08/18/2025
Great memories were shared during last weekend's Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame inaugural induction ceremony.
Athletic Director Jeff Pelletier, who put in so much time in research for this project, said Saturday, "This hall of fame is not only about celebrating the accomplishments of our past, but also a way to use these legacies to help inspire current and future generations of Mountain Valley athletes."
We get to honor the very best of our athletic history from across generations, schools and sports. Today is about our proud history of athletes, coaches, teams and contributors from Rumford, Mexico and Mountain Valley high schools.
From 1970 to the present, these individuals and teams have embodied the values that we strive for within Mountain Valley Athletics' programs. Whether it was under the lights on a Friday night, on a court or wrestling mat in packed gymnasium, or on the ski slopes, each inductee has placed a vital role in shaping the fabric of our athletic community.
Today, we will proudly induct (see graphic) 15 exceptional athletes who inspire teammates and left lasting legacies within our community with their performances. Three influential coaches whose impact on our student athletes stretched far beyond the sidelines. Two unforgetable teams who helped build pride within our community and garnered attention well beyond our town lines. And one devoted contributor, who's volunteer work and commitment to our area athletes help nurture the athletic successes that our community has come to enjoy.
To me, this hall of fame is not only about celebrating the accomplishments of our past, but also a way to use these legacies to help inspire current and future generations of Mountain Valley athletes.
The existence of this Hall of Fame will stand as a reminder of what is possible with hard work and dedication, regardless of what perceived limitations come with growing up in a small rural community like ours.
The legends that we celebrate today grew up on the same streets as our current students. They were labled mill town boys and girls and we likely not given the attention from the media that is so easily garnered from athletes from other regions in our state.
They had to earn it, and they did. And because they did, the student athletes that have come after them know that is possible.
Following the Award Ceremony, there was a reception at Black Mountain of Maine for all attendees.
On Sunday, the MV Athletics Hall of Fame Golf Scramble was held at Oakdale Country Club, with all proceeds going directly to Mountain Valley Athletics.
Committee members for Mountain Valley Athletics are Jill Bartash, Joe Bedard, John Bernard, Tom Danylik, Gary Dolloff, Jeff Garneau, Matt Kaubris, Rich Kent, Craig Milledge, Ryan Palmer, Jeff Pelleter and Jeff Sterling.
