Cobras get new home in Buckfield

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BUCKFIELD — This Saturday, the Notre Dame Cobras, a semi-pro football team, will arrive to play their first game at their new home field behind the town office.

Representatives from the Cobras attended the selectboard meeting on July 17 to request the board's permission to adopt Buckfield as their home field and the board granted their request, at least partially.

The Cobras are part of the semi-pro New England Football League (NEFL).

The board held off granting the Cobras long-term use of the field, at least until they understand the full details of the team's insurance policy.

Selectmen Rodeny Allen and Martha Catevenis stated they wanted to make sure the team would be covered in case of a catastrophe.

Moreover, neither felt comfortable making a snap decision – the Cobras have two home games to play between now and the selectmen's next meeting and they need a field. 

Catevenis suggested a compromise – Town Manager Dana Lee would draw up an agreement so the team could use the field for two games while the board reviewed its insurance.

The Cobras have been part of NEFL since 2000 –  it plays four other New England teams in their division.

At the meeting, Cobras' head coach Jeremiah Rohner explained that the team had played at a field at Brothers of Christianity Church in Alfred, until two years ago, when the church decided to use the field differently.

Since then, it has been hosting games in Waterboro, but Rohner explained the field is not regulation size and the league has been pressing them to find a venue –  and Buckfield could fit the bill.

Rohner told the board the weekend games are well-attended –  sometimes up to 500 people come –  and that a crowd could mean a lot to the town, according to Lee.

"I see this as a way not only to offer this group a field, but also to bring in a lot of people into our stores here in Buckfield," Lee told the board.

Patrick Smith, the organizer for the town's own Buckfield Buccaneers team that usually uses the field, supports bringing the Cobras on board, Lee told the board.

Rohner explained to the board that the team had its own volunteer parking attendants and security. He said no one gets paid –  the team is a non-profit that survives on fund raising and sponsors.

The Cobras usually charge a $5 fee –  less for children, seniors and veterans –  but this money could be donated to the Buccaneers or the town recreation committee or both –  the team would not keep it.

Rohner told the board the Cobras were committed to community involvement and would be happy to participate in town events such as the upcoming Labor Day festivities.

Reception to the idea at the meeting was positive – Chairman Robin Buswell described it as a "win-win-win-win" situation.

Despite her slight concern that game-day parking might become an issue, Town Clerk Cindy Dunn voiced her opinion of the town's attitude to the sport.

"We're all football people here in Buckfield," she told the team.

The Cobras will play its first home game against the Gardner Saber Cats from Gardner MA on Saturday, July 28 at 4 p.m.