Athletic Hall of Honor Coming to Sanford High School

A graphic of SHS sports throughout the years

Photo: Sanford Athletics

By Sam Bonsey, Sanford Schools Communication Coordinator

Much like a hall of fame, Sanford’s Athletic Hall of Honor this year will induct former high school athletes, coaches, contributors, and teams who made a significant impact during their time. It also plans to reconnect those individuals and families with the Sanford School Department and enhance the current student athlete understanding and pride in the history of SHS athletics.

“I think this is a great opportunity to unite the community and bring people together,” SHS Athletic Director Zach Lemelin said. “This is something that will help people feel more connected to the athletic department and the Sanford community in a really cool and unique way.”

Lemelin started working on the Athletic Hall of Honor last year. He met with SHS Principal Amanda Doyle to get the project off the ground. “Superintendent Matt Nelson had a few thoughts on how to tweak it, and the School Committee was all on board and very receptive, which was great,” Lemelin said.

“Sanford has a rich athletic history,” Nelson said. “This is a great way to honor those individuals, coaches and teams who have contributed to its success over the years.”

The Athletic Hall of Honor will be governed by a selection committee, which includes Lemelin, four SHS alumni, one current coach, a faculty member, and four community members. Athletes can nominate themselves.

Individuals must have graduated from SHS at least five years ago to be eligible. They must also have demonstrated superior performance in at least one varsity sport.

Coaches, administrators and volunteers will be considered for induction as well. A coach must have served as a varsity high school coach in Sanford and currently be retired. Teams who have won a state or regional championship or achieved in other ways under uncommon adversity will be considered for induction. For the first five years, up to six athletes and special contributors will be honored.

“I’m so pleased by the efforts put forth by the Hall of Honor Committee,” Doyle said. “For so many SHS athletes, the experiences on our fields and in our gymnasiums represent the best days of our lives. Recognition of student athletes and their supporters past, present and future is an enduring way to keep folks connected and engaged in our community.”

The application deadline is March 1. Then the selection committee will meet in April and May to decide who will be inducted. The induction ceremony will likely take place in November, around Thanksgiving, according to Lemelin. “Ultimately, at the end of the day, we want to recognize as many well-deserving coaches, student athletes, and special contributors as we can,” he said.