Against a backdrop of trophies and awards, the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation dedicated the Sanford High School Athletic Awards Showcase in honor of Bruce MacKinnon. “It’s an exciting day for us on behalf of the Sanford School Board, the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation, the City of Sanford and community,” said Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Sanford Public Schools, at the afternoon ceremony. On Wednesday, Sept. 4, stories of Coach MacKinnon “owned” the room, in true Coach MacKinnon style, as player after player shared their memories. “Things Bruce did built respect. When Bruce was coaching us, he commanded the room,” said John Roux, once a standout forward for Coach MacKinnon and later an insurance colleague. “He owned the room, and if you weren’t part of what he was preaching, you were out of the room very quickly. He was intense. It was tough, but it was good, and I really, really respect that.” John Dube recalled Coach’s intense style of coaching, but also the numerous things he did behind the scenes, such as sending him to basketball camps that would have been otherwise not an option for him. “He made me who I am today, he was my second dad,” said Dube, a standout forward for Sanford 1976-1980. The life skills he once taught these boys still remain with his players as men. “It took me years to realize all the lessons you were teaching us,” said former player Mark Caron. “Accountability, discipline and responsibility. So besides all of the other great (basketball) things he taught us, really those three things instilled a lot in my life.” Mr. MacKinnon came to Sanford in 1973 to teach U.S. history. He served as the boys varsity coach from 1973 to 1985, then served as Sanford High School Principal from 1985 to 1993. He also coached golf from 1978 to 1984, and retired from education in 1993 to serve as a state senator for four years. Coach MacKinnon was inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023. Sanford Rep. Anne-Marie Mastracchio, who served on the Sanford School Committee when MacKinnon retired, was on hand to offer a congressional commendation on behalf of the Maine House of Representatives and Senate. Bruce MacKinnon’s legacy will live on now over the SHS Athletic Achievement Showcase at the Partner’s Bank Gymnasium at Sanford High School.

Bruce MacKinnon Trophy Case Now Bears The Name of Legendary Sanford Coach

Sanford School Department

September 6, 2024

Against a backdrop of trophies and awards, the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation dedicated the Sanford High School Athletic Awards Showcase in honor of Bruce MacKinnon.

“It’s an exciting day for us on behalf of the Sanford School Board, the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation, the City of Sanford and community,” said Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Sanford Public Schools, at the afternoon ceremony.

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, stories of Coach MacKinnon “owned” the room, in true Coach MacKinnon style, as player after player shared their memories.

“Things Bruce did built respect. When Bruce was coaching us, he commanded the room,” said John Roux, once a standout forward for Coach MacKinnon and later an insurance colleague. “He owned the room, and if you weren’t part of what he was preaching, you were out of the room very quickly. He was intense. It was tough, but it was good, and I really, really respect that.”

John Dube recalled Coach’s intense style of coaching, but also the numerous things he did behind the scenes, such as sending him to basketball camps that would have been otherwise not an option for him.

“He made me who I am today, he was my second dad,” said Dube, a standout forward for Sanford 1976-1980. 

The life skills he once taught these boys still remain with his players as men.

“It took me years to realize all the lessons you were teaching us,” said former player Mark Caron. “Accountability, discipline and responsibility. So besides all of the other great (basketball) things he taught us, really those three things instilled a lot in my life.”

Mr. MacKinnon came to Sanford in 1973 to teach U.S. history. He served as the boys varsity coach from 1973 to 1985, then served as Sanford High School Principal from 1985 to 1993. He also coached golf from 1978 to 1984, and retired from education in 1993 to serve as a state senator for four years. Coach MacKinnon was inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.

Sanford Rep. Anne-Marie Mastracchio, who served on the Sanford School Committee when MacKinnon retired, was on hand to offer a congressional commendation on behalf of the Maine House of Representatives and Senate.

Bruce MacKinnon’s legacy will live on now over the SHS Athletic Achievement Showcase at the Partner’s Bank Gymnasium at Sanford High School.