Auburn, ME – From the small town of Rumford, ME to the city of Auburn, Keagan Pitcher had always dreamed of playing college basketball. No matter what though, he wanted to enjoy the college experience as much as he could. Within the last two years, Pitcher has had teammates turn into family and coaches/professors turn into lifelong mentors. "I'm lucky to have an amazing support system and great teammates that have made this process so enjoyable. I know that no matter what these guys have my back and I have theirs," said Pitcher.
When he started here at CM, he wasn't quite sure of what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. What he was sure of was that he wanted the opportunity to play basketball in college and stay close to home which made CM the perfect fit. After losing part of his high school career due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Pitcher was looking for the chance to make up for lost time while completing his associates degree in Sports Management. A sharp-shooter from behind the arc, Pitcher is able to create his own offense and has the ability to shoot from anywhere on the court. He has proved this time and time again, hitting big shots as soon as he enters the game. Earlier this season, the Mustangs were battling in overtime at UMA. Pitcher entered the game with the Mustangs down one and immediately hit a big time three-pointer to put the Mustangs up for good. His season-high so far came against Word of Life when he went for 11 points including 3 three-pointers and collected three rebounds. He speaks of his role as, "Coming into the game to hit shots and play good defense." Pitcher is currently shooting just under 40% from behind the arc and 100% from the free-throw line! Head men's basketball coach, Dave Gonyea, knows that when Keagan is making those shots, that he is doing more than scoring points for the Mustangs. "Keagan is one of those guys that can simply just shoot the ball from wherever on the court. We don't want him to live and die by the 3, but when he is connecting from behind the arc, it opens up lanes for himself and his teammates to get to the rim and creates a little more offense for the team," explained Gonyea. "On the personal side, I understand coaches are not supposed to have favorites; however, this young man has made such an impression on me and the program while he has been here, it will be hard to see him leave and graduate," Gonyea adds.
During his time as a Mustang, his favorite moment has been all of the CM vs. SM sporting events. The rivalry that spans more than just basketball has been a staple on both campuses. Last season, when the CM women's basketball team faced SM in the conference championship game, the entire men's basketball team dressed up in CM gear to cheer them on. That is what makes this campus so unique. No matter what the sporting event, you can find every other athletic team represented in the student section. The teams here support one another wholeheartedly. "It's definitely a great atmosphere when you enter the gym and see as many students and teachers in the stands that you do. I don't think I have experienced this kind of atmosphere anywhere else," added Pitcher. The CM /SM rivalry will continue this semester when the Mustangs host the SeaWolves on Senior Night on February 15th.
Currently the Mustangs are 10-3 and are on top of the Yankee Conference with a record of 6-1. They return to action next Tuesday when they host Paul Smith's College followed by Great Bay CC on Thursday night. Pitcher has been a steady force for the Mustangs through his career and looks to continue that consistency through the next couple of months. With this part of his journey coming to a close after this season, Pitcher will be missed on the basketball court and around campus. Although he can always count on having a home at CM because once a Mustang, always a Mustang!
