Sports in brief . . .

Wildcat athlete of the week
    The Varsity Club and Big Cheese Pizza are pleased to congratulate Nate Ackerson and Brooke Long-Postell for being selected as athletes of the week for the week of April 6-11.     Ackerson’s work ethic for the varsity baseball team is second to none. He leads by example and is a true team player.
    Long-Postell has been working hard to learn new drills and try different events for the girls track and field team and in the process has become a leader on the team.
Pirate theme party set for UMPI climbing wall
    The Outdoor Adventure Program International (OAPI) of the University of Maine at Presque Isle invites children of all ages to a “Pirates of the Carabiners” fundraising party to be held Friday, April 24 at the climbing wall in Gentile Hall. In keeping with the pirates theme, partiers can enjoy music, snacks, prizes, as well as games and basic rock wall climbing fun, all under the guidance and supervision of OAPI staff.  Activities for pre-K to 8th grade will be held from 4-7 p.m., with activities for high school age and up from 7-0 p.m.
    Pirate-theme costumes are welcomed at all age levels; and those in costume receive a discount at the door.  Cost to attend is $5 per person; $3 each for those in costume.  Proceeds help to support a South American trip planned by the OAPI program for 2010.
    All should wear or bring comfortable clothes and sneakers suitable for climbing.  Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the party. For those who have not previously used the climbing wall, a parental permission form can be found at www.umpi.edu/gentile-hall/rock-wall. For information, contact amanda.morin@umpi.edu or call 768-9401.
Dates set for Tiger  basketball camp
    The dates for this year’s “Tiger” basketball camp have been set for June 22 to June 26 for the boys and June 29 to July 3 for the girls.
    The camp is open to boys and girls presently in grades one through eight.
    The boys and girls camps will be limited to the first 150 applicants and will be held at the Fort Fairfield High School gyms.  The camp will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day, Monday through Friday. The camp will include breakfast and lunch each day with each participant also receiving a “Tiger” basketball camp T-shirt and camp basketball.
    The camp includes the camp instruction, meals, awards, camp T-shirt and a Free Basketball, as well as the ending “Family Barbecue” awards night. Players will be grouped by age and ability into three divisions: High School, College and NBA/WNBA and will have 8 indoor and outdoor courts available to use.
    The High School division will use shorter baskets and smaller balls while the College and NBA /WNBA divisions will use regulation baskets and balls. The camp will provide each player with an opportunity to develop his or her basketball skills through drills, games, films and lectures. Each team will play two games a day with all championship competition to be decided on Friday.
    Awards will be given on Friday afternoon after the “Family Barbecue”, which is free to parents and family of camp participants.
    Registration forms are available online at www.msad20.org as well as at area recreation centers or if you need more information please contact Larry Gardner at 472-3271 or 473-4055.
UMPI lists upcoming OAPI opportunities
    Outdoor Adventure Program International (OAPI) of the University of Maine at Presque is offering several spring recreational outings available to community members. On Sunday, April 26, all are invited to Explore the Caves of Quebec. Non-student cost is $30. Registration deadline is Friday, April 24, with a 50% deposit. On May 1, from 1- 4 p.m., OAPI offers a Kayak Roll Session – an opportunity to learn the basics of kayaking or practice whitewater techniques.
    On Saturday, May 2 (rain date May 3), OAPI heads out for a day of Rock Climbing at Acadia National Park – one of the most famous east coast climbing destinations in the United States. UMPI student cost $30, non-students $40. Registration deadline is May 1 with a 50% deposit. No experience required, instruction and equipment are provided for all activities.  For further information, call 768.9401.
Maine IceBreakers are AAU girls’ basketball champs
    The Maine IceBreakers u13/8th Grade AAU Grade Girls Basketball team won it’s first AAU State Title this weekend. The long road to victory consisted of 3 pool play games on Saturday and 3 single elimination games on Sunday. The IceBreakers won their quarter final game by defeating the Maine Threat with 44-22. They then defeated the Gardiner Tigers in the semi-final game 44-24.
    The final game was a match up against the Maine Wave who has won the tournament the previous two years. It was a close game all the way. The Wave got the lead early on, but the IceBreakers fought back to go into half time with a 16-15 lead.
    The IceBreakers came out in the second half and pulled ahead by as much as 9 points, but the Wave didn’t give up. The lead bounced back and forth from 9 to 2 points several times.  With great free throw shooting and team play, the Maine IceBreakers were able to hold on and win by a score of 51-44 to claim their first State Title.  
    The Maine IceBreakers will spend the next couple of weeks preparing for a Super Regional Tournament in Derry, New Hampshire, then a New England Championship in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The IceBreakers are a collection of players from Hampden, Hermon, Rockland, Old Town and Mt. Desert Island, with Presque Isle resident Meredith Stewart representing Aroostook County.