Staff Writer
Former University of Maine at Presque Isle wrestler and current Owls’ Athletic Hall of Famer James “Chico” Hernandez, has made it into a new textbook on the state of Maine.
The Scholastic publication “Maine,” from the America the Beautiful series on all 50 states by author Ann Heinrichs, features Hernandez, including his photograph, in the biographical dictionary. He is one of 49 Maine figures featured and one of only five athletes appearing on the pages.
The bio notes that the 54-year-old Hernandez “was born in Chicago but graduated from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. While there, he was an outstanding wrestler and went on to serve as the team’s head coach. Once featured on a Wheaties box, Hernandez is now a social worker for the Maine State Prison.”
The other athletes are NASCAR driver Ricky Craven, Olympic runner Joan Benoit-Samuelson and major league baseball players Louis Sockalexis and Carl “Stump” Merrill.
Among the others featured are author Steven King, actors Judd Nelson, Patrick Dempsey, acresses Linda Lavin and Liv Tyler; former president George Bush, former senator Margaret Chase Smith.
“I received a phone call a few weeks ago from Ann Heinrichs, who let me know I was going to be in the book,” Hernandez said. “I went to Borders and purchased a copy and couldn’t believe it when I opened it and saw my picture and biography. To think that this will be seen by students across the nation and in other countries is quite a thrill.
“It’s great to represent Aroostook County and the university in this way.”
Hernandez resides in Washburn with his wife, Becky, and daughters Angie and Brittany.
