Hall of Honor - Class of 2015
3rd Annual Induction Ceremony held on Friday, February 4, 2016
Inductees: Dr. James Aguiar, Sarah Conroy, Maria Curit, Richard “Dick” Dion, Joey Drapeau, Gary Dube, Richard “Dick” Dutremble, Rene Fredette, Kelly Foss, Kerry Foss, Stacey Gelinas, Bill Harriman, Penny Labbe, Jeff Tardif, Paul Twomey and Don Wilson.
Dr. James Aguiar, a 1965 graduate of Biddeford High School, played all four years on the football and wrestling teams. He was a two-time state wrestling champ at 165 pounds and the school’s first All-State football player. Jim attended Boston University on a football scholarship. He also helped start a wrestling program at BU. He earned his Master’s Degree at the University of Oregon and coached football.
In 1974, Jim was hired as an assistant professor of health education, assistant football coach, and head wrestling coach at Plymouth State. He became head football coach in 1981. In 1986, Jim earned his doctorate in education from Boston University. In 1987, he went on to teach and coach wrestling at Moorhead State University (MN). In 1988, he taught at Ithaca College. In 2005, he was elected to the State House of Representatives in New Hampshire.
Jim returned to Plymouth State as an assistant wrestling coach. Recently, he was inducted into the Maine Hall of Fame, the New England Wrestling Hall of Fame, and won the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In honor of his longstanding contributions, Plymouth State established the annual “Jim Aguiar Wrestling Tournament”.
Sarah Conroy, A 2002 graduate of Biddeford High School, was a 3-sport standout athlete participating in field hockey, basketball, and softball. In her senior year At Biddeford High School Sarah was named to the Maine McDonald’s Academic All-State Basketball Team as well as the All-State Field Hockey team. In her softball-pitching career she recorded 500 strikeouts and compiled an ERA under 1.00. In 2002, Sarah was the recipient of the Brother Richard Hebert Award, presented to the top graduating female athlete. After graduating Magna Cum Laude and sixth in her class of 180, Sarah enrolled at Tufts University where she pitched for the Jumbos’ softball team for 4 years and was named captain as a senior. She was named to the NESCAC All-Academic team in both her junior and senior years and finished her college career with a 24 and 8 record and ERA of 2.69. In her junior year, Sarah was the recipient of the Tufts University Frederick Melvin Ellis Prize. This award is given to students who have “demonstrated marked athletic versatility, a modest manner, successful academic achievement and the potential for effective leadership of youth”.
Sarah graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2006 and remained to finish her Master’s Degree in Education in 2008. She currently teaches and coaches in Brookline, MA.
Richard “Dick” Dion graduated from St. Louis High School in 1962 and attended Bowling Green State University. Dick played a leadership role both on and off the fields. He served as Class President his senior year. He was a three-year starter in both football and baseball. As a football player he was a linebacker, tackle, and place kicker. In his senior year, Dick was selected captain of the football team and helped to lead the 1961 Eagles to an undefeated season and Class A State Championship by defeating Deering High School. According to the Maine Sunday Telegram, he was selected to the Class A All-State Team. Dick was an outstanding baseball player throughout his high school career earning him All Star status. As a third baseman and catcher, he was the Portland Telegram League Batting Champion in 1961. With numbers that hadn’t been seen in 15 years prior, Dick was known for his timely extra base hitting, while recording an impressive .482 batting average. Dick has been committed to Biddeford Athletics through his involvement as a member of the St. Louis Alumni, who annually award Biddeford High School seniors with college scholarships. He spent many hours volunteering as a member of the Biddeford Athletic Association. Dick served on the committee that secured funding and placement of lights at the Waterhouse Field. He was very active in his two children’s athletic careers at Biddeford High School and continues to be a fan of Biddeford athletics by cheering on his grandchildren.
