On his 75th birthday, Colby Athletics would like to announce Sandy Maisel as its Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) to the NCAA.  According to the NCAA, the FAR Advisory Group advises NCAA Division III governance committees, NCAA staff, and others to "help guide the development of educational models and resources, engagement opportunities, and potential legislation related to Division III.  With Maisel's history of involvement and support for athletics at Colby, there couldn't be a better fit. 

"I've been to more athletic events at Colby than anyone," said Maisel earlier this week.  "Maybe Coach Whitmore... but I think I still have him beat."   Maisel was referring to the legendary men's basketball coach Dick Whitmore who also served as Athletic Director for most of his 40 years on Mayflower Hill.  Now in his 50th year at Colby, nobody else is close.  In reflecting on last winter's thrilling triple-overtime win for Men's Basketball over Bates, Maisel laments that he had to watch that one on the NSNSports live-stream instead of joining the capacity crowd in Wadsworth Gymnasium.  "I missed that one in person, but I was at the 1993 ECAC Championship game (a stretch when Colby won three New England ECAC Championships in four years), and I have the puck from when we broke the 22-game losing streak to Bowdoin in hockey!"

Maisel's 50 years at Colby have been full and accomplished to say the least.  Currently, he is the Goldfarb Family Distinguished Professor of American Government, and was the Director of the Colby in Washington Program from 1987-1995.  He was the founding director of the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement in 2003, the chair of the Athletic Advisory Council (AAC) for 20 years, and has been the Faculty Liaison for the Volleyball and Softball programs on top of his current role as Faculty Liaison for Football. 

When asked if there is a Colby team he has never seen compete, he takes a moment to reflect.  "I learned to ski at the Colby Ski Hill right here in town, but I have never been to an Alpine Skiing competition.  I've also been to many track meets, but none have been indoors."  With the completion of the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center, Colby will be able to host regulation indoor contests, so get ready to check that box.  A little more planning may have to go into helping Maisel see an Alpine race, but head Alpine Ski coach Eric Harlow is on board.  "Colby hosts our races at Sugarloaf and there will even be opportunities to watch us compete at Sunday River.  We'll get him there!" 

Thank you Sandy Maisel for your conitnued support and engagement, welcome aboard as our FAR, and Happy Birthday!