Abby Spector

Abby Spector began one of the greatest “Maine Female Stories” at Waterville Senior High School in the late 1990’s. During her four years at Waterville Senior High School, she was the Maine Principals’ Association’s State Schoolgirl Champion each year, leading her team to a state Maine Principals’ Association in partnership with championship in 1997. While playing in the number one position on the boys’ team at her school, she was selected to Lifetouch School Portraits Recognizes the 2017

the “All-State Boys’ Team” and as “Most Valuable Player for the Boys’ All-State Team” in both 1997 and 1998. It was her performances in high school golf that initiated many of the changes in boys and girls high school golf that are in Maine Principals’ Association place today: Girls Individual Qualifier and Team Golf. From her earlier matches where only a handful of girls’ golfers played, the MPA tournament has over 40 girls Hall of Excellence playing in the individual tournament and many young ladies now playing on school teams. She was the equivalent of Tiger Woods and his impact on the growth of youth interest Inductees in golf to high school golf in Maine. ~ May 25, 2017 ~ After leaving Waterville Senior High School, she was awarded a full golf scholarship to the Universi- ty of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While at UNC she earned team awards as the top freshman in 2000, a sportsmanship award in 2001 and the best overall in 2003. In 2002, she was the Pine Nee- *********************************** dles NCAA Division 1 Intercollegiate Champion. Walt Abbott, Contributor The Maine State Golf Association hosts the Maine Women’s Amateur Golf Championships every summer and Abby has been a seven-time champion! During that run, she was also the 2001 New Duke Albanese, Administrator

England Women’s Amateur Champion. Abby has been inducted into both the Maine Golf Hall of Fame (2007) and the Maine Sports Hall of Fame (2014). The Women’s Maine State Golf Associa- Al Card, Official tion now presents an “Abby Spector Award” annually in recognition of the Maine female golfer who Donald Dow, Administrator best exemplifies the spirit of the game through a unique combination of their ability and sportsman- ship, their perseverance and courage, and their passion for and commitment to promoting the Gerry Durgin, Administrator growth and enjoyment of the game of golf. She was recently presented with the Thomas TK Kimball Award, given to a person who “demonstrates their love of the game and the promotion of the sport Diane Fournier, Coach and its values to junior golfers and others who may benefit from golf’s life lessons.” Abby became a Norm Gagne, Coach Professional Golf Association Member in 2013 and is currently the Director of Instruction at River- side Golf Course in Portland. Maine. Michael Haley, Administrator

The MPA is honored to recognize one of Main Matthew Rossignol, Athlete Abby Spector, Athlete

e’s great female athletes, Ms. Abby Spector. currently resides in e, as well as a concen- e, as ies and English in Houl- se All-American his senior ree-time All-State basketball All-State ree-time hter Parise. Matt was also an hter Parise. sketball career with a total of in school history with 1,297 in school history with 1,297 y political science and play bas- games played, as well holding y for 21 years, and has In 1986, he led the Black Bears high school career, Matthew ac- 106 consecutive starts. He was 106 consecutivea starts. ss B tournament scoring records. ss B tournament scoring records. w was selected to the North Atlan- ing poetry, is an avid and bas-

State of Maine. He State of Maine. ving taught social stud gnol. They are the proud parents of five chil- etball cards. He is extremelyetball proud cards. to be from a degree in political scienc inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of the conference’s All-Academic Team. He led the the conference’s All-Academic Team. g writing. He is a published author, having written the book g writing. Matthew Rossignol is a 1985 graduate of Van Buren District He was a th Secondary School. selection and was named a Conver year. He still holds several Cla he He finished his high school ba UMaine, At 2,257 points, a school record which stood for close to 30 years, Orono. at until it was surpassed by his daug Maine his during player of baseball All-County and player soccer All-State After his years at Van Buren. University the cepted a full scholarship at to stud ketball was a 4-year starter for legendary coach Thomas “Skip” Chapelle, including a streak of two-time captain of the Black Bears, where he finished his ca- reer as the 7th leading scorer points, 4th in assists, most total oostook County, and the Mr. Matthew “Matt” Rossignol. Mr. Madawaska, where he has taught since 1998. Matthew has also Madawaska, where he has taught since 1998. and in three-point shooting twice. ories. He has also coached varsit s, having coached varsity basketball, both girls’ and boys’ for 25 for boys’ and girls’ both basketball, varsity coached s, having During his time at Maine, Matthe Maine, at time his During

Matthew “Matt” Rossignol , published in 1996. He also enjoys writ , published in 1996.

