Sports in brief . . .

    The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Outdoor Adventure Program will sponsor a two-day backpacking and camping trip to Gulf Hagas, which is known as the Grand Canyon of Maine. Gulf Hagas features precipitous cliffs, waterfalls and interesting rock formations which make it one of the most outstanding natural features along the Appalachian Trail.
    The group will depart Oct. 23. No experience is required, but the deadline to register is Oct. 20. For more information, contact Kim McCrea at 768-9401.

    Megan Ireland was honored at the Presque Isle Varsity Club and Big Cheese Pizza athlete of the week.
    Ireland scored all four goals in her team’s 4-1 win over Bucksport. She receives a one-item large pizza, courtesy of Big Cheese Pizza in Presque Isle.

    The Dutch Soccer Academy’s indoor soccer season began this week, and times have changed for the Monday sessions at Northern Maine Community College.
    Grades K and 1 will meet from 4-5 p.m., grades 2-3 from 5-6 p.m., grades 4-5 from 6-7 p.m. and grades 6-8 from 7-8 p.m. It’s not too late to register for the current trimester. For more information, call 492-1147 or visit www.dutchsocceracademy.com.

    The University of Maine at Presque Isle basketball teams will open their season with the annual Midnight Madness celebration at Wieden Gymnaisum tonight at 10 p.m.
    The event includes a faculty/staff vs. student basketball game, a performance by the UMPI dance team, three-point shooting and skills contests and appearances by Justin the Juggler and the UMPI Owl mascot.
    Doors open at 9:30 p.m.

    The public is invited to to hear certified sports psychologist Darrell Burnett speak on “Parenting the Good Sport” Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Presque Isle Middle School.

    The Maine Recreation and Park Association is offering a Turf Maintenance Workshop for athletic directors, park directors and others who maintain turf areas Friday from 9-11:30 a.m. at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
    University of New Hampshire Sports Turf Manager Lance Tibbetts, a resident of Casco, will lead the  turf management training entitled “Challenges Managing Sports Turf Areas.”  
    The session will run from 9-11:30 a.m. on and the registration fee is $35, which includes lunch.
    To register log on to www.merpa.org or contact Dean Gendreau at 728-3604.