PRESQUE ISLE – The University of Maine at Presque Isle announced last month the hiring of Terry Cummings as head coach of the men’s basketball and women’s volleyball programs. In his new role as a full-time employee at UMPI, Cummings will also oversee the new Gentile Hall fitness center where he will work to set up health and wellness programs for the university’s faculty and staff. Cummings will also promote a healthy lifestyle to the surrounding community, and set up fitness programs for Gentile Hall members.
Cummings, who received a bachelor’s degree in recreation and leisure services from UMPI, also had a stellar athletic career. He was an All-NAIA District 5 pick, and scored more than 2,000 career points. The Owls’ Athletic Hall of Fame inductee was also a Bangor Daily News All-Maine, third team choice at Houlton High School in 1987.
“He brings a great background as a collegiate player and possesses coaching experience at the high school level as well,” said UMPI athletic director Bill Casavant. “He’s done very well at both, and he still has name recognition, which is very important.”
Prior to joining UMPI, Cummings has been the athletic director at Greater Houlton Christian Academy since 2003, and coached the Eagle boys’ basketball team from 2002-2008. He did double duty the past two winters, coaching the girls’ varsity basketball team as well. The GHCA girls’ team compiled a 34-7 record under Cummings, reaching the Eastern Maine Class D semifinals in 2007. Cummings was also the Eagles’ volleyball coach the past two seasons.
“I look forward to the challenge of rebuilding these two programs, and helping to bring our UMPI athletic teams back to their former levels of success,” Cummings said. “I’m ready to get going and am very excited for the student-athletes to finally arrive back on campus.”