The MPA is honored to recognize one of Maine’s great male athletes, tic Conference All-Rookie Team, as well to graduated He conference in free shooting once, points. 23 game-high a scoring by State Michigan power national of upset 84-81 an to with distinction from the University of Maine with all the school’s 3-point records. tration in history. He has been a public-school teacher for 28 years, ha ton, Van Buren, and currently in in athletic active been extremely years, amassing close to 300 vict

ketball historian and a collector of baseball and bask Van Buren, the St. John Valley, Ar Van Buren with his wife of 28 years, Monique Rossi dren - Dominique, Derrick, Parise, Andre, and Annie Rose. served as a soccer official for 21 years. He was served as a soccer official for 21 years. Fame in 2013 and the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. Matthew has many passions, includin SummerMy Maine

Program 6:00 p.m. Reception 6:45 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m.

Welcome and Meal Closing and Photos

Recognition of Inductees

Administra- Report, a na- in 1960 as an derness adventures in- tic Athletic tic Athletic

alma mater to call on Abbott to serve as at all levels, are a vital part of omics and a master’s degree in that would later go on to star at

assistant football coach. In 1967, assistant football coach. Right Sports Done He graduated from UMaine in

Walt Abbott with full authority and responsibility of the to coaches, athletic directors, and their stu- the National Interscholas National the ool athletics statewide, establishing strong partner- me coaches and athletic directors, but most im- his 50 years at UMaine, has continued to be ac- k, mentoring and rugged wil Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Highest

for the College of Education and Human Develop- gnize Mr. Walt Abbott this evening.

recognized with awards such as the UMaine Alumni Association Association Alumni UMaine the as such awards with recognized ality athletic and recreation programs ewide select panel helped craft the instructor in physical education and in physical education instructor at the age of 30, he became the Black Bears’ head coach, one of the team the and led nation, in the coaches gridiron collegiate youngest through the 1975 season, when he relinquished the post to devote a campus-wideteachingbuilding physicalfitnesstime to and full program. Walter Abbott is a native of Rumford, Maine, where he was an out- an was he where Maine, Rumford, of native a is Abbott Walter standing high school football player the University of Maine, gaining a reputation as strong offensive guard and defensive linebacker. 1958 with a degree in Resource Econ He started his career at Education. His experience, leadership and statewide respect twice – in 1991 and 1994 – prompted UMaine presidents acting athletic director

ball Foundation State of Maine Chapter Contribution to Amateur

It is an honor to be able reco His commitment and service has been He Block M Award, the Maine Association of Health, Fame. of Hall Sports Praise Award, the National Foot Maine of State the and Football Award, the Distinguished Service Award of Fame of Hall Sports Maine tors Association, Outstanding Teaching Award of University the ment, has earned the rank of Associate Professor Emeritus. position. Firm in his belief that qu that belief his in Firm position. the total educational experience, Abbott, throughout tively and passionately involved in improving high sch ships and bringing needed information and training He led the developmentdents. of an online coaching education course of the Maine Center for Sport and Coaching, and as part of a stat tional model for shaping and sustaining the best possible learning environment for interscholastic and Abbott’s teaching, fieldwor youth sports programs. formed and inspired students, many of whom beca portantly leaders. baseball. At terville Senior Senior terville , baseball, and

ball, track, , tions have been recog- ttees. He has served as the ttees. ll coach and later as a teacher a respected educator, first at h football and terscholastic Activities. He was terscholastic Activities. ball, basketball rector at both Wa ine for three years and All Yankee illustrious career spanning over five dec- etic stature earned him tryouts in baseball of football, baseball, soft t Principal/Athletic Director at Dexter Regional athletics and his contribu l at Winslow High School and Leavitt Area High ate committees over the years, including the MPA Achievement” Award. He has served as the Execu- ball Coach of the Year, MPA Larry LaBrie Award,LaBrie Year, MPA Larry the of ball Coach ssociation for 27 years and that group has named the d umpired baseball for 25 years. In the early 1990’s

cognize Mr. Mike Haley this evening.

