Nine Inducted to SHS Athletic Hall of Honor

The first inductees into the Sanford Athletic Hall of Honor. L-R: Paul Belanger, Michael Caramihalis, Kevin Bougie, Jennifer Roberts Zarkoskie, Tony Matoin, Roland Cote, Nicholas Scaccia

Credit: Zach Lemelin

By: Kendra Williams

Sanford High School Athletics officially launched its Hall of Honor on November 30 with a ceremony at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, inducting its inaugural class of honorees. Established in 2023, the Hall of Honor Committee selected nine individuals who have exemplified outstanding athletic performance and character both during their time at Sanford High School and beyond.

According to Athletic Director Zach Lemelin, “The Sanford Athletics Department is proud of the history and success of Sanford High School and is excited to recognize the coaches, athletes, and contributors who have helped create lasting memories in this tradition-filled community.”

Presenters, selected by each recipient, shared stories about the honorees’ achievements. In their acceptance remarks, the recipients shared many of their own stories as well as expressing gratitude to their coaches and families.

Inductee Roland Cote expressed his gratitude and community pride in his acceptance remarks. “I am so happy – I can almost not even explain it – to be a Sanford/Springvale resident,” said Cote. “It’s a tremendous town and I want to thank you from my heart for giving us the tremendous support.”

The nine inductees include:

Paul Belanger, class of 1977, was an outstanding three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. He continued his athletic achievements at Colby College and has received multiple statewide honors. He was inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.

Kevin Bougie, class of 2000, also excelled in football, basketball and baseball while at SHS. He continued on to Bowdoin College where he played baseball and football. He has received many honors for his athleticism and leadership both in high school and college.

John Caramihalis, class of 1949, is widely considered to be the founder of Maine wrestling. He transformed Sanford into the premiere wrestling community in the state for four decades and began the wrestling program in Sanford, hosting the first wrestling meet in 1959. Caramihalis passed away in 1991, just a few years before he became the inaugural inductee into the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in 1993.

Michael Caramihalis, class of 1980, was Maine’s first undefeated four-time state champion. He won state championships in four different weight classes throughout his career at a time when Maine wrestling only had a one class state tournament. He was inducted into the Maine Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1995.

John Cochin, class of 1955, was a three-sport athlete and played baseball at Northeastern University and Nasson College. He returned to Sanford and became a chemistry teacher and a baseball coach for 24 years and coached summer baseball for 20 years. He was also a longtime sports editor at the Sanford News. He was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2023, the Cochin Athletic Field and a chemistry classroom were named in his honor four months prior to his passing.

Roland Cote, class of 1961, was an accomplished three-sport athlete and returned to teach history and civics at SHS for 30 years, also serving as a coach of multiple sports over a span of 40 years. He continued to volunteer at high school games and coached summer baseball. He was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. In recognition of his personal passion for playing tennis, the tennis courts at the new school campus were dedicated in his honor in 2021. 

Tony Matoin, class of 1979, was the fastest running back and sprinter in Maine during his senior year and won the prestigious James J. Fitzpatrick trophy as the state’s top Class A football player. He also captured state championship honors in the 100-yard dash and the 4×100 relay in track and field. He has continued to live in Sanford and has volunteered for many years as a youth football coach.

Nicholas C. Scaccia, class of 1967, was a renowned basketball player and led his team to Sanford’s Class A State Championship game in 1967. He established multiple scoring records and earned many prestigious awards, including membership in both the New England and Maine Basketball Halls of Fame. He played college ball at Colgate University, was subsequently drafted by Denver in the old ABA and played professionally in Italy.

Jennifer Roberts Zarkoskie, class of 2010, has been an award-winning competitive swimmer at the local, state, regional and national levels, while a student at SHS and at the University of Maryland and University of New Hampshire. She also had the opportunity to compete in the United States Olympic Trials. As one of the most accomplished swimmers in Maine, she was inducted into the Maine Swimming Hall of Fame in 2012.

Following the ceremony, the Hall of Honor display was unveiled in the Athletic Wing, featuring the names of the inductees. A reception followed at the Sanford Elks Club.

Go here to see the induction ceremony program with more information about the inductees. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1USbtwT2N6lc3LdjnfQPFB8lLvWpeihb6/view