Black Bear student-athletes who play football, soccer, baseball,
softball or field hockey now have an indoor practice facility
complete with a state-of-the-art artificial surface.
Construction has been completed on an air-supported dome-type
structure, which will also provide a useful venue for various other
University of Maine activities, on the spot formerly occupied by
the university's tennis courts. Larry Mahaney, the Maine graduate
for whom the Black Bears' baseball facility is named, is providing
the approximately $1 million required to construct the dome.
Mahaney joined University of Maine President Robert Kennedy and
Interim Athletic Director Blake James, along with other university
officials, for a ceremonial groundbreaking on Wednesday September
14 at the construction site.
"Larry's generosity is overwhelming, and this gift is
much-appreciated," Kennedy says. "The University of Maine is
fortunate to have friends like Larry, who demonstrate their loyalty
and support in such meaningful ways. We have student-athletes,
coaches and administrators who are marvelous people and this
project will help provide the missing link in facilites that they
need to compete. It will also be a multipurpose facility that can
be used by all the community in addition to athletics. This is a
very exciting project for the University of Maine."
The structure will be 200' x 200', and will stand 55 feet high
at the center. It will be usable year-round, in all weather
conditions.
"We have spent the last five years trying to get this project
done, and persistance has been key," said Mahaney. "I have a
passion for the University of Maine and there are a lot of people
to thank for their work. Scott Atherley was the contact for the
athletic department; Claude Junkins was an invaluable resource from
the University; Janet Waldren and Anita Wihry from the University;
Jim Parker from CES; John Huard, who helped out with the field
surface; and President Kennedy, who was ready to see this project
happen. Also, I would like to thank my son, Kevin, who donated the
$1 million on my behalf for this project."
"This facility will have a tremendous impact on our program,"
James says. "To have a state-of -the-art indoor practice facility
will benefit many of our teams and help ensure the future success
of Black Bear athletics. We express our gratitude to Larry and
Kevin for making this possible."