Joey Drapeau was a 1998 graduate of Biddeford High School. While at Biddeford High School, Joey lettered in 4 varsity sports (football, baseball, hockey, and track). On the football field, he was a 3-year starter on offense and defense. He was selected as an All-Conference and All-State running back in his junior and senior seasons. He lead the SMAA in scoring his senior year, was a Fitzpatrick Trophy Semi-Finalist, and a Lobster Bowl starter. On the baseball diamond, Joey was a 3-year starter. He was the catcher as a sophomore for the 1996 Western Maine Championship team. As a senior, he was selected as an All-Conference and All-State third baseman. He was also a USA Today All-American. Joey was selected team MVP for football and baseball as a senior and received the BHS Steven White Award in 1998. After high school, Joey accepted a baseball scholarship to play at the University of Maine. While at Orono, he was a 3-time Baseball America Magazine Division 1 All-American. Joey was selected 4 times to the All-New England and All-America East Conference teams and was the America East Conference Rookie of the Year in 2000. He finished 2nd on the UMaine career homeruns list with 50 and holds the freshman single season record with 16 HR’s. Joey was honored as the University’s M Club winner for best career athlete in 2003. He had the opportunity to play at Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium during his college career.
Gary Dube was a 1984 graduate of Biddeford High School where he graduated 25th in a graduating class of 325. He was surrounded by the region’s best athletes and received legendary coaching from Mike Landry, Ron Cote, and Dr. John Winkin at the University of Maine, Orono. His teams won championships throughout his school career. In his senior year, the Tiger teams won both the 1983 Class A Football State Championship and the 1984 Class A Baseball State Championship. Gary had a touchdown reception and 2 pass interceptions in the State Champion football game and had 2 base hits, took 2 walks, stole 2 bases, and scored 3 runs in the State Championship baseball game. Gary was named a First Team All-State Running Back in football and recipient of baseball’s Fred Harlow Award. Gary went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1988 from the University of Maine at Orono. He lettered 4 years at UMaine, a national Top 20 baseball program, and Black Bear games were featured on ESPN several times including the game where Gary had the game winning hit in the 10th inning to beat the University of Miami – the #1 ranked team in the country at the time. He was also the pivot man at 2nd base on an around-the-horn triple play, which was Maine’s first ever triple play. Gary played in the 1986 Division 1 College Baseball World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. He played baseball until age 36 in the Portland Twilight Baseball League where he was a League MVP; playing in 450 games and 12 championships over 15 seasons. Gary Dube was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.
Richard “Dick” Dutremble was a 1950 graduate of St. Louis High School where he was a 3-season standout athlete (football, baseball, basketball) from 1946-1950. Dick led the Telegram League in hitting two consecutive years (in 1949 with an average of .431 and in 1950 at .428), while playing shortstop for St. Louis High School. He still holds this record today. Dick also led the Telegram League in total bases those years, hitting the ball to all fields. After high school, he played for the Portland Press Herald Braves and Portland Pilots, where he switched to the 3rd base position. Dick served his country as a member of the U.S. Army in the 1950’s. After owning Dutremble Brothers Market with his brother for several years. Dick began his law enforcement career by being elected 8 times as York County Sheriff from 1962-1977, at which point he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter as the U.S. Marshall for the State of Maine, where he served until 1981. He then served as the Civil Emergency Preparedness Director for 8 years before becoming a Biddeford Police Officer before retiring in 1992. Dick was a talented athlete who gave back to his community, county, state and country as an athlete, law enforcement officer, and coach of his son’s East Biddeford Little League teams and other community organizations. He was a respected leader in the community and willingly gave back in many capacities.
Kelly (Foss) Root was a 1992 graduate of Biddeford High School. While at BHS, she participated in Field Hockey, Basketball, and Softball. Kelly is the co-recipient of the Brother Hebert Award (shared with twin sister Kerry) for excellence in athletics throughout her high school career. Kelly was part of Biddeford’s one and only State Championship team in field hockey and was an All-Conference and All-State player. She was selected to the Field Hockey SMAA All-State 1st Team in 1990 & 1991. She currently holds the record for most career varsity field hockey goals at BHS. Kelly helped to bring the Tiger Basketball Team to three play-off appearances in 3 years, was Captain, led the team in assists her senior year, and was named Team’s Offensive MVP. In softball, Kelly again helped bring Biddeford to four play-off appearances, and was Captain. Kelly attended Plymouth State College playing both field hockey and basketball. She is the #10 all-time leading field hockey scorer, and played four years while starting 71 consecutive games. Kelly was named to the ECAC All-Star team in 1994 & 1995 and was awarded the 1995 Athlete Award; in recognition of Achievement in Intercollegiate Athletics & Outstanding performance in the sport of Field Hockey. Beyond college, Kelly has pursued a career in Business, and is currently a Financial Advisor for Measured Wealth a partner of People’s Choice.
Rene Fredette was a 1947 graduate of Biddeford High School. He was a standout 4-sport athlete playing football, baseball, basketball and hockey. Some of his high school highlights included hitting for the cycle in baseball for BHS and making 48 saves in a Biddeford Cyclone Hockey Club game against the Westbrook Crusaders. Rene’s coach said, “Fredette may yet become one of the greatest goalies this city has ever seen.” Upon his graduation Rene attended Rhode Island College on a football scholarship.
In 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served until 1956. He worked at Raython in Andover, MA. From there, he worked at Goddard Flight Center (NASA). In 1979, Rene retired. He returned to Biddeford to work as a housing rehabilitation specialist. He became a tireless volunteer helping to build dugouts at the St. Louis and Doyon fields; worked concession stands; helped repair the grounds of playing fields; worked with high school students on the Press Box (his favorite project), helped erect the bleachers (which were named for Rene & Red), and cleaned bricks on the ticket booth at Waterhouse Field. In October 1999, Rene received the major Rotary Award for the Private Sector for 20 years dedicated volunteer work for Biddeford, the last 10 years at Waterhouse Field. Rene served as board member on Biddeford Housing, on the Waterhouse lighting committee, and the Parks & Recreation committee. Rene Fredette, a very humble man, will be remembered for his outstanding athletic ability and his tireless heartfelt efforts and dedicated service to the improvements and maintenance of Waterhouse Field and the City of Biddeford.
Maria Curit was a 2011 graduate of Biddeford High School, where she graduated 6th in her class. During her four years of running indoor and outdoor track, she captured eight individual state championships in the long jump, 200 and 400 meter races. Maria still holds the Class A outdoor long jump record as well as a host of individual Biddeford High School records. In her 2010-2011 indoor track season Maria was honored with the Angie Abramson Award given annually to the Southwestern Maine Activities Association’s most outstanding competitor. She was also Biddeford High School’s SMAA Athlete of the Year given to each of the school’s top performers. Maria went on to a stellar career at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. She was a four time Division II All-American in the 800 meters and 4×400 meter relay. Maria currently holds 14 Stonehill indoor and outdoor track records, ranging from the 100 to 800 meters, the long jump and relays, which is a testament to her versatility in the sport of track and field. Maria was the recipient of the Fr. William Grantland CSC Outstanding Athlete Award given annually to Stonehill’s most outstanding female athlete during their senior year. Maria has also run the second fastest 800 meters in New England’s history and has the tenth fastest time ever recorded in indoor track NCAA Division II history. Maria is currently working for Ameri-Corps in West Palm Beach, Florida, helping high school students to get college ready. She will move on to graduate school with the intention of becoming a physical therapist.
Stacey (Gelinas) Russo was a 1998 graduate of Biddeford High School where she was a standout three-sport athlete playing basketball, softball, and soccer. A four-year varsity player she helped lead the basketball team to 4 consecutive playoff semi-final appearances. Stacey garnered All-State honors all four years averaging 17.1 points per game on her to way to scoring 1,177 career points; 4th all-time in Biddeford High School schoolgirl basketball. She was named the team MVP twice and was captain for the 1998 season. She was also named to the McDonald’s All-Star team her senior year. In Softball Stacey was a three-year starter and was named to the SMAA All-Star team for her steller play as the team’s shortstop. Stacey also played goalie for the first ever girls varsity soccer team in 1997 and was named to the All-Conference team her senior year. Overall, Stacey was recognized by her coaches for her athleticism, skill, and tenacity.
