The drive takes about four-and-a-half hours, but the gap between the soccer programs at Richmond High School and the University of Maine at Fort Kent is much more difficult to quantify.

One season and a position change later, Desmond Nutter has become one of the leaders of the Husson University football team’s defense.

High fives from my nieces and nephew. A pat on the back from my dad and shouts of encouragement from my mom. My brother and sister shooting pictures and videos with their cellphones. A thank you from a complete stranger.

The University of Maine at Farmington field hockey team has a strange schedule. In a period of a few weeks, the Beavers have six days off, then back-to-back games, then a stretch of two games in 11 days.