Here is a link to today's Globe article on Maine, one part I found
interesting was this line.. it really speaks to the success of the Maine
program:

"The Black Bears first made the tournament in 1987 and are in it for the
11th time in 15 years. Only Michigan, Minnesota, and Michigan State have
been in more often in that time frame."

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/082/sports/Wake_up_call_answered_by_Black_
Bears+.shtml