- [Narrator] Production Support for tonight's broadcast of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is provided by... ♪ Hey Hey Hey (funky upbeat music) ♪ What ya got to say (funky upbeat music) ♪ Said hey hey hey (funky upbeat music) - [Narrator 2] New Balance, we got now.

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♪ Hey hey hey - [Host] Here's the host of our ceremony, Bill Green.

♪ What ya got to say (audience applauding) - Thank you very much, and good evening everyone, and welcome to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame's 49th Induction Ceremony.

Each year, we honor the best of the best in Maine sports, and tonight is no exception.

And, this is a thrill for me because Larry Mahoney, the first inductee was a teammate of mine, before he got famous as a sports journalist.

Larry Mahoney has written stories about most of the people in this room, he is one of the state's most talented, prolific, and respected sports journalists all over the State of Maine, and it's hard to believe that his career has now stretched over more than half a century.

Larry Mahoney has been named Maine's Sports Runner of The Year six-times, and is an inductee into the Maine Press Association Hall of Fame.

He brings to his profession, the same tenacity that he displayed on the athletic fields, he was a fine three-sport athlete at Bangor, and ironed-in in football, he picked up Austin Honorable Mention Honors.

He camped in Bangor Baseball, the back-to-back state championship games, leading the Rams to an undefeated State Championship Season in 1971.

And in hockey, he was a super tough defenceman on Bangor's first club team, which played some home games outdoors, and others as far away as Woodstock New Brunswick.

When Maine started playing hockey, it made sense that Larry would become it's first beat rider, a position he's held all but two-years of that program's existence.

For 15-years, he has been an analyst for Black Bear's Radio Broadcast currently on 92.9 The Ticket.

Congratulations to Larry Mahoney, one of Maine's legendary sports figures.

(audience applauding) - [Larry] It's... I can't tell you how much of an honor this is, because these people I'm being inducted with, and congrats to all of you, I mean, their accomplishments are off the charts.

I mean, they've been so impactful, they've meant so much... They've done so much to put me on the map, so I'm saying, I should be serving them drinks, what am I doing up here?

What am I doing with these people?

No, this has been... This has been a terrific ride, I mean, I've enjoyed every moment of this.

I was coaching a flag football team when I got an opportunity to be a clerk at the Bangor Daily News, Owen Osborn and Bill Warner, Pete Warner was his son, and was on that 5th grade team, and that's... That's where it all started, and it's one of those situations where I've just... It's a job that you never get bored, every day is different, and you can always get better, and I've got a long way to go, it's always a grind for me.

I've had so many people that've been influential, and that have made this possible for me, my wife Sally's pretended to like me for 45-years, she's been... The biggest break I ever got in life is when I asked her to marry me she called tails instead of heads.

(audience chuckling) I'm not... Obviously I'm not the brightest bulb in the four-pack, but she is, she graduated 5th in a class of 400 from Bangor High School, I graduated holding a 5th.

(audience laughing softly) My family... But they... I figured I've been to 20-states covering sports, and so, Sally had to be a father and a mother to our sons, Michael, and Andrew, and she's been phenomenal in both.

Michael's a business administrator for the Central Park Conservancy New York City, a nonprofit that oversees the upkeep of Central Park, he's also working toward his MBA at Wharton.

Andrew is a Black Hawk helicopter pilot in the Massachusets Army Guard, served his country in the Middle East for a year, and a former captain of soccer at Bangor.

And Sally, and I couldn't be more proud of them, they're really special.

I then... My upbringing, my family, I'm the oldest of six, in two-sets of twins, I was by far the ugliest of all the kids, they're all athletic... We were all taught discipline because it's a military family, we were taught how to treat people properly, the way you wanna be treated.

Work ethic was very important, athletics.

And sense of humor, my parents had great senses of humor, my mother was a zany sense of humor, my father was a very dry sense of humor.

I'm not a talented writer, I try to work hard at it, and it's been... It's still a grind for me, but I enjoy going to work every day, and when you enjoy going to work every day, it's easy to put the time in.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.

(audience applauding) - [Brian] Hi, I'm Brian Corcoran, Chair of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

These athletes have such inspirational stories, perhaps none more than Clara Brown.

Earlier this month, Clara won her third World Championship in para cycling at the UCI Road World Championships Road Race.

It was an amazing event, especially because of those close to her who remember much darker days.

WMTW's Travis Lee has our story.

- [Announcer] Representing the United States of America, Clara Brown!

(soft music) - [Travis] Sure, she's talented, but to get here, Clara Brown had to overcome much, much more than even most World Champions.

At age 12, Clara was excelling in gymnastics with big dreams, but a fall caused a severe spinal cord injury.

After years of rehab, she returned to sport as a coxswain in high school.

In college at Puget Sound, she bought a bike, and within two-years of graduation, found herself at a talent-identification camp.

Soon, she was winning golds and silvers at Parapan events, and even a bronze at Worlds, this qualified her for the US Paralympic Team in 2020, she had 3 Top-6 finishes in Tokyo.

Clara went on to win three World Championship titles, two World Cup overall victories, and more than 20 international medals across World Championships, World Cups, and Pan American Games.

Included in that total is a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, a licensed pilot, look for Clara to continue to soar, and we welcome her to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

(audience applauding) - It's a real privilege to stand here and accept this honor.