Michael Haley e Hall of Fame – Contribution to Interscholastic Athletics Award, Central Institute, the Athletic Di Mike Haley has had an had Mike Haley has ades of contributions to Maine In an outstanding high school athlete at So. Paris High School, gradu- ating in 1961. As a high school athlete, he earned 15 varsity letters foot while playing four sports: track. After high school, he moved on to thetrack. University of Maine, Orono where he lettered in bot UMaine he served as the Co-Captain for the football team and received such honors as All-Ma Maine Maritime Academy as a footba Conference for one year. He led theConference team and state for one year. in scoring and His athl yards per carry. Twins,Pirates,Phillies, and with the and in footballwith the Alouettes. After college, he began a career as Basketball, and Outdoor Track Commi Basketball, and Outdoor Track

It is an honor to be able re MPA Ice Hockey Director for the past 24 years as well as assisting the MPA in many other regional regional other MPA in many the as assisting as past 24 years well for the Director Hockey MPA Ice and state events.

and golf at many schools throughout Maine. He served as the Athletic Director and Dean of Admis- of Dean and Director Athletic the as served He Maine. of biology, math, and physical education and a coach throughout schools many at golf and sions and Post Graduates at Maine High School and Lewiston High School, the Assistan High School and later became the Assistant Principa Maine Foot nized by receiving such honors as: National Football Foundation Colleg the Maine Athletic Director’s Association “Special tive Secretary for the Maine Football Coaches’ A “Coach of the Year Award” in his honor. manyMr. Haley has local, served on league, and st Football, Ice Hockey, Executive, School. He officiated basketball for 30 years an he spent five summers working at the Pine Tree Camp for Crippled Children. He has dedicated himself to Maine education and , Edward Little

Maine Presque

pionships and seve state alma mata alma

the hockey program. During the hockey program. College in Lewiston for two ught math, history, and physi- ed baseball and was named to es Degree in Business in e University of rville he was named “Northern dedication and enthusiasm of theenthusiasm of dedication and before moving on to Lewiston High School to minated for the “John Mariucci Award” given ts Hall of Fame” in 2013 and the “Maine Sports nd in the nation for the number of all-time wins parents of three adult children, Leah, Jessa, and Ice Hockey Committee as a liaison for the coach- captured 18 regional cham borough High School to coach hockey, capturing a coached in Lewiston his teams won regional cham-

d coached hockey. Norm spent 18 years at Water- d coached hockey.

cognize Mr. Norm Gagne this evening. Norm Gagne graduated from Edward Little High School in in School High Edward Little from graduated Gagne Norm Auburn in 1963 where he lettered in football, hockey, and He attended Bliss baseball. his Associat years, earning He then went on to th 1971. Isle where he received his B.S. Degree in Educa- at Maine of tion. While at UMPI, he play University at He later received Education the NAIA first team in 1972 and 1973. in Degree Master’s his Orono. Norm began his teaching and coaching career at Gardiner Area High School where he ta started also and education cal Class in B in titles state he won Gardiner in 13 years his In 1986, he moved on to Waterville1981, 1983, and 1985.

ed the head coaching position at his Norm Gagne h who best exemplifies the spirit ildren Hannah, Colby, Liam, and Lily. 1991, 1996, and 2001. While at Wate While 2001. 1996, and 1991,

It is an honor to be able re

championships. High School. In 42 years of coaching, Norm has

In 2004, Norm moved to Gorham High School a year Spor “Lewiston/Auburn the into inducted was Norm Hall of Fame” in 2017. He is currently ranked seco Norm has spent 26 years of service on the MPA’s es. He also served as President of both the Class A and Class B hockey leagues and is currently Pres- ident of the Maine Class A Coaches’ Association. He and his wife Ronda live in Westbrook and are Ross. They also have four grandch coach the During Blue the Devils. three years he In 2008, Norm went to Scar pionships each year. recently accept state title in 2015.He in high school hockey.

