Sanford High School celebrated its athletic legacy on Saturday, November 30th, with the inaugural Athletes Hall of Honor induction ceremony in the Performing Arts Center. In a ceremony that spanned generations of athletic excellence, nine alumni were inducted, representing excellence across multiple decades. The inaugural class includes Paul Belanger (1977) and Kevin Bougie (2000), both Campbell Cup winners who excelled in football, basketball, and baseball before successful college careers. John Caramihalis (1949), the founder of Maine wrestling, and his son Michael (1980), the state’s first undefeated four-time state champion, were honored for their contributions to wrestling. John Cochin (1955), recognized for both his athletic career and 48-year teaching legacy, and Roland Cote (1961), who amassed over 600 coaching wins, were inducted for their lasting impact on Sanford athletics. Tony Matoin (1979), the Fitzpatrick Trophy winner and state championship sprinter, and Nicholas Scaccia (1967), who led Sanford to its only boys’ Class A State Championship basketball game appearance were celebrated for their achievements. Jennifer Roberts Zarkoskie (2010) rounded out the class. Zarkoskie was honored for her acclaimed swimming career and both the high school and collegiate levels. “Saturday was an amazing opportunity to highlight our community and athletics department,” SHS Athletic Director Zach Lemelin said. “It was amazing to see our inductees and their families along with coaches and supporters fill the PAC.” The ceremony featured the unveiling of a permanent Hall of Honor board displaying the names of the 2024 inductees, a fitting tribute to their lasting impact on Sanford athletics. The event space was thoughtfully decorated with memorabilia, including historic championship banners and an impressive display of trophies and awards highlighting Sanford's storied athletic history. The ceremony marks the beginning of a new tradition that Lemelin hopes will become a favorite of Sanford Athletic Supporters for years to come.

Nine Athletes Inducted into Sanford High School's Inaugural Hall of Honor

Sanford School Department

December 2, 2024

Sanford High School celebrated its athletic legacy on Saturday, November 30th, with the inaugural Athletes Hall of Honor induction ceremony in the Performing Arts Center.

In a ceremony that spanned generations of athletic excellence, nine alumni were inducted, representing excellence across multiple decades.  The inaugural class includes Paul Belanger (1977) and Kevin Bougie (2000), both Campbell Cup winners who excelled in football, basketball, and baseball before successful college careers. 

John Caramihalis (1949), the founder of Maine wrestling, and his nephew Michael (1980), the state’s first undefeated four-time state champion, were honored for their contributions to wrestling.

John Cochin (1955), recognized for both his athletic career and 48-year teaching legacy, and Roland Cote (1961), who amassed over 600 coaching wins, were inducted for their lasting impact on Sanford athletics. 

Tony Matoin (1979), the Fitzpatrick Trophy winner and state championship sprinter, and Nicholas Scaccia (1967), who led Sanford to its only boys’ Class A State Championship basketball game appearance were celebrated for their achievements. 

Jennifer Roberts Zarkoskie (2010) rounded out the class. Zarkoskie was honored for her acclaimed swimming career and both the high school and collegiate levels.

“Saturday was an amazing opportunity to highlight our community and athletics department,” SHS Athletic Director Zach Lemelin said. “It was amazing to see our inductees and their families along with coaches and supporters fill the PAC.”

The ceremony featured the unveiling of a permanent Hall of Honor board displaying the names of the 2024 inductees, a fitting tribute to their lasting impact on Sanford athletics. 

The event space was thoughtfully decorated with memorabilia, including historic championship banners and an impressive display of trophies and awards highlighting Sanford's storied athletic history.

The ceremony marks the beginning of a new tradition that Lemelin hopes will become a favorite of Sanford Athletic Supporters for years to come.