Some day I hope a HS administrator will get up in front of their school board and tell them the impact athletics coaches have on the students and school culture EVERY DAY. COACHES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
To all the football coaches out there, especially high school guys- Thanks for all you give back to the game and the kids you coach. You make a huge impact every day on so many you just don't know
Due to family considerations I am no longer coaching at Portland HS. I will now be part of Darren Hartley's staff at Lewiston. I have come full circle. Started as head coach at Lewiston in 1983, spent 23 years at Bates, now back at LHS.
Truly excited and grateful to be back
I think HS coaches have forgotten what it's like to be a kid in the summer. They schedule stuff 5 or 6 days a week. If a kid is a multiple sport athlete it's impossible to balance and still have fun
Can we all send thoughts and prayers to Lee Goldberg during his fight with prostate cancer. I have never met a better sports reporter but even a better guy. Did so much to help publicize ALL sports. Thanks my friend for all you have done and will do in the future YOU GOT THIS
Every time I officiate a unified hoop game at some point tears come to my eyes. Thankful for 2 healthy kids. I had my hand up to stop the clock for subs and one of the players walked by and high fived me.
Pending school committee approval, I will be an assistant football coach this fall at Portland HS. Back to my roots and having a blast. Looking forward to seeing so many good friends throughout the season
Want to thank all current and former Bobcats for making my experience at Bates College so amazing. So many great memories. Time to move on Still plenty left in the tank Been a hell of a ride
Proud of AD Jason Fuller. He was out yesterday and spoke will ALL teams. Explained exactly what was going on. Spoke directly to the football team. Answered questions. That's why he is so highly regarded state wide. Class act. AA's, Principals, Supers around the state take note
The Wesleyan transfer WR at UNH is a total DUDE. Don't tell me there are not some GREAT players in the NESCAC. Sounds like some of the other NESCAC transfers are doing a great job as well. BTW he is a total class act
Celebrating 67 great years today. Plenty left in the tank. Take care of all those you love. It goes by fast. Thanks to all who have made this ride the best ever. A few more turns in the road left
Officiated my first unified hoop game yesterday. These are truly my favorite assignments. Watching these kids try so hard, not afraid to fail. show amazing sportsmanship. The smiles and excitement when they make a basket- wow.
Settled in Maine as HFC at Lewiston HS, then to Bates College, and then moved to Portland.
The journey has come full circle- I will be joining Coach Versey's staff at Lewiston. Thanks to Coach V and Jason Fuller for the opportunity
Congrats to a great young man. even better person. Kid from Lewiston, Maine is an NCAA national champ. You just gotta believe. Strong message to every Maine athlete
MPA, DHHS, State of Maine- Yellow should not mean red for athletics. Kids are still in school, they are attending PE classes following guidelines. How can having 10-12 kids in the gym be any different. Trust coaches and AA's. They are safer in our schools than anywhere else.
People complain that their rights are being taken away by requiring a mask- Ask yourself this- when was the last time you could smoke in a public building, go without shoes or shirt into a store. Won't even mention seat belts. Key number 125,000 have died since March ENOUGH SAID
Tomorrow starts year
#46
coaching the greatest game ever created. Been quite a ride and hopefully far from over. Thanks to all I have met along the way. I learned something from all of you. Excited to get on the field and work with a great bunch of kids Let's Go
Really happy to hear so many skill players foregoing 7v7 as an alternative because they don;t want to be without their linemen. True teammates never leave anyone behind. You guys truly "Get It"
Brian Curit is a total class act. Great perspective and outstanding man. He made our game a little better.Treated all with respect. He will be missed on the sidelines.. I know Coach Landry is looking down with a big smile. Thanks for all you have done
Senior football players- enjoy your season season. Squeeze everything you can out of it, you only get one. Remember, senior leadership determines a team's success. All eyes are on you
Overwhelmed by the number of people that have reached out and checked in. Means so much to have guys from many years ago thinking about you and all in Lewiston. Loads of positive vibes for all in L/A. We will be there for each other
Every time I officiate a Unified Basketball game there is a moment that brings a tear to my eye. Kids, coaches, fans all there for all the right reasons.
