What Is 1955 Maine Black Bears football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1955 Maine Black Bears football team represented the University of Maine in the 1955 college football season, finishing with a 4–3 record under head coach Harold Westerman. They competed in the Yankee Conference and went 2–1 in conference play.

Key Facts

The 1955 Maine Black Bears football team had a final record of 4–3 overall
They were 2–1 in the Yankee Conference, placing second in the league
Head coach Harold Westerman was in his third season leading the team
The team played its home games at Alumni Field in Orono, Maine
Maine defeated rivals New Hampshire and Massachusetts in 1955

Overview

The 1955 Maine Black Bears football team represented the University of Maine during the 1955 NCAA college football season. Competing as a member of the Yankee Conference, the team was led by head coach Harold Westerman, who was in his third year at the helm. The Black Bears played their home games at Alumni Field in Orono, a venue that hosted Maine football for decades.

This season marked continued progress under Westerman’s leadership, building on improvements from previous years. Though not a championship-winning campaign, the 1955 season demonstrated competitive balance with a winning record and strong performances against conference rivals. The team's efforts contributed to the growing tradition of intercollegiate football at the University of Maine.

Record: The team finished the season with a 4–3 overall record, including a 2–1 mark in conference play, showing consistent performance.
Head Coach:Harold Westerman led the team in his third season, known for instilling discipline and strategic play during his tenure.
Home Field: All home games were played at Alumni Field in Orono, Maine, a modest but historic venue for the program.
Conference: Competing in the Yankee Conference, the Black Bears finished second after going 2–1 against league opponents.
Key Wins: Victories over New Hampshire and Massachusetts highlighted the season, with both being key conference matchups.

Season Performance and Game Results

The 1955 campaign featured a balanced schedule of in-state rivals and regional opponents, reflecting the typical structure of college football in the Northeast at the time. Each game contributed to the team’s development and conference standing, with wins and losses shaping their final record.

September 24: Maine opened with a victory over Bates College, setting a positive tone for the season with a strong defensive showing.
October 1: The Black Bears defeated Massachusetts (UMass) 19–13, a key win that boosted their conference standings.
October 8: A loss to Springfield College 13–7 marked their first defeat, highlighting challenges against non-conference teams.
October 15: Maine bounced back with a win over Colby College, maintaining momentum with a dominant ground game.
October 22: A decisive 20–0 shutout of New Hampshire was a season highlight, showcasing defensive strength and rivalry dominance.
October 29: The team fell to Connecticut 26–13, a tough non-conference test against a stronger opponent.
November 5: Closed the season with a win over Bowdoin College, finishing on a high note with a 4–3 record.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1955 Maine Black Bears with other Yankee Conference teams based on win-loss records and conference performance:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Final Standing
Maine	4–3	2–1	Harold Westerman	2nd
Connecticut	6–3	3–0	Bob Ingalls	1st
Massachusetts	5–3	2–1	Charles McGeoch	2nd (tie)
New Hampshire	3–4–1	1–2–1	Chief Boston	4th
Springfield	5–2–1	2–1–1	Edward Anderson	2nd (tie)

This table illustrates how Maine’s 2–1 conference record placed them in a three-way tie for second, behind undefeated Connecticut. The tight standings reflect the competitive nature of the Yankee Conference in 1955, where small margins determined rankings.

Why It Matters

The 1955 season is a notable chapter in the history of Maine Black Bears football, reflecting the program’s mid-century development and regional competitiveness. While not a national powerhouse, the team’s performance contributed to the foundation of future success under Westerman’s leadership.

Program Growth: The 1955 season was part of Harold Westerman’s rebuilding effort, which eventually led to conference titles later in the decade.
Historical Record: It remains documented in University of Maine athletics archives as part of the team’s long-standing football tradition.
Rivalry Success: The shutout of New Hampshire reinforced the importance of in-state rivalries in building fan engagement and team identity.
Conference Context: Competing in the Yankee Conference placed Maine among regional peers, shaping scheduling and recruiting strategies.
Player Development: The season provided experience for young athletes, many of whom became key contributors in subsequent seasons.
Legacy: Though overshadowed by later championship teams, the 1955 squad helped maintain continuity and competitiveness in the program.

Overall, the 1955 Maine Black Bears football team exemplifies the steady progression of a mid-major college program striving for excellence within its regional context.