Unity College fall sports teams rise to the top
 
By Tim Collins Downer
Sports Reporter

UNITY (Oct 25): The Unity College men’s soccer team lost 2-0 to New Hampshire Technical Institute in the Yankee Small College Conference championship game Sunday, Oct. 22, in Unity.

But the season will continue for the Rams, as they have accepted a bid to the National USCAA soccer tournament, which will be played in Rochester, Mich., from Wednesday, Nov. 1, through Saturday, Nov. 4.

Along with host Rochester College, Presentation College of South Dakota and the University of Robert Morris Lake County of Illinois, Unity was one of only four teams selected to participate in the tournament.

“That’s a great honor for our team and for Unity College,” said Rams’ coach Gary Zane, who added that the bids were handed out after the regular season ended. The Rams finished the season as the top-ranked team in the YSCAA with a 6-0 record. It was the 14th straight season that Unity College finished with a winning record.

“It was a pleasant surprise. I don’t think anybody predicted we would have the success we did when the regular season started,” said Zane. “It just seemed like whenever we needed goals, we scored. We had good chemistry on the field. We had a good defense that really stepped up, some first year players that stepped up, some good goal scorers and some good midfielders. Maybe the recipe for success was there and we just didn’t realize it.”

The Rams won their YSCAA semifinal game against Vermont Technical Institute, 1-0, on Thursday, Oct. 19, in Unity. Ryan Howes, who along with Matt Belonick and Matt Pickowicz was named to the All-Conference team, scored the only goal that UC would need to help lift the team to a first-round victory.

Zane, who is in his 20th season coaching the men’s soccer squad at Unity, earned his 200th career coaching victory this fall. The milestone came Sept. 18, when his team earned a come-from-behind, 3-2 win over Thomas College of Waterville.

The Unity College men's soccer team after coach Gary Zane's 200th

win on Sept. 18. (Photo by Mark Tardiff)

Zane was typically humble when discussing his 200th career victory. “I think all it means is: I’m getting old,” he said. “I’ve been doing it for a lot of years. I think consistency in coaching is [key]. No matter what level, I try to make the sport fun for the players.”

He said it can be a challenge at times for the players to balance academics and athletics, but he tries to make it as easy as possible on the members of the team. “I keep the sport in proper perspective,” said Zane, whose team has not been issued a red card since 1999. “It’s a game. We don’t overdo it.”

The Rams have a blend of in-state and out-of-state players. Zane had high praise for the lone Waldo County player on the squad, Aaron Cross of Belfast.

“He’s one of our unsung heroes because he’s so unselfish. He’s very steady,” Zane said of Cross. He listed passing, good field vision and unselfish play among the midfielder’s biggest strengths. “He accepts his role and plays it well.”

The men’s soccer team wasn’t the only team at the college to gain recognition for a successful season. Chris Kein was named the YSCC 2006 Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year. Claire Formanski was named to the All-Conference team.

Members of the women’s soccer team at Unity College were also recognized as being among the best in the conference. Christine Blakesley and Sarah Woodman were named to the All-Conference squad.