignments before Saturday’s game.
Cosgrove ended his speech by reminding the fans that attendance in the student section is crucial.
“Something that really excites our players is seeing all the students across the field in the student section,” Cosgrove said. “We know you guys give [opposing teams] a hard time, cause that happens to us when we go on the road. So, please, plan on doing that tomorrow. Give them a hard time.”
Coach Gendron echoed Cosgrove’s comments, thanking the band, dance team and cheerleaders while also telling fans to “jampack [Alfond Stadium] tomorrow to support coach [Gosgrove] and his players.”
“I’ve had the good fortune to watch them play, and they’re exciting,” Gendron said. “It’s really exciting football.”
Gendron, who coached Maine as an assistant from 1990 to 1993, says his return to Alfond was remarkable.
“My first game back, we played an exhibition game against Dalhousie [University] [on Oct. 6] … I gotta tell yah, it sent chills down my spine when our guys came onto the ice and I followed them over to the bench listening to the Stein Song,” Gendron said.
He hopes to see Alfond Arena packed this season.
“It’s truly one of the great advantages in college hockey,” Gendron said. “When that place is rocking, and you guys are all there, it’s one of the toughest places in college hockey to play … our guys really, really appreciate it.”
As for the somewhat low numbers at the pep rally, Gendron sees improvement down the road.
“I guess this is the first time we’ve attempted to have an event like this,” Gendron said. “I know, that in the future, its going to be a heck of a lot better.”