Written with USM Student Intern James Cupps

University of Southern Maine’s Costello Sports Complex was abuzz with an evening of hoops-centered activity as the University of Southern Maine Department of Athletics hosted Gorham Night on January 25. Over 100 girls and boys from the basketball and cheerleading recreation programs participated in the annual event, which celebrates the partnership between the Town of Gorham, Gorham Recreation Department and USM.

“The collaboration between the Town of Gorham and the University of Southern Maine continues to be vital to the success of our program,” said USM Athletic Director Al Bean. “We have numerous agreements, programs and outreach activities that benefit the town, the University and our student-athletes and we are committed to continuing to build and strengthen this relationship.” He continued, “Our student- athletes and staff appreciate the support they receive from the many Gorham residents who regularly attend our athletic contests and look forward to giving back to the town through our many community-based programs.”

Student-athletes participate in the Huskies’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and have engaged in community connection through activities that have included: an annual Halloween party, holiday season caroling and conversation visits to Gorham schools and retirement communities, hosting Gorham resident Special Olympics participants, and sharing their college athletic journeys with Gorham student-athletes. Ben Marshall, Gorham Recreation Department Director of Programs, currently has four USM students working as program supervisors.

A casual reception for university and town officials was held in the Alumni Reception Room, with several officials sharing brief remarks. Among them was University of Maine System Trustee and local business leader, Shawn Moody. Moody commented on the relationship between sports and successful school and business outcomes. “Student-athletes statistically have better GPAs, completion rates, time management and organizational skills.” He added, “They learn to collaborate and work as a team. These are all attributes that employers look for today and gives student-athletes an edge when they are seeking employment.”

On Gorham Night, the third- and fourth-grade Gorham Recreation Department boys and girls basketball players, as well as cheerleaders in third through sixth grade, had the opportunity to exhibit their skills in Hill Gymnasium. The costumed Husky mascot playfully worked the gym, but was unable to match the cheerleaders’ moves. A good crowd, including Plymouth State College (NH) fans were able to enjoy the young cheerleaders throughout the evening.

During halftime of the women’s game, the energy was palpable as approximately 50 girls divided into four teams donning bright tee shirts and played mini-exhibition games, speedily rotating in and out as Gorham Rec. Director Cindy Hazelton directed. Following the women’s game, a Huskies 61-60 nail-biter win, a choral group from the USM School of Music performed.

Sixty to seventy third and fourth grade boys raced up and down the court and in and out of action in the same format as the girls. The night wound down as the young athletes dispersed and the USM men closed out a 63-58 win over Plymouth State.