Senior High School where he taught science an ville and won state titles in New England Coach of the Year” and in 2004 was no yearly to the secondary school coac former University of Michigan Coach referred to as the “Godfather of USA Hockey.”

has been featured in

districts, and states. well as the Maine Learn- g school districts in strate- schools and commissioner districts, and departments of districts, and departments of implementing healthy youth programs at the middle and issions and was, for six years,

Sports Done Right initiative, which has been one of America’s er of Education for the State Maine. He

s Learning Results, as and students in schools, land, Albanese attended public schools before tic sports programs. Initially funded by the Unit- arborough and Brunswick, respectively, and two t Schools Partnership works to raise educational nology. He is currently Senior Policy Advisor for

ize Mr. Duke Albanese this evening. gic planning; defining and and interscholastic athletic high school levels; and advising on the policy and imple- J. Duke Albanese is an education advisor to schools, state education agencies, and national organizations. His educational career spans 46 years and includes long ten- ures as a superintendent of of education. For the past decade, he has been a sought- after advisor on policy and practice in the following are- as: assisting schools, school education with the design and implementation of aca- demic reforms intended to improve educational oppor- tunities and prepare all students to access and complete a collegiate education; assistin

Sports Done Right

Duke Albanese work, and citizenship in the 21st century. Bowdoin College and completing graduate studies at the Univer- rved on numerous boards and comm blic Safety, and Education.

It is an honor to be able recogn aspirations and achievement by creating equitable, rigorous, and personalized academic programs that prepare all students for college, ing Technology Initiative, the nation’s landmark effort aimed at providing all middle and high school students with laptops and 1:1 access to tech the Great Schools Partnership in Portland, Maine. As a nationally recognized leader in high school redesign and the school change process, the Grea Chair of the Maine Children’s Cabinet, comprised of the commissioners of Health and Human Ser- vices, Labor, Corrections, Pu mentation of 1:1 computing technology for teachers national news media and in numerous professional publications.

helped lead the development and adoption of Maine’ earning his bachelor’s degree from sity of Maine. Albanese has se grandchildren, A.J. and Ava. From 1996–2003, Albanese served as the Commission Albanese is a founding director of the They Maine. of coast the on Originally hailing from East Providence, Rhode Is Brunswick of town college the in reside Nancy, wife, his and Duke have two grown children, Derek and Kelsey, of Sc leading efforts to strengthen youth and interscholas ed States Congress and based at the University of Maine,

inguished Service Award Service inguished eve letters in football and sical education teacher,in- veral major-league teams; veral major-league teams; ll. This was followed by a by followed This was ll. ol, serving at each as head High School, Al lettered in

officer in the U.S. Army, Al d continued for 32 years. As an s beloved wife of 61 years, Irene, AAA pro ball. He officiated 22 teaching career was interrupted only by ifted grandchildren. Tourneys, three Babe Ruth World Series, Chief at the 1987 New England All Star Game at Association and the Dist verend Card) of Cape Elizabeth, and a son Ryan, a

including the Ray Bicknell “Man of the Year” award cognize Mr. Al Card this evening. five athletically-g Al Card, a native of South Paris, has had a distinguished 48 year career in school athletics. During his four years at Paris football, baseball, and basketba post-grad year at Maine Central Institute, where he also lettered in all His four yearsthree sports. at the University of Maine, Orono, saw him achi baseball, where as a catcher, he captained the team to the co-championship of the Yankee Conference. During this time, Al was recruited by se among them the Red Sox, the Yankees, the Pirates, the Braves, the Detroit Tigers, and New York Giants. After a two-year stint as an began a 35-year career as a phy cluding positions at Lawrence High School, Maine Central Institute, and Cony High Scho football coach. His a year at Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he

Al Card the Maine Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.

s, from high school level to tates in Hallowell, having lost hi ball and baseball began in 1960 an ree Northeast Regional

It is an honor to be able re

His officiating career in both basket Al has received multiple honors over the years, thefrom Maine BasketballandCoachesWriters Al remains an avid follower of high school and college sports.

