Sports in brief . . .

UMPI to offer free  basketball clinics
The University of Maine at Presque Isle Athletic Department is offering free basketball clinics to all middle school-age students.
Michael Carlos, coach of the UMPI men’s basketball team, and Rich Ward, a former basketball coach and current athletic director at the university, will lead the sessions to improve skills, develop players’ abilities and introduce advanced drills to both boys and girls.
    The dates of the clinics are Monday, July 2 and Monday, July 9 for the girls and Thursday, July 5 and Thursday, July 12 for the boys. The clinics will begin at 3 p.m. and are held at Wieden Gymnasium, on the UMPI campus.
For more information, call 768-9477.
Youth biathlon program
What makes a cross country skier or winter biathlete? Students entering grades 8 and 9 are invited to find out by joining Maine Winter Sports coaches and athletes for training, skills, games and lessons at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle.         Practices will be held Thursday mornings from 8-10 a.m. beginning June 28. The center is located on the Fort Fairfield Road.
The program will introduce students to the sports of cross-country skiing and biathlon on summer terrain. Skills practice includes balance, coordination, strength and flexibility. Games and lessons will utilize the skills learned. Students will also gain insight from visiting Maine Winter Sports Center junior and elite athletes.
Eighth- and ninth-graders are encouraged to attend one or two practices a week to get a feel for what an outdoor lifestyle geared towards competitive skiing is like. Motivated students will be encouraged to increase participation to prepare for high school racing with commitment and discipline.
For more information, contact coach Will Sweetser at will@mainewsc.org or call the Maine Winter Sports Center office at 492-1444.
Charity Challenge winners announced
The annual Charity Challenge Golf Tournament, to benefit Aroostook County Special Olympics, was another huge success. Rain showers ended early both days and there was strong participation for all four nine-hole tournaments, which took place Saturday at Long Lake Country Club and Sunday at Limestone Country Club.
The team of Paul Brideau, Fran Thibeault, Ed Sanborn and Conrad Cyr shot a five-under-par 30 to take the gross division Saturday morning, with the Madawaska foursome of Ann Ouellett, Bev Madore, Jackie Violette and Pierrette Peterson winning net honors.
In the afternoon tourney, the team of Roy Michaud, Tony Theriault, Jim Violette and Mark Violette, all of Fort Kent, won on the gross side with a six-under-par 29. The team of David Daigle, Gary Gagnon, Cliff Gagnon and Keith Clark took the net title.
On Sunday, the team of Chris Richards, Tim Richards, Dennis Richards and Peter Weatherhead won a chip-off over the team of Brad Boyles, Brent Boyles, Mike Eaton and Josh Bell to grab top honors for gross. Both teams were five-under-par on the morning. The Limestone foursome of Josh Stackhouse, Tom Albert, Matt Beaulieu and Mike Verdicci won the net division.
The afternoon tourney saw Ron Gartley, Peter Coffin, Chris Coffin and Ron McAtee win by scoring a five-under-par 31 gross. The team of Jon Gulliver, John St. Thomas, Craig Phair, Conrad Legasse and Rene Cloukey were the net champs.
Whittier, Park cited for accomplishments
Local track and field athletes were recently recognized after the 2007 PVC Class A and B All-Conference Outdoor Track Teams for the boys and girls were officially released.
Making the cut for the girls second team was Katrina Whittier of Presque Isle in the 300 meter hurdles.
Recognized on the boys second team was Corey Park of Presque Isle for the 800 meter run.
Annual VB-to-Caribou bike race slated for July 8
The 22nd annual County Cycle Classic bike race will be held Sunday, July 8.
Registration takes place beginning at 8 a.m. at Gateway Elementary School in Van Buren, with the race getting under way at 9 a.m. The race ends 22 miles later across from Cary Medical Center in Caribou.
The pre-registration fee is $10 for individuals and $22 for a family of three members. Race-day registration is $12 per person or $27 for a family of three. There is a $5 per person fee for each additional family member.
The racing categories for both males and females are touring, racing and all-terrain. Awards will be presented to the first male and first female to finish, as well as to the first and second-place finishers in each age group.
For more information, contact the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department at 493-4224.
IFW to hold hearing on grouse season
The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will hold a public hearing tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Presque Isle Fish and Game Club, located on the Parsons Road, concerning a petition to shorten the ruffed grouse season.
Currently, the grouse season opens on Oct. 1 and ends on Dec. 31. The petition seeks to end the season Nov. 30.
In addition to the public hearing, there is an open public comment period that ends July 30. Those wishing to comment on the proposal should do so by mailing their comments to Andrea L. Erskine, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 41 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333 or e-mailing andrea.erskine@maine.gov.
OAPI adds another camp
The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Outdoor Adventure Program International is adding another week of Summer Adventure Camp in July. According to Steve Marcelynas, UMPI manager of recreational activities, the 8-10 year-old camp filled up, so he decided to add another program for children ages 9-12 on July 16-20.
The camp will have slots available for 10 children and the cost is $125 per child.  During the week participants will learn rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, basic map and compass skills, water safety, Leave No Trace Principles and trip leading skills. The $125 per child fee for the camp includes lunches and a T-shirt.
For more information and registration forms, go to www.umpi.maine.edu/oapi or  call Steve Marcelynas at 768-9584. Forms and information are also available at Gentile Hall.