I wanna thank the Hall of Fame Committee and recognize my fellow inductees, especially Danny Paul, coach, mentor, teacher, and the voice I still hear in my head whenever I write a speech.

D. Paul, your Public Speaking class taught me, clarity matters, cliches are lazy, and that is almost always unnecessary.

So, I really hope I deliver something today that does your teaching justice, though, I'll admit, the pressure is very real with you sitting just a few feet away.

I have been a lifelong athlete, but when I was 12, I sustained a spinal cord injury that turned my life upside down, and vastly changed the trajectory of my athletic career.

I spent several months in Atlanta for full-time medical treatment, with my parents by my side, while my siblings stayed back home in Maine.

What I remember most from that time isn't just the injury or the rehab, it's how the people showed up, neighbors, and family friends stepped in to care for my brothers and sister, classmates sent posters spelled with encouraging messages, and after I came home, when life was still far from normal, those same neighbors and loved ones drove me to medical appointments while my parents returned to work.

No one asked for credit, or anything in return, they just made sure we were okay.

That's Maine, quiet, steady, deeply invested in it's people.

I didn't just grow up here, I was carried through some of the hardest, and most formative moments of my life by this community, and that foundation has never left me, as I got a second chance at pursuing my athletic dreams.

To my parents, Greg, and Debbie, and my step-mom Amanda, thank you for standing by me through quite literally every step of this journey, you've given me more strength than you probably realize, and I never take that for granted.

To my teammates, coaches, and the para cycling community, thank you for pushing me to continue to grow into the athlete I am today, I'm proud to represent this sport, and proud to represent Maine as part of Team USA.

And finally, to the Maine sports community, thank you for cheering me on in ways both big, and small, from the very beginning to achieving lifelong ambitions.

I'm so proud to be from here, and to share these wins with you.

So, thank you.

(audience applauding) (attendees speaking softly) - Good afternoon, my name is Patrick O Reilly, I'm the Managing Director at CBIZ and the Treasurer of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

It's not unusual for our athletes to have careers in which they could've been inducted to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame twice, that is absolutely true of our next inductee.

Danny Paul was an outstanding runner, and his coaching career is second to none, in fact, he is currently competing in his 53rd consecutive season as a Cross Country Runner for Coach.

(audience applauding) (calm guitar music) - [Travis] He started running to get in shape for JV Basketball, and things just took over from there.

This Portland High star would make four All State teams, and compete for five state championships.

He went onto North Eastern, where a nucleus of Maine runners would form the Huskies' greatest team, they were Greater Boston, and IC4A champions.

He came back to Maine to win more than 50 races on the roads, twice winning two races in one day.

He is also in the Pantheon of Maine Coaches, having won a remarkable 30 state championships at Mount Blue, Greely, Presque Isle, and Falmouth.

- [Danny] I don't believe in saying you can't do something, if you say, "I can."

Or, "I will, and I'm going to."

That you're gonna do it, you're gonna get it.

- [Travis] For 11-years, his Greely Girls Teams went undefeated in dual meets, and won eight state championships, and he made running fun.

Danny Paul is the best of the best, and we welcome him to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

(audience applauding) - [Danny] Wow.

(Danny chuckling softly) I'm humbled, and honored, it's really special to be here, especially with Bryant, Clara.

The Falmouth community is kinda cool.

So, here we go.

So, I think everything has to do with respect, and success, okay?

If you have the respect, the success will come, and how you define success, defines what that respect means.

And, what I mean by that is simply, if you're where you want to be because people there care about you, and you care about what you're doing, you're going to have success, whether that means winning state championship or not, okay?

Thank yous, I have many.

First off, I wanna thank my family, most of whom are over there on that side right now, thank you so much, I can't explain how much you've done.

But, there are three people in particular that I wanna thank.

My grandmother, she was my soulmate in college, I could tell her anything, and I even told her things I'd never tell my mom, but it was great, she was amazing, and so resilient.

My mom, who my brother put together a book that I consider a memoir about her, she was as resilient as people can possibly be, and absolutely beautiful, and amazing.

And my wife, who has managed to tolerate me for about 46-years, and I know that's not easy, and I know it's particularly amazing how she has done what she has done with my three-children, so thank you.

(audience applauding) So, when I was in elementary school, I was determined to be a Boston Celtic, I figured I was gonna be 6'5" and I had posters of John Havlicek everywhere, that didn't work out, okay?

Sophomore year of high school, I met a man named Jack Wilkinson, who was my coach, and English teacher, cross-country coach, English teacher, there was a pattern there, okay?

That's what I do, okay?

And, he changed my life, he made me believe in myself, and by the end of my junior year, I was being talked to about full scholarships and so on, because of what he taught me to do, and how to do it.

And then lastly, I am so proud of being a teacher, and a coach, and I don't think there's any difference in those two things at all, and I hope this is because of that I'm here, so thank you Falmouth, thank you my first school Mount Blue, thank you Presque Isle, thank you Greely for all those years.

And thank you for all of you that showed up here today, from those places, I am humbled, thank you so much.

(audience applauding) (attendees chattering softly) - Hello everyone, I'm Lisa Hook, Vice Chair of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame, and Chair of our Scholarship Committee.

