GORHAM, Maine  – In recognition of the longstanding partnership between the University of Southern Maine, the Gorham Recreation Department and the Town of Gorham, the University of Southern Maine and the Huskies' Athletic Department is excited to once again host its "Gorham Night" celebration on Wednesday, January 25.  Returning for the first time since January 2020, Gorham Night is one of many events that USM Athletics sponsors to honor the connections between the University of Southern Maine and the Town of Gorham.

The University of Southern Maine Huskies men's and women's basketball teams will be hosting Little East Conference opponent Rhode Island College in a doubleheader (women's game at 5:30 followed by the men's game at 7:45 pm).   During halftime of the women's game the third and fourth grade girls' Gorham Recreation Department's basketball programs will entertain the crowd in a series of scrimmages. The men's game will be preceded with a showcase featuring the third and fourth grade boys' teams in the Gorham Recreation program at approximately 7:10 p.m.

 "The collaboration between the Town of Gorham and the University of Southern Maine continues to be vital to the success of our program," said USM Athletic Director Al Bean.  "We have numerous agreements, programs and outreach activities that benefit the town, the University and our student-athletes; we are committed to continuing to build and strengthen this relationship.  Our student-athletes and staff appreciate the support they receive from the many Gorham residents who regularly attend our athletic contests and look forward to giving back to the town through our many community-based programs."

Southern Maine student-athletes, through their involvement with Huskies' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), annually invite members of the Gorham community to take part in its award-winning Husky Halloween Party. And in recent years, members of the Huskies' women's intercollegiate athletic teams have coordinated and led events aligned with National Girls and Women's in Sports Day, and each spring USM student-athletes visit local elementary schools to discuss their path to collegiate athletics. 

In addition to community outreach, USM Athletics partners with Gorham High School from a facilities usage standpoint with Gorham Rams' teams using the Huskies' indoor track, ice arena, baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse fields for practices and competition.

"Our student-athletes, SAAC, and the athletic department greatly appreciate the support it receives from the local community," noted USM SAAC Advisor and Head Women's Basketball Coach Samantha Allen.  "Along with the outstanding support our Gorham fans show us on the sidelines of all of our games, members of the community and local businesses frequently pitch in to help with many of our student-led initiatives.  These generous donations from our local businesses and our collaboration with the Gorham Recreation Department is vital to our Annual Community Husky Halloween Party."

Admission fees for both the men's & women's basketball games will be waived for the 2023 Town of Gorham Night celebration, and throughout the game fans in the stands will have the opportunity to snag some Husky gear as it is tossed into the crowd by Champ the Husky and others.  Huskies' athletics will also be hosting a free raffle for both the third & fourth grade boys' and girls' basketball teams – one lucky winner from each group will receive an autographed basketball from either Southern Maine's men's or women's basketball team.

A casual reception for University, Gorham and Community leaders will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. during the contests in the Alumni Reception Room that adjoins Hill Gymnasium and USM Ice Arena.  Light refreshments will be made available, and remarks from University of Southern Maine President Jaqueline Edmondson, Director of Athletics Al Bean and Lee Pratt, Chair of the Gorham Town Council will be made during the reception at approximately 7:15 p.m.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

WHAT:	GORHAM NIGHT WITH USM ATHLETICS
WHEN:	Wednesday, January 25
	5:30 p.m. – Women's Basketball vs. Rhode Island College Hill Gymnasium – Costello Sports Complex
	6:00 p.m. – Gorham Recreation 3rd & 4th Grade Girls' Exhibition Hill Gymnasium – Costello Sports Complex
	6:00 p.m. – Reception for University and Town of Gorham officials, business and community leaders Alumni Reception Center – USM Ice Arena
	7:00 p.m. – Remarks from USM President Jackie Edmondson & Lee Pratt, Chair of the Gorham Town Council Alumni Reception Center – USM Ice Arena
	7:10 p.m. – Gorham 3rd & 4th Grade Boys' Exhibition  Hill Gymnasium – Costello Sports Complex
	7:45 p.m. – Men's Basketball vs. Rhode Island College Hill Gymnasium – Costello Sports Complex
WHERE:	University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus
	Costello Sports Complex
	Warren G. Hill Gymnasium | Fifield Court