Sports in brief . . .

Free admission
    Admission to all state parks and historic sites will be free for Maine residents during the Department of Conservation’s annual Maine Day on Sunday, Aug. 10. To learn more about Maine’s state parks go to www.maine.gov/doc/parks or call 287-3821.
Cross country running clinic at UMPI
    The University of Maine at Presque Isle will hold a cross country running clinic Thursday, Aug. 7 to Saturday, Aug. 9 for runners entering grades six through 12. The clinic will run from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The fee is $15. For more information, contact Chris Smith at 768-9472.
Presque Isle youth hockey
    Presque Isle youth hockey is looking for adults interested in coaching or helping out with its five levels of youth hockey teams. Anyone interested in getting involved, please email aroostookhockey@yahoo.com.
Cross country clinic
    Maine Running Company will be hosting an athlete and coach cross country running clinic on Monday, Aug. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. The clinic will be held at the University of Southern Maine Portland Campus.
    For more information, visit www.mainerunning.com.
Aroostook Football League
    The Aroostook Football League 2008 season is underway with practices being held at Sincock Field in Caribou for the high school players.
    This year marks the opening season of Central Aroostook middle school football. The program begins August 30 at NMCC. Registration of players and volunteers is ongoing at this time.
    For more information about the league, visit www.aroostookfootball.com. The League invites all football fans to cheer on the Central Aroostook teams this fall.
Sports History
    As part of Caribou’s sesquicentennial celebrations in 2009, The Aroostook Republican will run photographs and stories about the history of the city. Any readers with stories, photographs or information in relation to Caribou sports should email republican@nepublish.com with attention sports in the subject line.
MWSC announcements     
    UMPI’S OAPI program is hosting a half-day fun with nature camp from Aug. 11-15. The camp is for youth aged 8 to 12. The fee is $50. For more information, contact Amanda Morin at 768-9401.
    Saturday, Aug. 15 is the Washburn August Festival 5-km race.
    Several group rides will be held weekly by Mojo’s and the Nordic Heritage Center. Helmets are required. Mondays: women’s no drop road ride for all abilities beginning at 5:30 p.m. from Mojo’s. Mondays: moderate to fast-paced mountain bike ride beginning at 6 p.m. at the Nordic Heritage Center. Tuesdays: all abilities no drop mountain bike ride beginning at 6 p.m. at the Nordic Heritage Center. Wednesdays: moderate to fast-paced mountain bike ride beginning at 6 p.m. at the Nordic Heritage Center. Saturdays: all abilities no drop road ride beginning at 8 a.m. from Mojo’s.
    Weekly spinski group rides will be held in Caribou and Presque Isle. Helmets are required. Tuesdays: moderate to fast-paced beginning at 5:30 p.m. from S.W. Collins in Caribou. Thursdays: moderate to fast-paced beginning at 5:30 p.m. from Mojo’s in Presque Isle.
    Aroostook River paddle nights will be held weekly from Washburn to Presque Isle on Wednesday nights at 5:30 p.m. Paddlers will meet at Perception of Aroostook, 9 Caribou Road, Presque Isle for a two to three hour casual paddle. A kayak shuttle is available for $10, and rentals for $30. For more information, contact Leo Freeman at 764-5506.
    Aroostook River paddle nights will be held weekly beginning at the Caribou Dam boat landing on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Fran Cyr at fracyr@hotmail.com.