Thank you all for being here today.

In 1978, the Maine Sports Hall of Fame started recognizing scholar athletes, among those honored was a young man from Ellsworth, a Bowdoin-based... Or, a Bowdoin-bound rather, basketball player from Ellsworth, his name was Billy Whitmore.

Bill is Vice President of Business Transformation at Maine Health, and we invited him back here today to tell us a little bit about those early days.

(audience applauding) - So, we're starting with this photograph, unfortunately, one of my memories from this same induction ceremony many years ago was this suit that we purchased for the event, pure polyester, powder blue, a reversible vest with two pairs of pants, so you could make four different outfits out of it.

(audience laughing softly) And, the suit lives on unfortunately, because I sent this photograph to my friend Bill Green a couple years ago, which was a big mistake, so... (audience laughing softly) So, 47-years ago, I drove from Ellsworth Maine to Waterville with my parents for this event, and along with the memory of the suit, there's a couple particular things I remember.

I remember how proud my parents were that night of me, and I remember how honored I was to be recognized for achievements in both academics, and athletics, and how important that was.

So, it's really an honor to be asked here today, to come back to introduce, and recognize some of the scholar athletes from this year's inductees.

(attendee speaking softly) Okay, they are from Androscoggin County, Andrew Clement of Edward Little High School.

From Aroostook County, Payton Pelletier, Madawaska High School.

From Cumberland County, Ashley Connolly, Gorham High School.

From Franklin County, Eleanor McCort, Mt.

Blue High School.

From Hancock County, my county, Ruby Pereira, Bucksport High School.

From Kennebec County, Abby Morrill, Cony High School.

From Knox County, Colby Bennet, Camden Hills Regional High School.

And from Lincoln County, Gabriel Lash, Medomak High School.

And it's my hope that all of these scholarship recipients can continue to use a combined love of both sports and academic achievement to further their lives, and like I have, I hope that they all return to Maine to live those lives.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

(audience applauding) - Thank you, Bill.

I've always considered you a very dapper gentleman, and the trend continues.

By the way, the Maine Sports Hall of Fame is a scholarship organization, it can use your help, if you're interested in getting involved with our group, use the QR code on the screen, or get more information off our website, which is "mshof.com", very much for that.

Now, Maine produces many fine products, such as Bill Whitmore, but perhaps our greatest product is our people.

Lynn Hersey grew up in the Town of Dexter, she loves sports, and was the Women Athlete of The Year for the Tigers, and later on at Plymouth State University.

However, she's most known for her coaching success, through intelligence, tenacity, and skill, Lynn Hersey has built a National Class Basketball Program, taking tiny Smith College to the National Championship Game against NYU two-years in a row, here's Channel 13's Dave Eid.

- [Lynn] Every day is a chance to get better.

- [Dave] When Lynn Hersey took over Smith Women's Basketball, they hadn't had a winning season in nine-years.

They went to work, it took 3-years to get above 500, five to win her first Conference Championship, and six to reach the NCAAs.

- The Bowdoin Women's Basketball team battling Smith College in the Elite 8 tonight.

- [Dave] 18 years later, Smith is only the second teen to ever get to the NCAA final four, three consecutive times.

Her Sectional Championships hit home as she beat USM once, and Bowdoin twice to advance.

(attendees roaring) - [Announcer 2] And NYU controls the opening.

- [Danny] Lynn has posted three straight 30-win seasons, and compiled an overall record of 91 & 9.

Along the way, Lynn has won two New England, five Conference, and National Coach of The Year awards.

She is known for her community service, and is currently co-president of the New England Women's Basketball Association.

Lynn Hersey, you make Maine proud, and we welcome you to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

(audience applauding) - [Lynn] Thank you.

I'm the one that needs to lower the mic on this group.

Well, first... First, and foremost, thank you to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude, and humbled by this recognition.

This isn't a moment I ever expected, but it's truly a moment I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

Congratulations to the other inductees I share the stage with today, your stories fill Gracie Theater with such incredible life.

I'd like to thank the amazing people in my life, who have helped to shape my journey.

To my family, Carol, Brooklyn, Harper, you've been my rock through it all, and by my side for moments of celebration, and feelings of heartbreak, thank you for your endless love, and support.

Brooklyn, and Harper, you are my constant reminder of what truly matters in life, you make every day brighter, and I'm so proud of the little athletes, leaders, and kindhearted humans you're becoming, you inspire me more than you'll ever know.

To my parents, Leigh, and Rachel Hersey you have always believed in my dreams, and your confidence has made me who I am today.

And to my siblings, Karen, and Bryan, let's be honest, I'm just trying to keep up.

Our competitive driveway basketball games as kids taught me one of the best lessons, coaching lessons ever, how to compete with each other, not against each other.

To my incredible teams, coaching staff, and athletic director at Smith, some who made the 10-hour roundtrip journey to be with me today.

Thank you Jen, Cat, Ally, Sophia, Jesse, and Kristen, this is as much your honor as it is mine.

We've won a lot of games, but the most rewarding part of this journey has been doing it with those you admire and believe in.

Your dedication and trust in me, have been my best, and biggest motivators, and I'm grateful our paths have crossed in this life.