Attention senior football players- I am in the process or organizing a combine/prospect day. I am securing a date/location later today. Hoping to get all college programs at this event. Be patient Moe info to come in the next couple of days.
Parents or fans if you think that you can do a better job of coaching, have the courage to put a whistle around your neck and step up to the plate Be thankful that you have coaches who give so much of their time and energy to your kids
HS Coaches need to be more conscious of the stress they put on 3 sport athletes. Understand that kids are being pulled in many different directions. Let kids be kids . Have fun in the summer
Maine CDC, etc.. look at the data all over the nation, especially states like Maine. Look for reasons why fall sports should go rather than why they should not. Sport going all over our great country and no connection to any outbreaks
Trust AA's, Coaches, Kids We can do this
Thanks to Travis Lee. Dave Eid and Mike Hoffer for all you do for HS athletics. We have been blessed over the years with sports reporters who really care. Remembering Bruce Glazier and Frank Fixaris. Lee Goldberg, Mike Lowe Thanks to all you do
After being thrown under the bus, the MPA should allow HS athletics in all counties. Leave the final decision up to individual districts. School is the safest place for kids.
In about 48n hours, year number 45 coaching this great game will begin. So fired up to get started.. So many great memories, so many great people I have met on the journey. The kids I have coached and the guys I have worked with- Thanks. Been a heck of a ride- more left to do
Jason Fuller deserves a huge thank you from everyone associated with LHS athletics. From managing construction of the new facility, scheduling games and practices WOW Best AA in the state bar none
Please keep Coach Tom Dexter in your thoughts today. Coach had a cardio episode yesterday and is currently in the hospital in stable condition. Never have known anyone with more enthusiasm for life and our game than Dex. Positive energy for you my friend You got this
Maine Coaches, time to step up. Regardless of the outcome this week our kids need us, now more than ever. Control what we can control and make this fall a positive experience. Lots at stake = Let's make it happen
Please keep Coach Cos in your thoughts and prayers today. Currently in the hospital after and emergency incident on Friday. This man has done so much for so many. After tough game to learn about this puts so much in perspective. Love you my man
If this old ball coach can kill a 5 am workout, you young kids can get off your butts and find a way to make yourself better. Turn 66 very soon and still trying to get better. The train don't stop either get on board or get left behind
Monday I begin my 43rd year coaching the greatest game ever invented. Been a great ride and still have plenty left in the tank. Thanks to all former players and coaches. I hope you got from me as much as I have received from all of you
The passing of Coach Doucette reminds me how precious life is. Tomorrow is promised to no one. Live for today, in the moment. Make today your best day ever. . How hard is it to smile and treat all people with respect. You never know when you will an impact on someone's life.
High School Athletes - for every hour you spend training/playing- Put in and equal amount of time into your school work- Good grades opens more doors than your 40 time or how much you bench press
I implore the MPA and superintendents all over the state- Find a way for coaches to interact with their kids this fall. Trust us to do it safely. We have a huge impact on so many young lives. It's hard to teach what we do in the classroom
35 years ago I had the opportunity to coach of kids in a state championship game. I have the same opportunity on Saturday- to coach a great bunch of kids in a state game. Gonna be a great day.
Ryan Weston former Bangor Ram and Bates Bobcat is now the TE's Coach at Grambling U. So proud of this guy. Another Maine kid with a dream and made it happen. GATA
The Biddeford athletic lost an icon yesterday. Don Wilson was the ultimate Tiger. Total class act and a true role model for all AA's across the state. Proud to call him a friend.
RIP my friend You Left Biddeford HS a lot better than when you arrived
Meaning no disrespect- Monday 100 people allowed inside, soon bars open, 50 in a gym exercising but HS sports in York and Oxford county a no go. Your telling me 100 people in a restaurant is safe than playing sports- don't get it
Football in Maine is special. 4 combine locations, over 50 volunteer coaches, facilities donated, cash/equipment donations. Well over 100 athletes took advantage of this opportunity. Their donations help Shrine Hospitals
Total WIN-Win
Coaches, as we get closer to starting on Monday, please follow the guidelines to the letter. The fall sports season hinges on your efforts. Whether you agree or disagree with these guidelines adhere to them. WE are all in this together.