obtained a Master’s degree in Education. umpire, he worked over 2,000 game American Legion Tournaments, th three NAIA District 5 Tourneys, and was Umpire in Fenway Park. from the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association. He is a member of the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame, the MCI Hall of Fame, and Al, now 87, resides at Granite Hill Es in 2014. He has a daughter Linda (soon to be Re neurosurgical P.A., of Woolwich; as well as

As a former colleague r in nordic, alpine, and ski ng frustration and social bar- nationally one of only two fe- her to run the Boston Mara- r his wing, talked her into do- r but continues to serve as the r but continues to serve as the ion in 1974 at Mt. Ararat High Over the years her teams have Diane states that “after 43 + years of

She continues to serve as the meet director a certified track official at the collegiate level, of the school’s original faculty. Along with of the school’s original faculty. In 1984, she was asked to serve as the meet she was asked to serve as In 1984, j.v. basketball, and girls’ track. She would later j.v. basketball, and girls’ track. s also served as a member of the National High mental in the development of the Outdoor Track for running and track to our students, she has the school outdoor track today. er seen and Mt. Ararat and the State of Maine are

cognize Diane Fournier this evening. ing long runs, and convinced Diane Fournier was born and raised in Rumford, Maine where she became an avid skie At the time, she was jumping. ob- to She graduated from Stevens High College, males that ski jumped. Springfield Col- State Wester she attended graduation after and School attend later compete to continued she where Colorado Gunnison, in would lege She skiing. in tain her Master’s Degree, where she met and trained with Nor- male best States United the time that at Gallagher, Mike Mike took her unde dic skier. thon in 1970, when it was still illegal for women to Olympian Joan Benoit-Samuelson was quoted as sayingrun. “Pioneers like Robin Emery and Diane Fournier have helped pave the way in this evolution, working their way into an all-male sport while overcomi riers”.

Diane Fournier ack Championships and a couple of years later became the meet Diane retired as a classroom teache ane began teaching physical educat in cross country and indoor track. indoor track and outdoor track. g with our young people.”

It is an honor to be able re coaching, I find working with athletes and other coaches to be the best part of my day. I’ve met so so met I’ve day. my of part best the be to coaches other and athletes with working find I coaching, many great people through coaching, that it still makes me want to go to “practice” every day”.

After completing her schooling Di School in Topsham, Maine, where she became a part teaching at Mt. Ararat she also coached field hockey, take on coaching responsibilities captured numerous regional and state championships. the USA Olympic She ha Trials and the Paralympics. Wheelchair Division that is a part of Maine high director for the KVAC Outdoor Tr director for the Class A Outdoor Track Championships. Diane has been for both of those championships today. was She instru Committee. Country School Cross stated, “Coach Fournier can transfer her passion ability to motivate as well as any coach I have ev blessed to have her workin In 2014, after 40 years of teaching head coach in cross country, , Fryeburg Acad- d Jennifer, and six

alma mater of their newsletter for many an assistant executive director Directors as well serving that has had a greater impact on y who later went on to an out- he has hosted numerous regional ool’s athletic administrator until been an adjunct professor at the d of Merit in 1999, and in 2010 the than Gerry Durgin. He was a three In 1993, he moved to Gorham daughters Alicia an d coaching career at Telstar High School in At the national level, he received the NI- guished Service Award in 2000, and received a hletic conferences. He currently serves as the the as serves currently He conferences. hletic he has developed a statewide sportsmanship pro- state and national conferences, and developed developed and conferences, national and state Academy Hall of Fame (in their inaugural class), the only person from all of New England to receive as an assistant director from 1997-2005. He was the NIAAA Award of Merit, the nation’s highest honor the NIAAA Third Strategic Plan, and served as the w England Student Leadership Conference, as well

the NIAAA has included being a member of the NI- gnize Mr. Gerry Durgin this evening. arted the MPA Golf Tournament, which provides finan- d in 2012, into the NIAAA Hall of Fame. for 10 years, as well the editor