Lastly, the beauty of this incredible day, is in it's power to make you pause your busy world, reflect on the chapters of your life, show deep gratitude to those who have impacted you in the most precious ways, what a powerful gift to give, and a life-changing one to receive, I'm so very grateful for the moments of today.

Thank you.

(audience applauding) - [Bill] And this next guy, I get to see him play a lot, he was my son's age, and he was terrific.

Bryant Barr was a slashing, attacking, fine-shooting guard, who played basketball, he had a magical Division One program that captured the heart of the nation.

Still highly successful, he has remained connected to sports through business.

(soft music) This yachtsman turned heads at an early age, he was a two-time state champion goal keeper, and a two-time All State Guard.

He set school records with 172 3's, and 1,464 points, both records stand.

He accepted a full scholarship to Davidson, his sophomore season became part of NCAA lore as he and roommate Steph Curry helped the Cinderella Wild Cats to wins over Georgetown, Gonzaga, and Wisconsin to reach the Elite 8.

- [Announcer 3] Barr again from downtown.

Oh, the White Lobster is cooking!

49/45, three-3's for Barr.

- [Bill] During the Regional Final against eventual champion Kansas, Bryant scored 11-points in 13-minutes, solidifying his place in sports history with a most unique nickname.

- Bryant Bar The White Lobster from Falmouth Maine, I wanna say congratulations on becoming the newest member of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

- [Bill] Bryant has distinguished himself as President of SC3, which built off-court businesses, and branding for his good friend, Steph Curry, the two are founders of Penny Jar Capital, a firm that is sure to be another success of Bryant Barr, who we welcome to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

(audience applauding) - I never would've thought I would've beat him into the Hall of Fame.

(audience laughing) It's always special to be back in Maine, I live in California now, all the way across the country, but every time I return, it just grips ya, it brings back so many good memories, I don't know if it's the lobster, or taking my kids to LL Bean, exploring the coast with them, but it very quickly reminds you why you fall in love with this place over, and over, and over again.

I grew up striving to be like my older brothers, sometimes they let me tag along, other times, and more often, my mom made them take me with them.

But ultimately I was their shadow, in the driveway like many other kids, we played basketball, and we would dream, and imagine all the places that the game would take us.

And, I was very fortunate that many of those dreams came true.

19-years-ago I was here in Bangor, accepting Maine's Mr.

Basketball Award.

And today I'm very honored to be part of 2024 Hall of Fame Class with so many people alongside me who have left their mark on Maine in their own unique ways.

To my fellow inductees, your accomplishments are inspiring, and I'm grateful to be up here with you today.

To the Hall of Fame Committee, Bill, Bryan, everybody else, it's a tremendous honor to be up here, and very much appreciate it.

I owe a great deal to the coaches who believed in me along the way, my AU Coach Paul Cook, and Paul McKillop at Davidson, and the legendary Dave Halligan who was up onstage being inducted in the Hall of Fame last year.

Each of them pushed me not only as a player, but more importantly as a... As a person.

To my parents, thank you for allowing AU tournaments to be our family vacations, and for creating so many opportunities that influenced, and shaped my future.

To my brothers, you were my role models, and still are to this day.

I wore your numbers, copied your moves, or the few that you had.

(audience laughing) And I just wanted to be just like you, both of you guys flying halfway across the country to be here today with family, means just as much as being up here onstage, so thank you for that.

And to my wife Britney, and our four-kids, Everett, Avery, Oliver, and Margo, while you weren't part of the Maine athletic journey that I went on, you are the reason I keep chasing life today with so much purpose.

And, for my kids, I hope today shows you that hard work, ambition, and the right people around you, you can find your own stage, wherever that might be.

Coach Halligan used to always tell us to avoid the high-highs, and the low-lows, but today Coach, this one's gonna stick with me for a little while longer.

Thank you.

(audience applauding) - Portland was named The Minor League City of The Year by Sports Business Journal, and it's not just because we have great fans, part of the reason is because we have great organizations.

And tonight, we are pleased to be honoring the man who leads the Maine Celtics, Dajuan Eubanks has shepherded the change when the Boston Celtics bought the organization, in many ways, he's the perfect man for the job.

Here's News Center's Lee Goldberg with a little more.

(soft guitar music) - [Lee] The Maine Celtics are the best basketball team to ever call Maine home, their games are quality events and a big part of the reason that the Boston Celtics choose to keep that team in Portland.

Dajuan Eubanks is President of the Maine Celtics and helped lead the team's acquisition by the Celtics in 2019, and was named NBA G League Executive of The Year.

A seven-inch growth spurt his sophomore year of high school really changed his life, Dajuan received a scholarship to prestigious Rice University, and while injuries shortened his college playing days, he still hoped for an NBA tryout, or a career in Europe, that's when the Harlem Globetrotters came calling and Dajuan traveled the world learning the business of basketball.

In Maine, he has helped raise three basketball-playing daughters, contributed mightily to the community, and co-founded Blue Wave Basketball, which has helped improve hundreds of kids who have basketball dreams.

Dajuan Eubanks, we welcome you to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

(audience applauding) - [Dajuan] My story is very simplistic, it's built around four simple philosophies where I could always try to be my best.

And coming to Maine, and being able to be entrenched in the basketball world in this community, was something I never thought I would be doing, coming from working from in the South, you know?

