PRESQUE ISLE, MAINE –
The University of Maine at Presque Isle Athletics Department is pleased to announce that its department is officially complete as they introduce the newest member of the coaching staff, Head Men's and Women's Track & Field Coach, Ben Power.
Power was born in London, England, but grew up in the Northeastern United States. He graduated high school at Central Bucks East High School in Doylestown, Pennsylvania in 2019. There, he was a standout track athlete, lettering three times and competing in relay and javelin events.
Post high school graduation, Power took his sport to the collegiate level. After attending a couple universities, he transferred to Dickinson College where he found his home. Dickinson is a member of the Centennial Conference, and Power placed near the top of the conference in a plethora of events in 2021 and 2023, that included a 6th place javelin finish and 7th place finishes in both heptathlon and decathlon.
Finding an identity as a multi-event athlete, Power finished out his eligibility in graduate school at Delaware Valley University in his hometown of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Power set a school record in the heptathlon there, at the 2024 Middle Atlantic Conference Indoor Track & Field Championship. Power certainly ended his collegiate career on a high note.
Outside of collegiate athletics, Power competed as an amateur in what is called Gibraltar Athletics. Power has competed under their association since 2021 and has earned nine national records that includes a wide variety of track & field events, including heptathlon and decathlon but also shot put, pole vault, high jump and several more.
Given his wide array of accomplishments as an athlete throughout his sport, Power sought a way to stay involved once he used up his eligibility. This past academic year, Power was hired as a throws, jumps, and multis coach at Lander University, a NCAA Division II school located in Greenwood, South Carolina. This past year, his event groups combined for 25 school records and included three all-conference athletes as well as a women's shot put champion for the 2025 Peach Belt Conference Outdoor championships.
After one incredible season as an assistant coach at a DII, Power was ready for the next step, and that's where he found UMPI. "When we began the search for our next head track & field coach, we were looking for someone who not only had the technical expertise to develop athletes across all event groups, but also a coach with the passion and energy to help build our program," said Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation Dan Kane. "From the moment we connected with Benjamin, it was clear he checked every box. His experience as a multi-event athlete and a successful coach, combined with his drive to provide a great NCAA Division III experience for our student-athletes, makes him an outstanding addition to our department."
As for Ben himself, he is more than thrilled for the opportunity to be a head coach at the college level and to take UMPI to new heights. "I want to thank Athletic Director Dan Kane and the rest of the hiring committee for choosing me to lead this program. I believe that UMPI is positioned to be one of the strongest track & field teams in Maine, and I look forward to working with Coach (Raymond) Putnam and the rest of the UMPI staff towards achieving that goal. I'm excited for the future here in Presque Isle, and I can't wait to get started! Go Owls!" Power said.
In addition to coaching Men's and Women's Track and Field, Power will also serve as the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) Advisor as well as the Assistant Men's and Women's Cross Country coach. Power officially began his duties on August 11, and will be on campus shortly before the fall semester begins.
