Verrier makes it official

ORONO — Now it's official for Oxford Hills High School senior Matt Verrier.

With a signature on a National letter of Intent in hand, University of Maine baseball coach Steve Trimper announced Thursday that Verrier and four other players will join the Black Bears in the fall of 2010.

"We are very excited to have the five individuals join the Black Bears in the fall of 2010," Trimper said in a news release Thursday. "Coach Cole and Coach Izaryk worked extremely hard this summer finding quality ball players to fit UMaine both athletically and in the classroom. As always, we recruit players that will fill holes created by graduation and the professional draft, and all five players will have an immediate impact on our program." 

Joining Verrier are Colin Gay (Franklin, Mass./Franklin HS), Mike Connolly (Bridgewater, Mass./Bridgewater-Raynham), Shaun Coughlin (Branford, Conn./Xavier) and Troy Black (Mississauga, Ontario/Philip Pocock SS).

Verrier is a catcher/infielder who plays at Oxford Hills High School. He is 6-feet, 1-inch tall and weighs 200 pounds.

"We have been watching Matt since his freshman year while playing for Coach (Shane) Slicer at Oxford Hills," Trimper said. "He has impressive offensive skills, and is very versatile in the field. Not only is he a tremendous catcher, but has the ability to play the infield and outfield as well, which makes him very valuable."

"I am very excited about the opportunity of becoming a student-athlete at the University of Maine," Verrier said. "I chose to go to the University of Maine because of its rich baseball tradition, outstanding players from the past and today, and coaches that have the willingness to win. The chance to play in my home state is also very honorable. I cannot wait until I can wear the Maine uniform and compete with my teammates."

The eligibility of all student-athlete is contingent upon admission to the University of Maine and compliance with all NCAA rules, including registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse.