Janet Kalman, widow of Keith Kalman, Brenna Gardner, granddaughter of Teddy Gardner, Andy Adams, Kelly Nobert LaFountain and Kristy Peters Richards
Photo: Pam Winsor
By Kendra Williams
Sanford High School Athletics hosted its second Athletic Hall of Honor induction ceremony on November 29 at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, welcoming five new members into the growing program. Athletic Director Zach Lemelin said the Hall recognizes individuals whose athletic excellence and personal character have shaped Sanford. “This group had a tremendous impact on the community when they were high school students and continued to make a lasting impact long after graduation,” he said.
Keynote speaker David Woodsome helped set the tone with a reflection on the pivotal acts of kindness that shaped his own life as a young athlete. Coaches encouraged him into football, families made sure he had rides home, and community members helped him get contact lenses so he could fully participate. He urged the audience to “be grateful, pay it back and pass it on,” reminding them that “each one of you can reach out to someone who hasn’t yet had that chance.”
The ceremony unfolded through heartfelt stories as presenters honored each inductee for both achievement and character. Don Campbell’s tribute to his lifelong friend, Keith Kalman, was among the many examples. “His achievements in life and who he was as a person were all taught in a school of athletics,” Campbell said. “His strength, his unselfishness, his loyalty—those were the qualities that made Keith an exceptional athlete and an even better person.”
Throughout the afternoon, presenters and inductees shared memories that highlighted the personal qualities behind the statistics—competitiveness, humility, leadership, and community pride. Loved ones accepted honors on behalf of two inductees who had passed away. Teddy Gardner’s granddaughter, Brenna Gardner, spoke about what the recognition meant to his family, while Janet Kalman offered heartfelt reflections on her husband Keith’s lasting impact as a teacher, coach, and mentor.
The three inductees who were present, Andy Adams, Kelly Nobert LaFountain and Kristy Parent Richards, shared their own reflections and anecdotes. They expressed gratitude for the coaches who challenged them, the teammates who supported them, and the families who made their success possible. Their remarks, combined with the tributes delivered on behalf of Gardner and Kalman, blended humor and nostalgia and appreciation. LaFountain closed her remarks with advice to today’s student-athletes: “Never give up on your dreams, embrace the hard work, and cherish every moment. The memories you make with your teammates will last a lifetime.”
Following the ceremony, guests gathered at the Hall of Honor display in the athletic wing to celebrate this year’s inductees and reflect on the legacy they leave behind.
2025 Hall of Honor Inductees
Teddy Gardner, Class of 1957
Teddy Gardner is remembered as one of Sanford High School’s greatest multi-sport athletes, earning 14 varsity letters across four sports. A standout quarterback, he was twice named All-State, earned Honorable Mention All-American honors, and set a Maine single season scoring record while leading Sanford to the 1956 state football championship. He also became Sanford’s all-time basketball scoring leader and earned two All-Telegram League selections in baseball. Gardner went on to play football, baseball, and golf at Bowdoin College before beginning a 25-year teaching and coaching career at Biddeford High School. He was inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.
Keith Kalman, Class of 1964
Keith Kalman excelled in football, wrestling, and track at Sanford High School and received the Campbell Cup as the top male student-athlete of his class. He earned All-State honors in football and helped guide Sanford wrestling to three straight state championships, winning individual titles in 1963 and 1964. That same year, he captured the New England Wrestling Championship at 165 pounds, helping Sanford become the first Maine team to place. Kalman continued his football career at the University of Maine, serving as a senior co-captain and competing in the 1965 Tangerine Bowl. He later returned to Sanford to teach and coach, winning multiple state wrestling titles.
Andy Adams, Class of 1978
Andy Adams was one of Sanford’s top pitchers, going 7–0 as a freshman and helping lead the 1974 Babe Ruth team to a state title. As a senior, he posted an 8–3 record with a 1.86 ERA before winning three playoff games in one week to secure Sanford’s 1978 Class A state championship. At the University of New Hampshire, Adams earned All-New England honors and finished second on the school’s all-time wins list. He later played in the Cape Cod League and was signed by the Chicago Cubs, compiling a 5–2 record with a 2.06 ERA. Adams remains active in the Sanford community as a youth coach.
Kelly (Nobert) LaFountain, Class of 1984
Kelly (Nobert) LaFountain was a three-sport standout at Sanford High School and recipient of the Tribune Cup for top female student-athlete. A field hockey, basketball, and softball star, she earned multiple All-SMAA honors and averaged a double-double during her junior and senior basketball seasons, surpassing 500 career points. LaFountain became the first SHS female athlete to earn a Division I basketball scholarship, playing four years at the University of Maine and serving as captain her final two seasons. She continues to excel competitively, winning a silver medal at the 2022 National Senior Games and a gold medal in 2023.
Kristy (Parent) Richards, Class of 1994
Kristy (Parent) Richards was a standout three-sport athlete at Sanford High School, excelling in soccer, basketball, and softball. She continued her basketball career at the University of Maine at Farmington, competing in the national tournament. After earning her education degree, she returned to Sanford to teach and coach, leading the Girls Varsity Basketball team for 17 seasons. Under her leadership, Sanford won the 2005–06 SMAA, Western Maine, and Class A state championships, and she was named Coach of the Year in 2006. Richards developed numerous all-conference players and Miss Maine Basketball honorees and remains active in youth coaching. She’s currently the Assistant Principal at Sanford’s Carl J Lamb Elementary School.
The post Five Join Sanford’s Athletic Hall of Honor appeared first on Sanford Springvale News.
