What Is 1956 Maine Black Bears football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1956 Maine Black Bears football team represented the University of Maine in the 1956 college football season, finishing with a 4–3 overall record under head coach Harold Westerman, who was in his fifth year leading the program.

Key Facts

The 1956 Maine Black Bears football team had a 4–3 overall record.
Head coach Harold Westerman was in his fifth season with the team.
They played their home games at Alumni Field in Orono, Maine.
The team competed in the Yankee Conference, going 2–2 in conference play.
Their best win was a 26–0 shutout over rival New Hampshire.

Overview

The 1956 Maine Black Bears football team represented the University of Maine during the 1956 NCAA College Division football season. Competing as a member of the Yankee Conference, the team was led by head coach Harold Westerman, who had taken over the program in 1952 and was building a consistent presence in regional college football.

Playing their home games at Alumni Field in Orono, the Black Bears finished the season with a 4–3 overall record and a 2–2 mark in conference play. The season included notable victories and tough losses, reflecting a transitional era in Maine football as the program adapted to evolving competition and scheduling demands.

Record: The team finished with a 4–3 overall record, marking modest improvement from previous seasons under Westerman’s leadership.
Head Coach: Harold Westerman was in his fifth year as head coach, having steadily developed the team’s offensive and defensive schemes.
Home Field: All home games were played at Alumni Field, a small on-campus stadium in Orono, Maine, with limited seating capacity.
Conference: The Black Bears competed in the Yankee Conference, finishing 2–2 against conference opponents during the 1956 season.
Key Game: Their most dominant performance was a 26–0 shutout victory over in-state rival New Hampshire on November 10, 1956.

Season Performance

The 1956 season showcased a balanced effort from both the offense and defense, with several games decided by narrow margins. While the team did not qualify for a postseason bowl, their performance reflected growing competitiveness within the regional college football landscape.

September 29: The season opened with a 20–14 win over Colby College, showing early promise under Westerman’s guidance.
October 6: Maine lost 14–7 to Springfield College, highlighting defensive struggles against mobile quarterbacks.
October 13: A 13–6 victory over Connecticut demonstrated improved red-zone efficiency and time-of-possession control.
October 27: The Black Bears fell to Massachusetts 20–7, a setback that impacted their conference standings.
November 3: Maine bounced back with a 19–13 win over American International, showcasing resilience late in the season.
November 17: The season concluded with a 20–19 loss to Vermont, a game decided by a last-minute field goal.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1956 season compared to recent years in terms of win-loss record and conference performance:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Key Result
1954	4–4	2–2	Harold Westerman	Lost to Colby 21–19
1955	3–4–1	2–2–1	Harold Westerman	Tied with New Hampshire 7–7
1956	4–3	2–2	Harold Westerman	Beat UNH 26–0
1957	5–3	3–2	Harold Westerman	Won over AIC 20–14
1958	4–4	3–2	Harold Westerman	Lost to UMass 21–14

The 1956 season served as a bridge between rebuilding years and future improvement. While not a championship contender, the team showed progress in close games and laid the foundation for stronger performances in the late 1950s under Westerman’s continued leadership.

Why It Matters

The 1956 Maine Black Bears season is a snapshot of mid-20th century college football at a smaller state university, reflecting the evolution of athletic programs during a time of growing intercollegiate competition. Though not nationally prominent, the team contributed to the development of Maine’s football identity and regional rivalries.

Program Growth: The 1956 season marked continued development under Harold Westerman, who later became one of Maine’s most successful coaches.
Regional Rivalries: Games against New Hampshire and UMass helped solidify longstanding in-state and conference rivalries.
Player Development: Several players from the 1956 team went on to letter in subsequent seasons, contributing to future success.
Historical Record: The season is preserved in University of Maine archives, offering insight into mid-century collegiate athletics.
Coaching Legacy: Westerman’s tenure, including 1956, laid the groundwork for Maine’s eventual conference titles in the 1960s.
Community Impact: Football games at Alumni Field brought together students, alumni, and Orono residents, strengthening school spirit.

Though overshadowed by later achievements, the 1956 Maine Black Bears represent an important chapter in the university’s athletic history, illustrating perseverance and incremental progress in college football.