Gerry Durgin Committee. At the state level, rous honors throughout his storied career. He was chosen as the ar in 1993, received a State Awar emy, where he served as the school’s dean of students, athletic ad- ministrator, teacher, and coach. High School, serving as that sch 2011. In the fall of 2011, he became at the Maine Principals’ Association. has beenThroughout his career, Gerry involved with the MIAAA, It is hard to imagine another person in activities Maine interscholastic -sport athlete at Fryeburg Academ standing career at the University of Maine at Farmington. In 1972, he began his teaching an Bethel, Maine where he would also serve as the school’s athletic ad- ministrator. In 1985, he returned to his football, and basketball. He has rving a four-year term on the Board of reside in Gorham and have two grown

It is an honor to be able reco serving on their board of directors for 15 years and chair of the MIAAA State Conference years. At the national level his involvement with AAA Publications Committee, se the organization’s president in 2007. He chaired chair of the first NIAAA Accreditation and state championships, has presented at many “Citizenship Recognition Programs” in two different at state tournament director in golf, USM and Saint Joseph’s College. While at the MPA, gram for all interscholastic activities and also st cial assistance for those students that attend the Ne five scholarships to Maine high school students. Gerry has been recognized with nume MIAAA Athletic Director of the Ye MIAAA established the Gerry Durgin Leadership Award. AAA State Award of Merit in 1999, the NIAAA Distin NFHS Citation in 2002. In 2010, he received the presented to an athletic administrator, and remains the award. He has been inducted into the Fryeburg the Gorham High School Hall of Fame, an Gerry and his wife, Ellen, grandchildren, Jackson, Joey, Jamie, Elizabeth, Brecken, and Kinsley. fe, Joyce, and they have Joyce, and they fe, field High School in 1960 in field High School High School. In 1978, High School. career at Harmony High basketball, and cross coun- or of the Year”. In 2003, he many years as well as a term or with that association. While etary/Treasurer of the Little Ten Ten Little of the etary/Treasurer Stearns High School. ally in his honor. He is a past Exalter Rulerally in his honor. s entered into the “Maine Sports Legends Hall Don has received a d of Excellence” in 2015. Country, a “Big East Service Award” and cur- ack committees, as well as a liaison to the MPA strumental in the “Big East Conference” and later

etic Administrator of ize Mr. Donald “Don” Dow this evening. Donald “Don” Dow was born in Fort Fairfield in 1942. 1942. in Fort Fairfield in was born Dow “Don” Donald He graduated from Fort Fair School where he taught English and Latin coached Don started his teaching three sports: baseball, girls’

Dow along with seven grandchildren. three children: Stephanie, Donald III, and Damian three children: married for 53 years to his wi and from St. Anselm College in 1964. He has been been has He 1964. in College Anselm St. from and try. In 1967, Don moved to Millinocket starting a cross try. country team at Stearns

Donald Dow was recognized as “Athletic Direct on to serve as an assistant direct ms were instituted at Stearns High School. Eastern Maine had ms were instituted at Stearns High School. ing on their board of directors for ycle Education. He was active with the Maine Interscholastic Ath- Stearns and over the years also taught English, Latin, Civics, Alge- in the Penquis League and was Secr and was League in the Penquis rship Committee for 47 years.

It is an honor to be able recogn president in 1990. He would later go he became the Athletic Director at he bra, Drivers Education, and Motorc letic Administrators Association serv In 1990, he Conference for 23 years. He wa MTCCA Achievementawarded an Award. was of Fame” in 2010 and received the “Marty Ryan Awar “Lifetime Achievement Award” for Track and Cross rently the MIAAA awards two student scholarships annu of Lodge 1521 and a past State President of the Maine Elks Association. He has served as chairman of the local Lodge’s Elks Schola In 2003, Don retired as Assistant Principal/Athl at Stearns, he also served in various capacities with the Maine Principals’ Association. This included working with the gymnastics, indoor, and outdoor tr Committee. Management Interscholastic progra his tutelage many new Under many large schools in his earlier days and he was the Penobscot Valley Conference and the Little Ten Conference. Don became the voice and the gen- tleman that his peers held in high respect—he was the face of Maine Athletic Directors—everyone knew Don Dow and he literally knew everyone. Don served in various capacities