But, I can tell you that the journey, alongside so many in the audience here, when you talk about basketball, has been great, I've been very fortunate to be able to be a part of an organization, once locally owned, but now owned by the Boston Celtics, to continue to do what I enjoy doing the most, and that's bringing joy to a community, but also bringing access to a sport that can change so many lives.

And prior to the team coming here, I decided I wanted to make this place home, I knew it was gonna be through joining a team that I could have impact across the State of Maine, which is the community.

And Maine's a small place, I've been very fortunate to be able to lead an organization that brings attention to this community as well, but I've also been very fortunate to start an organization that has an impact on kids, and I never thought that, that would be something that I would be doing in Maine, and that's simple philosophy, knowledge, independence, determination, leads you to success.

And oftentimes I've always thought success was whatever you made of it, but it's moments like this where you begin to get recognition, where it's really impactful, you know?

And so, I feel very fortunate to be in a state where obviously, the game of basketball has been elevated thanks to one flag family that's getting ready to go in here.

But, the fact that 10-years-ago, 12-years-ago, I was able to start a youth organization, we brought the Maine Red Claws here, now the Maine Celtics and was able to give exposure to a community.

It goes to show you that if you're persistent, and you're doing the right things, you can definitely elevate a community, and that's what's happened here in the State of Maine when you talk about basketball, I'm just thankful to be a part of it.

I wanna thank my family, both near and far, my daughters are here, my partner, friends as well too.

I also wanna thank my colleagues that supported the organization, which I'm fortunate to lead.

And most importantly, thank the Maine Sports Hall of Fame here for inducting me here, it's a tremendous honor.

And, if you've ever heard me speak before, when people talk about the success we've had as an organization, the only reason we've had a lot of success, and this is what I always, always wanna stay connected to, is the fact that the reason why basketball is so great in this state, it's because of the community, it's the individuals in the community itself, and it's the fans.

And so, I thank the community and the fans for embracing me, you know?

And just... I'll close with, I go fishing with Bill Green quite a bit, and when we're out there fishing, we talk about how many years I've been in the State of Maine, I'm like, "Oh, this is the longest I've..." 20-years now for me, but I think it was year 17, I was like, "Yeah Bill, I've been here for 17-years, you think they can call me a Mainer now?"

And he was like, "Yeah, no."

(audience laughing) You know?

So, hopefully this will hopefully put me in that position where now I'm considered a Mainer, but thank you very much, I'm tremendously honored, and I look forward to being a part of this class, and very grateful for being inducted this year.

Thank you all.

(audience applauding) - You get to keep this.

- I do?

(audience applauding) - The Maine Sports Hall of Fame is a scholarship organization, this event will help fund a number of scholarships, in the spring, we conduct a student webinar of important subjects that are of interest to high school students around the state, and we're about to launch our annual raffle, which is two-tickets to the Red Sox Patriots Bruins and Celtics, and if you'd like to get involved, help our organization, you can get more information through the QR code or at our website, which is w@mainesportshalloffame, "mshof.com".

So, I hope that you will get involved.

So, it's a pleasure for me to announce eight more scholarship winners for you right now.

First, from Oxford County, Britney Carrier of Buckfield High School.

From Penobscot County, Jack Brewer, Quarterback, Orono High School.

From Piscataquis County, William Mason of Greenville High School.

From Sagadahoc County, Lydia Hilts of Mt.

Ararat.

From Somerset County, Maddie Niles from Laurence High School.

From Waldo County, Brooke Dyer of Mt.

View.

From Washington County, Chaz Willey of Narraguagus High School.

And from York County, Eliza Doyon of Biddeford High School.

We wanna congratulate all of those winners, I know that they will make us all very proud.

(audience applauding) - Good afternoon, I'm Stacey Haskell from Bangor Savings Bank, and a proud member of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

It's a true pleasure to introduce our next inductee, Kelly Bowman Flagg, I had the privilege of being Kelly's teammate at Nokomis Regional High School, anyone who played with or against Kelly knew she was competitive, very strong, and a leader on the court.

Kelly's impact on the game didn't end with her own playing career, she coached her sons Hunter, Cooper, and Ace through their early basketball journeys, passing on her passion and competitive spirit.

Together with her husband Ralph, they've built one of the most respected sports families in Maine, with a legacy that continues to grow.

It's both a personal, and professional honor to welcome Kelly Bowman Flagg as a 2025 inductee into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

(audience applauding) - [Announcer 4] The Black Bears beginning with the Lady Warriors is sophomore forward number 32, Kelly Bowman.

- [Narrator 4] Kelly Bowman is writing the most incredible basketball story, she was a star in Nokomis, where she began showing off her all-round game, she scored 1,257 points, making All State twice.

- [Announcer 4] Here's Cassidy inside, out to Bowman for three, yes!

- [Narrator 4] Maine made the NCAA tournament all four-years Kelly was in school.

As a senior starter and captain, number 11 helped the Bears to their biggest ever victory, an NCAA tournament win over Stanford.

- [Announcer 4] Now, that's a wrap, and the Black Bears up-stand Stanford!

- [Narrator 4] She brought her Division One mindset to coaching first in Nokomis, and then her son's age group teams, which won national titles.

