Coach Trimper's 2006 recruiting class is ranked third in the northeast.

Oct. 11, 2006

ORONO, Maine-- The University of Maine baseball 2006 recruiting class has been ranked the third best in the Northeast by Baseball America. The Black Bears are the top America East team, with just Seton Hall and Villanova being ranked above the Black Bears in the Northeast.

"The coaching staff worked very hard to find the best student-athletes to help continue the winning tradition of Maine baseball," said Maine head coach Steve Trimper. "We feel that UMaine offers one of the best settings both academically and on the baseball field, not only in the Northeast but nationally as well. We have one of the best set-ups with our outdoor and indoor facilities with Mahaney Diamond and the Mahaney Dome, coupled with passionate fanes and alums that care deeply about UMaine baseball. We are proud to add this outstanding recruiting class to a strong returning squad."

A pair of junior college transfer pitchers in Joel Thorney (Stouffville, Ontario) and Brad Hertzler (East Providence, R.I.) and freshman catcher Myckie Lugbauer (Mahopac, N.Y.) are among the 13 newcomers for the Black Bears.

Maine, which has won back-to-back America East Tournament Championships, looks to make their third straight NCAA Regional appearance in 2007. In addition to the newcomers, the Black Bears return 16 letterwinners, including 2006 America East Rookie of the Year and Freshman All-American Kevin McAvoy (Brewer, Maine). The Black Bears also return infield standouts Joel Barrett (Brewer, Maine) and Curt Smith (Willemstad, Curacao). The pitching staff returns Greg Norton (South Portland, Maine) who sat out the 2006 campaign as a medical redshirt and sophomore Mike Powers (Portland, Maine).

-U-M-