Football brings community together
Head Football Coach Brian Reynolds is understandably excited.
“The community has really come together to make football viable in Aroostook County,” said Reynolds. “Seven years ago I would never have believed it possible when the Knights began as the forerunner to the new Shire group. The Maliseet Tribe, SAD 29 Superintendent Mike Hammer, Principal Marty Bouchard, the School Board and too many people to mention have been instrumental in making this dream a reality. I know that it has been over 50 years since the folks in Houlton have seen a high school football team compete and now here we are.”
The Maliseet tribe has invested heavily in the youth of the area. Brenda Commander, Maliseet chief said, “It’s the Tribe’s belief that our youth are the keys to success. Investing in healthy, active programs such as the athletic field, offers structured social interactions with disciplines that teach teamwork, healthy habits and physical activity; which was one of the funding requirements of the grant. We intend to continue to make programs such as this a priority for our community.”
Rosa McNally, Tribal grant writer has acknowledged that funds were approved for field lights to be installed in time for the 2014 season. The new field, scoreboard, lights, the Tribe’s in-kind contributions, and generous donation to the high school program exceeds $1 million.
Other unnamed contributors will be constructing a press and announcer’s box, allowing game play-by-play, videoing and potential live Internet streaming by a local media outlet.
In 2012, the Houlton team completed year one of a two-year development requirement of the Maine Principals Association. They managed a commendable 6-1 record against Class C and B programs on the road.
This year sees the Shires traveling once again, but hoping to schedule more home games.
Houlton High School Athletic Director Bruce Nason believes that school budget cuts around the state have curtailed transportation expenses for many schools.
“Some schools have an aversion to traveling 100 extra miles (to play games). Player numbers are down around the state for some reason and many coaches are averse to playing potential replacements during a long season,” he said. “The MPA alignment of teams requires an even number of teams, thus eliminating bye weeks. We hope to be in the varsity status mix next year. I am working very hard with other ADs to lobby our program for the future.”
A high school program is only as strong as its feeder program.
The Houlton Football Association hopes to continue its successes with grade 5-6 and junior high teams. At this time there over 50 kids putting on helmets and pads and learning the game. The grade 5-6 team is coached by former Knight standouts Quinn Harris and Eddie Flint. The junior high team is coached by veteran Bill Alderson and Mark Chapman.
The high school team anticipates an additional 12-15 players through the feeder program while only losing two seniors to graduation.
Houlton Football Association vice president, Dennis Hagan said, “It was an amazing phenomenon to see the support the community has given” leading hopefully to a long tradition of football in Houlton.
Youth pigskin
The 5-6th grade team played the first game at the new Maliseet Sports Complex against Old Town on Sunday. The hometown team was downed 34-0, but put up a valiant effort before a surprisingly large crowd for a youth game on opening day NFL Sunday.
Coaches Eddie Flint and Quinn Harris were proud of the 27-member team and are anxious to share their extensive knowledge of the game. They look forward to the season and anticipate good things for their group.
On Sunday, Sept, 15 the Peewees entertain Lincoln. Kickoff is 2 p.m. The public is welcome.
The junior high team travels to Madawaska on Saturday, Sept. 14 for an 11 a.m. contest. Coaches Alderson and Chapman and team are ready.