Keep all safe
College Coaches - 2 former Lewiston Blue Devils are now starting for 2 of the top programs in Florida. We have kids all over our state that can PLAY. Honestly tired of hearing excuses why not to recruit Maine kids. Give them a chance - you will never regret it
Mike Haley was an icon. Maine HS football lost a great one. I lost a great friend. He devoted his life to making a great game even greater. Thanks Coach for all you did. You will never be forgetten
Many schools, community programs have gone on all summer with no issues. School based programs in particular have followed CDC guidelines Let kids play
I have listened to parents/fans for over 50 years. Allow coaches to coach and officials officiate. 99% don't really know the rules and how they are applied. Just enjoy your kids and just support them and their teammates
Play multiple sports. Don't feed into the BS that you have to specialize to earn a scholarship.
#1
focus on school.
#2
if you are a good player college coaches will find you. When I was recruiting a 3 sport athlete checked off an important box
Best of luck to all Maine HS football teams starting preseason tomorrow. Play the game the right way. Remember a lot of guys came before you that made this game what it is- Greatest game ever invented. Respect the Game always
Merry Xmas to all. Let's make 2022 the best year ever.
Be kind, help others, smile and laugh often. Be understanding. Treat all with respect. Bottom line- enjoy every minute of every day. You can only control your effort and your attitude
Really sad to read that Coach Rod Wotton passed away. Truly a Maine HS football legend. He will always be Marshwood football. Had the pleasure to compete against coach RIP my friend you touched many lives and the world is a better place because you were in it
When your coach is talking to you look them in the eye. They are trying to help you get better- no eye rolls, no palms up, no "But Coach". If you have an issue with a coach talk to them directly - like an adult. Don't have your parents do it
Tired of hearing you have to be a young guy to relate to players to recruit
Do you care about them, can you make them better
You do those things with a passion, then age does not
matter
Energy - passion- caring
No age limit
Congratulations to Coach Gabby Price on his selection to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. His record at Bangor HS and starting the program at Husson says a lot, but Gabby the man means much more to me. Class, total respect for all, humble. Well deserved my friend
UMass and football in New England just got better with the return of Coach Brown
His intensity and attention to detail will impact us all
Welcome home Coach
Best of luck to all football teams starting their 2019 season tomorrow. Enjoy the journey. You are all blessed and play the greatest game ever invented. Always treat the GAME with respect
It was great to reconnect with many former players yesterday Means a lot when they walk over and give you a big hug and say "Coach I miss you and thanks for all you did"
That's why we do it . Wins and losses come and go but relationships last forever
Bates honored Coach Vadersea by retiring his number. Awesome honor for an amazing coach, husband, and father
I know you are looking down my friend with a big smile
Happy thanksgiving to All. Special thanks to all my former players and coaching brothers to whom I owe some much. take this with you
Life is never long enough
2 things you have complete control over - your EFFORT and your ATTITUDE. Get your butt outta bed and attack the day. No excuses. Be positive and find a way to get 1% better
Coaches - Let's be there for our kids today no matter the outcome. Support each other. Some sports may play, others may not- no matter support each other don't let other divide us. Make the best of a bad situation. Be role models for our kids
Mark Harriman- best man I have ever met and worked with
Game this ole ball coach a chance to not only coach at the college level, but be a coordinator and eventually a full time guy. Allowed us to coach and be ourselves. Words cannot describe my respect for this man.
