ORONO – Matchups with three NCAA I-AA playoff teams from a year ago, including a home clash with a two-time national champion highlight the University of Maine’s 2003 football schedule.

The Black Bears will be facing powerhouse Montana in their season opener on Saturday, August 30.

The Black Bears are currently in their final week of spring practice, with the annual Black Bear Spring Game scheduled for Saturday, May 10, at 5 p.m. on Morse Field at Alfond Stadium.

Taking place in conjunction with this season’s spring game will be Black Bear Football Youth Day, beginning at noon on Morse Field. Participants will have the opportunity to work on their football skills with Maine players and coaches, and tour the Black Bears locker room and press box.

An autograph session and cookout will also be held, and kids can sign-up to be “Helmet Helpers” during that evening’s game. For more information on Youth Day activities, please contact Shaun Russell, Athletic Marketing Director, at (207) 581-4849.

Fans will also have the opportunity to select seats and purchase 2003 season tickets at the May 10 game. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the Maine Athletic Ticket Office at 581-BEAR, or 1-800-756-TEAM.

For more information about UMaine athletics, check out the offical website at www.GoBlackBears.com.

Critchlow selected to play in NEISL All-Star game

LEWISTON – Bates College senior back Jeff Critchlow has been selected to play in the New England Intercollegiate Soccer League’s Senior All-Star Classic to be played Saturday, May 10, at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.

The Classic matches the best players attending New England schools from NCAA Division I and II against NCAA Division III.

Critchlow, a two-time all-New England Small College Athletic Conference selection and 2002 co-captain, scored two goals and assisted on two more during his four-year career at Bates.

He helped guide the Bobcats to an overall recored of 6-6-2 this past fall.

The all-star game will follow the New England Revolution’s game against the Los Angeles Galaxy, which kicks off at 4 p.m.

Colby’s Ummah, Beal honored by NESCAC

WATERVILLE – Colby’s Karima Ummah of Litchfield was honored as the Female Most Outstanding Performer at the New England Small College Athletic Conference Championships for track and field this year.

Connie Beal (Cumberland, Maine) was also an all-conference selection for the Colby women.

Ummah won the high jump (5-6), long jump (17-8), and triple jump (37-10) while finishing second in the 100 hurdles (15.88) at the NESCAC meet. She had the most individual points of any female at the meet. Ummah followed that up this past weekend by winning the long jump, high jump, and triple jump at the New England Division III Championships.

Beal won the javelin throw (119-5) and placed second in the hammer throw.

after wiining the final match, in #1 singles, at the conference championships a couple of weeks ago.

Ummah, Beal honored by NESCAC

WATERVILLE – Colby’s Karima Ummah (Westbrook/Litchfield, Maine) was honored as the Female Most Outstanding Performer at the New England Small College Athletic Conference Championships for track and field this year.

Connie Beal (Cumberland, Maine) was also an all-conference selection for the Colby women as well.

Ummah won the high jump (5-6), long jump (17-8.25), and triple jump (37-10.5) while finishing second in the 100 hurdles (15.88) at the NESCAC meet. She had the most individual points of any female at the meet. Ummah followed that up this past weekend by winning the long jump, high jump, and triple jump at the New England Division III Championships.

Beal won the javelin throw (119-5) and placed second in the hammer throw.