Courtesy of Maine Athletics
ORONO- The Black Bears opened training camp on Tuesday with renewed optimism and higher expectations. After going 6-6 last season, Maine Football is ready to take the next step and contend for a CAA title.
Head coach Jordan Stevens shared his perspective on the program’s progress and its drive to step up as a true contender in the conference. Reflecting on the foundation built within the athletic department and university, Stevens emphasized the backing the team has received:
“We’re fortunate to be here at the University of Maine with great alignment and leadership from our athletic director Jude Killy and our President Joan Ferrini-Mundy… the investment that we see continues to elevate our program.”
Addressing the resilience demonstrated by his squad and the lessons carried over from past performances, Stevens pointed to the team’s ability to stay locked in through adversity:
“We didn’t start the way we wanted, but it’s not about how you start it’s how you finish. I thought our guys stayed together and continued to stay focused on what we could control and we were able to have a good run there.”
He went on to elaborate on how the offseason emphasis on execution and mental endurance has prepared the Black Bears for the grind of a CAA title chase:
“We didn’t finish the way we wanted to, but I feel like we addressed a lot of those areas of finishing, having the competitive stamina throughout the entire season. That’s something we focused a lot on as a team and been able to address. That level of growth and maturity from our football team I’ve seen this offseason. Really excited about getting started this season.”
Looking ahead to an immediate test early in the schedule, Stevens highlighted the mindset and physical preparation required to tackle a demanding road slate:
“I certainly believe our players have an improved maturity towards our training, our lifting, our practicing. That will suit us and put us in a better position to start the season if you were to compare it from a year ago. I think the challenge for us is always embracing the start of our seasons. Four of our first five games are on the road, two are FBS teams. That’s a challenge we’re really excited about and we’re excited about taking that head on.”
Stevens and his staff have done a good job of restocking the roster. Now it is up him and his staff to get the most out of the talent and contend for what appears to be a wide open conference.