A large room enclosed by tall windows and filled with tables precisely set with sparkling silverware and dishes, provided a rather charming atmosphere for the Husky Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Master of ceremonies Albert D. Bean, Jr., director of athletics, member of the Husky Hall of Fame, and part of the selection committee for Hall of Fame inductees was one of the few people present in the room, awaiting the show.
Across the open room Bean stood behind a podium, adjusting the microphone and fixing his tie, smiling while conversing with a couple of other gentlemen in suits. Photographers set up their equipment, adjusting for proper lighting, speaking in photographers’ jargon. A buffet was laid out.
There was a pervasive feeling of anticipation. The banquet was purposefully elegant, ready to honor the former athletes and heroes of USM. It was a last hurrah of sorts, commemorating the significant careers of a few athletes.
Players are inducted into the hall of fame after the deliberation of a sub-committee narrows the number of candidates from 30 to 10. The final committee is a group of 10 staff members, alumni and former coaches that have been involved with USM athletics for a number of years. They decide on five to seven candidates to be inducted each year.
“We look at the players’ careers as a whole,” said Bean. “Statistics play a small part. A player’s leadership ability and character recommendations from former coaches are important. Their career commitment to the sport and a continuation after graduation also play a role when considering selection.”
Five years after players graduate they become eligible candidates. The committee has to be fair and allow for the entrance of players from decades past, while still acknowledging the standout athletes of only five-years ago.
“It is more difficult every year,” said Bean of the task to select players for induction into the hall.
The players shuffled into the room before dinner to line up for photos and were given their trophies for the first time. They shifted the hardware in their hands and looked upon the engravings with the trophies close to their faces.
Don Atkinson graduated in 1969 after receiving the MVP in 67. He has been actively involved in promoting tennis for youth in the state of Maine. After college, Atkinson coached for Deering High School, helped to form the Maine Tennis Association in the early 70s and directed youth tournaments.
Robbie Chadwick graduated in 91. Playing defense for the hockey team, he was a captain, once MVP, and received the William B. Wise scholar-athlete award.
Allison Gagnon-Gay graduated in 95 as one of the best point guards in USM history. During her play the team had an outstanding record of 74-15, while advancing successfully into the NCAA tournament each season.
Keith Morang graduated in 87. Morang played baseball at the outset of a 15-year streak of NCAA tournament berths. Batting .333 for his career and belting 23 homeruns were among his impressive statistics as a USM outfielder.
Katariina Pulkkinen graduated in 93. Her basketball skills helped the Husky team on to three Little East Conference championships and four years in the NCAA tournament. As a forward her career statistics have her placed in the top ten in eight categories.
All players stood out in their time and will now be part of the 107-member Husky Hall of Fame.
After photos they moved back into the lobby area where their fans and families gathered in celebration. These were the people involved with the excitement and action of the new Hall of Fame members’ exciting careers.
Few athletes can claim to have played college athletics. Fewer still are honored for their careers as college athletes with an induction into their university’s hall of fame. The award is something of a marker to be placed at the summit of a spectacular career.