Son Hunter helped win Nokomis' first title.

UMaine Bound Ace has won championships in three states, and Cooper was the first pick in the NBA draft.

Kelly, and Ralph, the apples don't fall far from the tree.

Kelly Bowman Flagg, we welcome you to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

(audience applauding) (Kelly clearing throat) - Lynn, this is you... Few more years, I got a few years on... (Kelly laughing) Thank you to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame Committee and all who were involved in giving me this honor, it is so special considering, I am just a kid from Maine.

I don't remember the first time I picked up a basketball, but I remember late night games of horse in the backyard, where we had an old hoop attached to the back of our shed, there was no pavement, just grass that soon was worn away to dirt.

Sometimes my dad would drive the car around the back and turn on the headlights so I could shoot just a little bit longer.

I was raised on the Boston Celtics in the 1980s, in our house the Celtics weren't just our team, they were our religion, and Larry Bird was our god.

In junior high I started paying attention to women's basketball, I remember going up to Orono to watch the Maine women play in the pit, I went home, and told my parents I was going to be the next Rachel Bouchard.

I was fortunate to suit up for the Black Bears from 1996 to 1999, I worked tirelessly toward my goal, but I didn't do it alone, it took a village.

Whether it was my mom taking me to the gym for early morning sessions, or my dad lighting up the backyard, there they were, assisting me all along the way.

I had numerous coaches who impacted and shaped me into the athlete and coach I would become.

I had some amazing teammates and experiences throughout my basketball career, and most notably, beating Stanford in the NCAA tournament my senior year, which by the way, my team's the only Maine team to have an NCAA tournament win, Andy.

We set records regularly for attendance at the Alfond Arena.

After my playing days ended, I got into coaching, I coached many teams over the years, but the best experience was coaching Maine United with one of my best friends, Andy Bedard.

With a group of pre-teen boys from Maine, we struck out on a national grassroots circuit, we traveled all over the country for tournaments, often playing teams whose players looked a lot more like grown men than middle schoolers, I could tell stories all day about those adventures.

In 2023 we qualified for Peach Jam, the premier event in Augusta Georgia, the support we felt from back home in Maine was incredible, people were tuning in to watch high school AAU basketball games in the summer, and it was all anybody talked about on my Facebook feed.

My most rewarding role in sports has been that of mom, when all three of my boys were playing for Nokomis during the 2021/'22 season, coming off COVID, gym capacities around the state were limited, however, they never seemed empty, or even close.

That season was incredible, culminating, and witnessing my boys hoist the gold ball above their heads in victory.

We moved the twins to Florida for their sophomore year of high school, a lot of times when kids leave their home state to go elsewhere, people lose interest, not here.

Their following continued to grow along with their skills, people tuned into their Montverde games, and I would get weekly messages from strangers, upset because the games weren't going to be nationally televised, as if I was controlling the TV sports networks.

Last year, Duke invaded Boston College and it looked more like a home game for the Blue Devils, I'm convinced that at least 80% were Mainers, the support was incredible.

The boys are currently continuing their playing careers, Ace at UMaine following the path I once took, and Cooper playing for the Dallas Mavericks after an incredible freshman year at Duke.

The game of basketball has taught me so many lessons over the years, like teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and resiliency.

Sports have not just been a part of my life, they have shaped who I am, and who my kids have become.

We are so proud to be "just some kids from Maine".

Thank you Maine for being the village that raised us.

(attendees applauding) - [Brian] Our next inductee is one of the most incredible athletes Maine has ever produced, while known as a track and field athlete, he was talented in every sport he played, he is nationally prominent coach now, and has won national championships, coveting Olympic athletes along the way.

His tenure at the naval academy since 2017 has simply been superb.

Jeff Peterson of WGME brings us this story.

(soft guitar music) - [Jeff] Jamie won two national high school championships in the decathlon, and six different Maine State Championships in track and field.

He was legendary on the football field too, here's a play I remember from 30-years-ago.

- [Announcer 5] Carl Kenney blocked quarterback Danny Cook's supermaning, slips to the right, hops over a would-be tackler... (guitar music) He breaks a couple of tackles and Allan Marcus sitting on it, he sees an opening and ahead... (guitar music) - [Jeff] And while this touchdown was special, check out this 50 yard field goal just three plays after separating his shoulder.

- [Announcer 5] He books this baby 50 yards to the field goal... (guitar music) - [Jeff] At Penn State, he was the Big 10 and IC4A champion of the decathlon, and three-time All-American.

He's coached many national champions and several Olympians.

In the last eight seasons at Navy, his track and field program have won 30 Patriot League Championships, and he's collected 24 Conference Coach of The Year Awards, and five Regional Coach of The Year Awards.

Jamie Cook, we welcome you to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

(audience applauding) - Thanks a lot.

(audience applauding) All right, appreciate it.

That was a while ago.

But, thank you for having me, it's an honor to be year in front of so many great people.

I just... Just when we think about athletics and what it's allowed us to do in our lives, it's kinda touching because I wouldn't be anything without athletics, it's allowed me to move all over the country, seen places all over the world, got to meet great people, inspire some great people, and look forward to seeing some amazing people do what they're gonna do representing the state moving forward.

