After a successful ceremony, Sanford Athletics is excited for the future

By Lily Peters, STAFF WRITER

Dec. 13, 2024

SANFORD, Maine – On Saturday, Nov. 30, Sanford High School inducted the first inaugural class to the Sanford Athletics Hall of Honor in the Performing Arts Center.

Zach Lemelin, Athletic Director at Sanford, took responsibility alongside former long-time athletic director, Gordon “Gordy” Salls, and the Athletic Committee in orchestrating the event. Lemelin explained the process in which it took to organize the ceremony.

“The ceremony was something that took a lot of work and a lot of energy,” Lemelin said. “We wanted to have something that people would be really proud of and I think we did.”

Lemelin also emphasized his goal of making the ceremony as special as possible for the honorees and their families.

To begin the ceremony, keynote speaker Adam Cote spoke on his life in Sanford, and shared personal anecdotes about the honorees growing up in town.

The nine honorees are: Paul Belanger, Class of 1977, Kevin Bougie, Class of 2000, John Caramihalis, Class of 1949, Michael Caramihalis, Class of 1980, John Cochin, Class of 1955, Roland Cote, Class of 1961, Tony Matoin, Class of 1979, Nicholas C. Scaccia, Class of 1967 and Jennifer (Roberts) Zarkoskie, Class of 2010.

For each inductee, a speaker of their choice or their families choice gave a speech introducing them, and detailing their accomplishments. 

Lemelin and the committee decided to go this route to add a personal touch for the honorees that are no longer with us, and to detail their achievements from a long time ago.

John Cochin, a member of the Class of 2024 induction, passed away in 2023, however his daughter Kristi Cochin, Sanford High School Class of 2002, accepted the award in his name. 

“For him to be recognized as one of the first ever inductees is a nod to his decades of contributions to the community that he loved,” Kristi Cochin said, “even though he’s no longer here, it was a reminder that he has touched many lives and won’t soon be forgotten.”

“Sitting there, I thought a lot about how much fun the speakers appeared to have as they were recounting stories, telling tales, and sharing achievements.”

As for the future of the Sanford Athletics Hall of Honor, Lemelin wishes to see growth on the community level, adding excitement for the honorees and the ceremony itself.

Kristi Cochin agreed, adding that she believes Diana Walker would be a worthy inclusion to the induction Class of 2025. Walker was Kristi Cochin’s coach throughout her time at Sanford High School.

“Coach Walker led the field hockey team to success for decades, and especially during the 50-game long undefeated streak of 1999, 2000, 2001.” Noted Kristi Cochin.

The Sanford High School Athletic Department is now accepting nominations for the induction Class of 2025, nominations can be done through a Google Form, or through a mailed application.

After an application is submitted, the committee works to research and acknowledge the future nominees achievements.