Krause joins UMPI men as part of Team IMPACT

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The newest signee of the University of Maine at Presque Isle men’s basketball program may not be as tall as most of head coach Jim Casciano’s recruits, but if success is measured by heart and courage, Nick Krause will be a shining example of what a teammate should be.    The 13-year-old from Fort Fairfield joined the UMPI men’s basketball team at a recent ceremony Dec. 10.
“I am excited to welcome Nick Krause as the newest member of basketball program,” said Casciano, “We look forward to Nick making a difference on our team because of his work ethic, perseverance and attitude.”
Krause is part of national service organization, Team IMPACT (Inspire, Motivate, and Play Against Challenges Together) that matches youngsters with debilitating or life-threatening illnesses with college sports teams. He has epilepsy and he has endured the effects of seizures and severe memory loss for the past three years.
As a new member of the UMPI team, Krause will be on hand for practices and the Owl student-athletes will continue to interact with him and his family as the season progresses. He was on hand to cheer his new teammates onto victory at their Dec. 11 game against rival UM-Fort Kent.
Team IMPACT oversees partnerships in 37 states nationwide, with roughly 1,200 children participating. Those numbers are in constant flux, as the program looks to match more children with teams.
Casciano obviously picked a winner when he signed Krause, not only has the team already enjoyed meeting and hanging out with their new teammate and his family, but the Owls are undefeated with Krause on the team.