So, before I begin, I wanna... I wanna kinda kinda talk about some special people in my life, and my wife Kristen who couldn't be here today, along with my daughter Sarah, she's stuck by me for almost 30-years now, moving five different... To five different states.

My daughter has her homecoming, so she couldn't come up from Maryland, it's a big deal for girls, I get it.

(audience laughing) I'd rather play, but that's just me.

So, she's been very supportive of me and moving back, and forth across the country, you know, places in Indiana and Pennsylvania, Oregon, New Jersey, back to Maryland.

But really, when you talk about my athletic journey, it's been... It's been really based on the people involved in my hometown at Kennebunk.

We went lobster with my dad, I remember one time with my dad, I was the baiter and the bander, I got his tie on today.

We were taught to be tough, I think I was eight or nine years old, and I was banding the lobsters, and the crusher claw got me, and I was screaming like crazy, doing everything I could to try to get it off, and the lobster shed it's claw, and threw it in... And you know, when I... It released my finger, and all I remember my dad saying is, "You owe me $4."

(audience laughing) My favorite athlete in the room, I'll say it, is my son Calvin, he's my inspiration, and you know, I just really want the best for people moving forward, and, you wanna see people be successful, and the passion moves through ya sometimes and everybody who's in this room, just know there's a support system behind you who wants nothing but the best for ya, so keep fighting for it every day, and I thank you for this time, and opportunity to tell my story.

So, thank you.

(audience applauding) - Hello, I'm Angela Bancroft, a member of the board of directors, and a 2017 inductee into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame for triathlon.

There's no hiding in track and field, there's no help coming from the strong side.

You're out there alone facing a demanding test, often against great competition.

It is in this world that Jesse Labreck has excelled again, and again, and again.

MTW's Jessica Gagne has the story.

(soft guitar music) - [Jessica] You wanna see a great athlete in action?

After a magnificent track and field career, Jesse Labreck went on American Ninja Warrior for eight seasons, not only was she a fan-favorite, she rang more bells, meaning she successfully finished more courses than any woman in the history of the program.

It all started at Messalonskee High School in Oakland where Jesse was dominant.

In the 2006 State Championships, she won the 100, the high jump, and the triple jump, setting state records in all three, she also won the 300, an event which she already held a state record.

At the University of Maine, she set nine school records, in one extraordinary day, she won five events at the Conference Championships, and on three different occasions, was named the outstanding performer at the Conference Championship.

Jesse Labreck, one of Maine's best-ever and an example to young girls that it's not only okay, it's great to be strong.

Jesse, congratulations on being named to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

(audience applauding) - Whoo, my hearts beating like I'm on the starting line again.

I am truly honored to be inducted in the Maine Sports Hall of Fame, Maine will always be my home, so to stand here, where I spent so many years representing our state, it's a recognition I will cherish forever.

And congratulations to my fellow inductees, your stories are truly inspirational, so many amazing coaches, and you've just done so many incredible things with your careers and helping other athletes as well, and it's just... It's amazing.

Sports have guided, influenced, and transformed my life, without them, I wouldn't be who I am, where I am, or even with my husband, which, it's our anniversary today.

(Jesse laughing) (audience applauding) I've been incredible fortunate to have two remarkable coaches who've shaped me, not only who I was as an athlete, but as a person, and a coach myself.

Ian Wilson, a Maine Sports Hall of Fame inductee last year, was the Waterville Head Coach, and Dave Cosano, my coach at UV University of Maine.

Both of these coaches saw potential and believed in me when I didn't even know what I was capable of, they taught me what it was to work extremely hard, to be dedicated, and the mindset that I would need to reach my goals.

They taught me responsibility, how to be a teammate, a captain, a leader, their coaching continued in my life far beyond track.

My choice to attend college was driven by my desire to continue my track career, training and putting in the hard work on the track always came easy, academics did not, but the guidance and structure we had to follow as athletes at the University of Maine gave me the skills to earn an education that I'm proud of.

The same drive to keep competing after college, led me to American Ninja Warrior, from my first season I met my husband, and I was offered the chance to manage and coach a Ninja Gym in Illinois.

Opportunities that changed the course of my life.

I've been on some of the biggest stages, been nationally recognized, and hit a lot of buzzers, but of all the achievements that I am most proud of, have been being a coach, they'll stick with me forever, and having the opportunity to coach and impact the lives of kids, passing lessons on from my coaches here in Maine, giving the support and confidence to kids who didn't have any, teaching them... (Jesse laughing softly) I keep hearing my son, and it's... (Jesse and audience laughing) Okay, so I don't go off script.

(Jesse laughing) Teaching them how to be good people, and good teammates, and the athletes that they dreamed of being, and hopefully making a difference in their lives as my coaches did in mine.

Sports have shaped me into a motivated, hardworking, and determined person, not just in training, and competing, but in my career, as a partner, as a coach, and as a mom, being recognized for that journey today is truly an honor.

Finally, I wanna thank my family, you supported me, drove me to practices, cheered me on at meets, stood all day in the sun, sometimes to watch me only race for 14-seconds, and made sure that I had everything I needed to compete.

You gave me the love and foundation for me to become the athlete that I am.