Hard to believe it was over 30 years ago I sat down with Shriner Barry Richardson and developed the framework for the Lobster Bowl. Truly exceeded my expectations
When you lose a friend well before their time it puts life in perspective. Live every day like it is your last. Be kind to all. Smile often. Don't take yourself to seriously. Say I love you often Appreciate very minute of every day
Bates College lost an icon. The finest man I have ever know. Look u Head football coach in Websters and right beside it will be a picture of Mark Harriman. Gave this old ball coach a chance to live out a dream
Summer conditioning is 3 weeks in - no issues. Coaches/kids are following guidelines- masks, social distancing. These kids can be role models of this behavior when schools starts- they will have been doing it all summer
Superintendents of school districts that have football, it's time to speak up. A large group of students in your districts are being hurt because state agencies won't go the extra mile to get football ready to go
Great news concerning Coach Dexter. All positive Will be released from hospital on Tuesday. He's one tough SOB. Knowing him he will be back on the sideline next Saturday
It was amazing to see Ron Cote coaching the OOB 7th grade girls. One of the best coaches and person I have had the honor on knowing. Coaching those kids today like he did at Waterhouse Field. Still getting after it
MY heart goes out the the entire Deering HS athletic family. To lose a member of the family is tough. Make sure to look after each other. Get the most out of every day. Cherish every moment Don't be afraid to tell some one you LOVE them
In days days I will be walking out on Fitzy to start year
#45
coaching the greatest game eve invented. I don't think I have ever been so fired up to start. Big year for Maine HS football- let's all work together and make it the best season ever
We have 2 outstanding OL guys speaking at the MFCA Clinic
Steve Ciocci - Bryant U great technician I love his stuff
Bobby Johnson- UNE Hs done a great job developing the OL at UNH
Maine OL guys at all levels will love these guys
Maine Football Coaches - please be sure that the seniors you have that are looking to play at the next level- all is not lost. If I can help you or them in any way reach out. I would be happy to evaluate players and make recommendations to college coaches.
We will be kicking off the MFCA Clinic in 24 hours. Get here early we have some great guys starting us off. Coach Dexter will fire up the group. The Maine Coaching fraternity is like no other. Let's Go
Thanks to Coach Coyne and the Bates football staff for allowing me to attend practice the last 2 days. Great energy- guys flying around. Staff getting after it. Also great to see some of my guys. Good things happening on Central Ave. Great Day to be a Bobcat
Game night. Heading to Waterhouse Field in Biddeford, one the the states best game atmospheres. Brings back lots of great memories. Had some awesome battles there. I know the Major is still looking down over that place with a big smile.
What a great day for football in Maine
Over 200 coaches and 25 presenters made the MFCA clinic a huge success
Maine football at all levels got better yesterday
Special thanks to the Bates College football staff for allowing this old ball coach wander around and get a little better. Good things are happening in Lewiston
Bates Football lost an icon last night. Former coach Web Harrison died last nite of a heart attack. Another way too soon. Just had a good cry, and ashamed to admit it. My friend you will be missed. RIP
Sending my best wishes to the legend Gabby Price who is recovering recent heart surgery. One of the best EVER. Class act and a great man. You got this my friend
Maine athletes- What are you gonna do today? Make excuses because of things you cannot control, or find a way to make yourself better. Control what you can control-EFFORT and ATTITUDE. Get better FIND AWAY
Going to walk onto the field this morning with a special group of young men this morning. I came in with them as freshman and watched them grow. They made a huge difference in Bulldog football. Was quite a ride men- Thanks for all you did
RIP Coach Vandersea. Springfield College is known as the Cradle of Coaches. That all started with Coach. Guys like Steve Spagnuolo, Mark Harriman, Tim Murphy, Chris McKenny, Jack Holick, and many others. His mark on our game will be felt forever
Thanks to all that were part of the MFCA clinic schedule. Special thanks to all who presented. Appreciate all of you. Shout out to Coach Perkins and Coach O'Connell. Your leadership truly made the clinic a huge success
The Coach/Player relationship is a very special one. They get to know their players, better in most instances, than anyone else at school. It's more than sports, it's relationship that helps kids grow. Many kids are missing that right now
Thanks to all players, cheerleaders, and coaches for participating in the Lobster Bowl this week. Great cause. Strong Legs Run so Weak Legs can Walk. This week brings back so many great memories
My dad had a 9th grade education, but he taught me the most important thing - respect everyone. It didn't matter if it was a homeless person or the Governor. That's why at his wake there were hundreds to pay their respect