After being heavily recruited, Stacey played basketball at St. Joseph’s College from 1998-2002 where she was a four year starter scoring 1,475 career point; 5th all-time in the school’s history. She helped lead her team to three conference championships and two national tournament appearances. Stacey was a four time Conference All-Star and was twice named Maine Women’s College Basketball Player of the Year. Stacey was named team captain for the 2002 season and was voted to the Kodak All-American Team her senior year. In 2011 she was inducted into the St. Joseph’s College Hall of Fame.
Penny Labbe is a 1978 graduate of Biddeford High School. While at BHS, she played basketball and softball for 4 years, and captained both teams. In her senior year, she played field hockey and was the goalie. Penny was selected to the McDonald’s All Star Team at the Boys/Girls Club in Portland during her senior year. She was also selected as the Best Defensive Player. After graduation, Penny joined the workforce. She didn’t intend to go to college, however; in the fall of 1979, she was approached by Nasson College in Springvale, Maine to try out for their basketball team. After a successful tryout, Nasson College offered Penny a full scholarship. She asked the college how they heard of her. Nasson College replied, “Through Roland Cote, the girls’ basketball coach in Sanford, Maine. Mr. Cote told them that Penny would be a great addition to the college.” Penny also played softball and eventually became captain in both sports. Penny graduated from Nasson College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Services. Once out of college, Penny coached in the Biddeford Catholic Schools for 10 years in both basketball and softball. She continued to play in summer leagues.
Jeffrey Tardif was a 1991 graduate of Biddeford High School. He was a standout three-sport athlete (football, basketball, baseball) among a class of standout athletes. The Class of 1991 saw many championships and Jeff’s efforts helped lead them to a 1990 Class A State Football Championship – Jeff’s interception in that game clinched the win. He was a key contributor in one of the most exciting Class A State Basketball Championship tournaments on record at BHS, making it all the way to the State games in 1991.
There are few coaches, teachers or fellow athletes that would not agree that Jeff led quietly and with few words, but always represented what Tiger Pride was/is all about – resiliency, hard work, and integrity. In 1991, he was named 2nd team All-Conference basketball team, McDonald’s All Star Team and received the George Vinall Award for basketball, the only BHS basketball player to ever win the award. That same year, he was awarded the Steve White Award for his athletics, presented to the top male athlete in the graduating class. Jeff continues to support the Tiger community and has participated in many alumni basketball games whenever asked. He has been asked, on occasion, to pitch to the Biddeford little leaguers, an organization near and dear to his heart. Jeff was a standout little leaguer as well! While Jeff chose a career that led him down a path in the trades, he applies the same exemplary work ethic for his employer over the last twenty years. He is a true leader and the first to tell you that much of his success can be tied back first to his parents, but always his experiences at BHS.
Bill Harriman was a 1966 graduate of Biddeford High School where he lettered in cross-country, track and field, baseball and basketball. Bill’s love, however, was in basketball where he was a four-year varsity player averaging 15 points and 12 rebounds in his career. Upon graduation Bill attended Nasson College on a full basketball scholarship. He was a four-year varsity starter where he never missed a game or practice. Bill is one of two players in Nasson’s history to score over 1000 points and have 1000 rebounds in his career. His senior year he averaged 17 points a game and 16 rebounds. Bill earned numerous accolades in his four year career and was the team’s MVP his senior year.
In 1973 Bill became a teacher at Biddeford High School where he has taught Special Education and coached for the past 42 years. Bill’s coaching career at BHS includes numerous state championships and other accolades. Bill was the girl’s cross country coach from 1978-1984. In that time the team won the Western Maine Championship on 4 different occasions and captured a State Championship in 1982. Bill was also the girl’s track and field coach from 1978-2005. During his 27 year reign he captured 7 Western Maine Conferences and 5 State Championships; the team also compiled 212 consecutive victories between 1980-1984. Bill also served as the girl’s varsity basketball coach between 1978-2004 with several tournament appearances. Despite his incredible coaching accomplishments Bill is most proud of the work he has done at BHS as a special education teacher, and it is worth noting that Bill has also served in the role of Special Olympics coach since 1973.