And a special thank you to my dad, who didn't miss a meet within 500-miles, for 13-years, he always had a list of my top competitors, and their PR's, and knew exactly when I needed to check in for my event, and the entire stands knew if I was even a minute late.

You were the best track dad, and just like my coaches, I wouldn't be standing here without you.

Thank you all for being a part of this journey, and thank you to Maine Sports Hall of Fame for this incredible honor.

(audience applauding) - Hi, my name is John Sutyak and I serve as Secretary of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

As a former athletic director here at Husson University, I was proud to nominate Warren Caruso for this honor here tonight, and I'm even prouder that I get the opportunity to introduce him to you all.

Upon my arrival at Husson, I learned quickly that when teams came to Bangor, they'd better be ready, and they're all sitting right there, front and center, so it's good to see you guys.

Warren took over the reigns of an already well-established and respected basketball program, but what he did was take it to the next level, transitioning from a NAIA to Division Three, he has the Husson Eagles competing with the very best in Division Three.

Here's sports casting legend, Tim Throckmorton, formerly of WABI with the story.

(calm guitar music) - [Tim] Although Warren Caruso coaches in the town where he grew up, it's fair to say that he's come a long way, a hardworking kid just tryna make teams growing up, he got better, and contributed more every season.

At Bangor High, he became a starter on a team which made it to the Eastern Maine Finals, he went on to Husson, where he played in just seven games as a freshman, but started after that at point guard on a team that won 20 games, as he averaged 14 at contest.

After six-years as an assistant coach, he took over for the legendary Bruce McGregor, and raised the program even higher.

He has led the Eagles to 16 Conference Championships, and 16 Tournament Appearances.

His teams have won 10 Conference titles since 2009.

He has an incredible 16 and three record in championship games, and is fourth nationally in wins among active NCAA Division Three coaches.

Warren Caruso, we welcome you to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

(audience applauding) - [Warren] Congratulations to all the inductees, what an incredible class, and thank you for the community for this honor.

Since John notified me of this induction back in the spring, I asked myself the repeated question is, "How did I get here?"

I was this small kid from Bangor who loved athletics, arriving, and being inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame, and I came to a real easy conclusion, it's right where I belong, it's right where I was meant to be.

What I mean by that is, I was meant to be at Husson.

I'm a true believer that everything happens in our life, pointing us in the direction that we're supposed to go, and our journey led us right here all along.

At the end of the day, my life has been about relationships, the ones that I've shared memories with, with family, friends, and the people that impacted our program.

There's three coaches I'd like to take a moment to thank, that truly impacted my life.

Gabby Price, and Neil Waterman came into my life in elementary school, through junior high and high school, their support, life advice, and passion for coaching helped shape me who I am, and the coach I became.

In high school I attended basketball camp run by Bruce MacGregor, little did I know at that time, that would start a 45-year relationship that grew in many directions.

Coach, I can't thank you enough for what you've done.

Thank you to my assistant coaches who work so hard, put up with my craziness, and occasional small nuances.

To all the student athletes, the ones that are here today and the ones over the years who have dedicated, and worked so hard for our success.

Husson University, thank you for giving me a platform to become who I am, your support through the years just has been incredible to be a part of.

Coach Walker, it's been an incredible 30+ years together, and counting, I appreciate every conversation, bus ride, game that we've lived through together, and it's been truly special to share every moment with you.

I wanna thank my family, my mum and dad aren't here today, they have passed, but I hope they're looking down proudly.

Wasn't always a perfect life, but I knew they loved and supported me.

I have two special aunts and a cousin who are here today, their unwavering support... Excuse me.

Throughout the years, many others, families and friends.

Life is not worth living unless you have an opportunity to share it with somebody, I've had the pleasure of 42-years to share it with my wife, she's been at every game, and if you've ever been there, you've heard- (audience laughing) The passion, and fiercely loyal voice from the stands.

My Shirley, it's been a great ride, thank you for your love, support, coaching advice, whether I needed it or not.

(audience laughing) Through the wins and losses, both in basketball and life.

Nate, and Luke, you've made it all worth it, you've been a part of things all along the way, from the bus rides and the travel with the kids... As kids, and to be a part of the program as both player, and coach.

So many special memories that we'll carry forever.

My journey here at Husson continues, I believe that life doesn't happen to us, it happens for us, and for me, I'm right where I've always belonged, at Husson University, and still going.

Thank you.

(audience applauding) - Thank you so much for coming.

I'd like to remind you again that the Maine Sports Hall of Fame can use your help, we're a scholarship organization, and if you're interested in getting involved with our group, please, there's a board meeting on Tuesdays, we start to plan next year, use the QR code on the screen, or get more information off our website, "mshof.com".

A reminder to viewers at home, that you can follow the QR code on your screen if you want to be a part of our organization.

Thank you so much.

Thank you inductees, it's wonderful to hear your stories, it's been a wonderful day, and we look forward to continuing our relationship for a long, long time.

Thank you, and goodnight.

(audience applauding) - [Narrator] Production support for tonight's broadcast of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is provided by... ♪ Hey hey hey (funky upbeat music) ♪ What ya got to say (funky upbeat music) ♪ Said hey hey hey (funky upbeat music) - [Narrator 2] New Balance, we got now.

- [Narrator 3] Additional support was provided by Bangor Savings Bank, and the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation.