Sanford students recently had the meaningful opportunity to participate in honoring Brian Flanagan, a beloved man whose legacy continues to shape the lives of countless students today.
Brian, who passed away in 2019, dedicated 21 years to Sanford schools as a teacher, coach and assistant principal at Sanford High School.Whether on the track or in the classroom, he was known for the relationships he built with students and his commitment to expanding opportunities for Sanford athletes.
Brian was instrumental in expanding the track and cross country programs at Sanford High, coaching the first women's cross country team and leading out the development of a new asphalt track at Cobb Stadium, the old SHS stomping grounds.
Now, to honor what Brian poured into his students, the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation has partnered with current Sanford students to create the Brian Flanagan Memorial Bridge, a project which provides a safer course for today’s SHS cross country runners by allowing them to stay on the school’s cross-country course rather than travel along a public road.
Students in the Building Trades program at Sanford Regional Technical Center built both the bridge and the sign memorializing Brian. From drafting to construction, students left their mark on this project, with even their signatures etched onto the back of Brian’s sign. Through this meaningful tribute, students were able to learn more about Brian’s legacy and pay homage to someone who gave so much to their school community.
Photo: The students involved with the build include Jack Archie, Jackson Barden, Mason Carter, Noah Crosby, Will Cyr, Brady Godin, Charles Goldberg, Nathan Gray, Issac Mann, William Morin, Jase Pata, Elizabeth Randall, Gavin Richardson, and Logan Sevigny.
The build was overseen by Troy Hathaway, a Sanford native who graduated from this very program in 1992 and has been teaching the program since 2000. Leading this project held special meaning for Troy, as he remembered Brian as the Assistant Principal during his time at SHS. “He was a great guy,” Troy commented, adding that he was glad the community could come together to honor Brian in this way.
The completed bridge was commemorated on Thursday, September 17, as the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation gathered Brian's family, friends, former students and athletes, and other donors and community members for a dedication ceremony. Brian’s wife, Marlene, and their children and grandchildren also attended.
Photo: Brian's family and former athletes
The current SHS boys and girls cross country teams attended the ceremony in uniform, as well as Sanford’s first women's cross country team which Brian had coached. Legacy Foundation President Lydia Lehoux welcomed attendees before Superintendent Matt Nelson, Brian’s former colleague John Faulkner, and Brian’s former student and athlete Tony Matoin recounted stories and memories of Bryan and the profound impact he had on their lives.
The Brian Flanagan Memorial Bridge represents more than a tribute. It commemorates a passing of the baton: from a coach who helped shape the path for Sanford athletes to the students and community members carrying forth that work today. Built by Sanford students, the bridge will serve generations of Sanford students to come - carrying Brian’s legacy forward along the very course he helped to shape.