Paul Twomey is a 1964 graduate of Biddeford High School where he was a standout three sport athlete. Over the course of his athletic career Paul reached varsity status 10 times (4 in baseball, 3 in basketball, and 3 in football). His senior year he was named captain in all three sports. A tremendous Quarterback, Paul was instrumental in leading the Biddeford Tigers back to Class A football. As a senior he was named the York County Class A Player of the Year and the Steve White Award recipient, presented to the top male athlete in his graduating class. After graduating, he attended Springfield College in Springfield, MA. While there he played basketball his sophomore and junior years. Paul was drafted into the U.S. Army right after college and served his country from 1969-1971. While fighting in the Vietnam War Paul earned many accolades for his service and bravery. Upon his return to Biddeford in 1972 Paul became very involved in the community. He developed numerous recreational programs while employed by the Parks and Recreation Department; many are still in existence today. Paul also became a physical education teacher and developed the first curriculum for kindergarten in the Biddeford School District. As an educator Paul coached football, basketball and baseball under the likes of Mike Landry, Ron Cote and Jim Maguire. Upon his retirement in 1982 Paul went on to work for the United States Postal Service.
Don Wilson, a 1965 graduate of St. Louis High School, participated in football and basketball. Don graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 1970 and received his Master’s Degree in educational administration from the University of Southern Maine in 1991. Don worked at Biddeford High School as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and athletic director from 1970 to 2006. He served as Athletic Director for twenty-three years. As the school’s athletic director one of Don’s greatest contributions was expanding the athletic offerings to student athletes. In his 23 years he added 6 varsity programs and several sub-varsity offerings. Don was instrumental in the development of Waterhouse Field. He was the co-chairman of the Waterhouse Field Lighting Committee, which allowed the return of night football in 1985, and played a major role in the installation of bleachers in 1985 and 1999. Don was also instrumental in bringing the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl game to Waterhouse field and was honored by the Lobster Bowl Classic Board of Directors following the 15th anniversary at Waterhouse field. During his career as Athletic Administrator, Don became renown throughout the State of Maine for his many contributions, serving on multiple boards including President of the MIAAA. In 2004 Don was awarded the Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrator of the year award, and in 2006 he received the national Citation Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to Interscholastic Athletics from the National Federation of High Schools in Anaheim, California. “Don Wilson is what Tradition and Tiger Pride is all about” said the late legendary football coach and Hall of Honor inductee Mike Landry.
Kerry (Foss) Mariello is a 1992 Graduate of Biddeford High School. She was a 3 sport standout in field hockey, basketball and softball. Kerry’s legacy includes helping Biddeford win a first state championship, multiple playoff appearances and several winning seasons. Her contributions resulted in her and her twin sister winning the Brother Richard Hebert award in 1992; given to the top female athlete in her graduation class In 1990 Kerry was a key member of Biddeford High School’s only field hockey State championship season, and in 1992 she helped the Tigers reach the Western Maine Championship in girls’ basketball. Kerry was an All-State and All-Conference player as well as team captain in field hockey, basketball and softball her senior year. In 1992 Kerry was the Southwestern Maine Activities Association’s batting champion with a .444 batting average and the team’s MVP. After graduation, Kerry went on to Plymouth State College where she participated in field hockey and basketball. She was a four-year starter in field hockey. She helped the Panthers receive 2 NCAA bids and 2 ECAC Championships, and in basketball helped bring Plymouth State College to the Little East Conference finals. She received the Panther Award for recognition of Achievement in Intercollegiate Athletics & Outstanding performance in the sport of Field Hockey.
After graduation Kerry has gone on to teach and coach field hockey at Scarborough High School for the past 14 years. She currently has a career record of 164-45-6. She has 7 SMAA Conference Championships, 5 Western Maine Titles, and 2 State Championships.
