By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

If there has been one constant for the past 50 years when one talks about Lake Region sports it is Coach Art Kilborn.

He has walked the sidelines and playing green, teaching skills and values to student-athletes in the hope of them being the best version of themselves.

Twenty years ago, Coach K was asked to take over the varsity golf program. Of course, he said ‘yes.’ This fall was his last.

“I’ve been here a long time, some say too long. I’ve made the decision this is it for me. I am very glad I’ve had this opportunity...I helped get this building erected and I hope I helped it continue on,” he told a packed house last Thursday at the annual Just Desserts Awards Night. “I retired from education many years ago, and now I am retiring from sports and as a coach. I have many, many fond memories, and a lot of them have to do with you. Your parents. Your grandparents. I have seen them grow up... I enjoyed it (coaching).”

Coach K presented two golf awards — the Varsity Club Award and the Rick Worthley Memorial Award — to his #1 player, Evan Duprey.

Later in the evening, Coach K had his moment in the spotlight.   

“There is no question in my mind that no other single individual, since the doors at this institution opened, has touched and influenced more lives than the gentleman I am about to recognize,” Lake Region Athletic Director Paul True said as he welcomed Coach Kilborn and his wife, Elaine, to the stage for a Special Recognition.

The Kilborns, who were married on Aug. 12, 1963, were joined by their five children — Kim, David, Karen, Kristy and Todd. They have 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

True presented a “quick bio” of Coach K’s legacy:

• He began coaching Little League in 1958 while a student at the University of Maine at Orono, where he played football and baseball.

• In 1961, he taught Mathematics at Bridgton High School and began coaching varsity football and basketball.

• In 1969 when the doors opened at Lake Region High School, he coached varsity football, JV basketball and varsity golf. He was golf coach from 2003 to 2022 — this fall being his last tour.

• He became assistant principal and athletic director from 1984-1991.

• He has been with SAD 61 for 61 years.

True then invited Coach Kilborn to unveil a sign that will be placed on the press box overlooking the game stadium that has been named after him — the Arthur Kilborn Athletic Complex.

“Coach, we thank you, Elaine and your entire family for six decades of dedicated service to our school system,” True said. “We salute you! Congratulations and enjoy some family time.”

Awards and honors presented at Just Desserts included:

Sonja Flanagin Award (Female Athlete of the Year) — Melissa Mayo. “This young lady possesses outstanding athletic ability and above average leadership skills. She has utilized her talents as a three-sport athlete, and is involved in several school organizations. She is the ultimate example of the definition of student-athlete and role model. She is always excited about her teammates’ successes. That is leadership. She is a tireless worker, both in the classroom and the sports that she plays. If anyone is wondering how she became a tremendous three-sport athlete, well let me clear it up for you — she attended everything, showed up every day and was relentless with her effort, and is one of the most coachable athletes that I have ever witnessed,” — AD Paul True. Melissa will be attending the University of Maine at Farmington, where she will play basketball and softball.

Sonja Flanagin Kenniston was a 1971 LRHS graduate who participated in field hockey, basketball, softball and track. She was never a star, captain or high scorer, but she was always first to practice, last to leave, and always helped taking care of the equipment. She was always the loudest cheering for all of her teammates. She was a key individual through her leadership skills, bridging the community rivalries into a positive atmosphere. She was the first true “Laker.” After graduation, Sonja returned to Lake Region and did photography for classes and sports teams. Sonja was killed in an automobile accident in the mid 1970s.

Steve Gammon Award (Male Athlete of the Year) — Jacob Chadbourne. “This young man is an outstanding three-sport athlete. Although quiet, he is a tireless worker who possesses a fierce competitive nature. This past year, whether out on the field, the hardwood or the diamond, he was simply one of the best athletes in our entire conference in all three sports. I love how hard he competes and he really has no idea how many young student-athletes that he has had an impact on. This young man has been a pleasure to watch compete and he is an amazing athlete!” — AD Paul True. Jacob will be attending Plymouth State College and is hoping to play either basketball or baseball.

Steve Gammon was an exceptional scholar-athlete and a member of the Class of 1972. He was a two-sport athlete, competing in football and basketball. Steve was tragically killed. This award is given in his honor for his dedication and love for the game.

Sportsmanship Award — Emily Rock. “This young lady is a three-sport athlete. And when I say standout, I mean she really separates herself from her peers in several different ways. She is talented, committed, possesses leadership qualities, always steps up when needed, and is frequently heard cheering loudly for her team or other Laker teams. She leads all of her teams with enthusiastic energy and isn’t afraid sharing constructive thoughts when given the opportunity. This young lady leads by example, for what a loyal teammate should look like. She is respected by all and she in turn demonstrates respect for officials, opponents and peers. She is selfless and is a tremendous inspiration of serving others. She is always offering to help others out and even when dealing with an injury, she is her teammates biggest cheerleader. No matter what team she is on, and what role she may fill, they are better for it. Her Laker loyalty and enthusiasm are a breath of fresh air and provides a clear pathway for others to emulate,” — AD Paul True.

Sportsmanship Award — Zach Vogel. “Tonight’s male recipient is quiet and competitive. He shows up every day ready to compete and get better. In fact, he makes everyone around him better. He has a high degree of intellect in his approach to athletics. He is willing to try new concepts and picks up on the new skill set needed very quickly. Attention to detail comes to mind when I think of this athlete. I often talk about two aspects that each student-athlete themselves can control — attitude and effort. This young man possesses a tremendous attitude and always give a maximum effort. He always tries his best and is gracious in victory or defeat. He possesses a consistent approach every day. Consistency in attitude, effort and a willingness to be coached. His approach is refreshing...He is an exemplary student-athlete and will be sorely missed but has left a long, lasting impression for those that have been paying attention,” — AD Paul True.

Principal’s Award (GPA of 90 or better, All-Conference selection during their career) — Melissa Mayo, Josiah England, Carly Dyer, Reannah Dingley

Western Maine Conference Citizenship Award — Ezra Gronlund and Rachel Lake.

Maine Principals’ Association Award — Melissa Mayo.

Dan Dors Spirit Award — Tristan Cormier.

The Dan Dors Spirit Award is given annually to a deserving cross-country athlete who best exemplifies the attributes of loyalty, love for team and school, and a passion for sport. Coach Dors coached at LRHS for 22 years. During his tenure, he inspired many student-athletes and rarely missed a Laker home game in any sport. He always called you by name, may not have been your correct name, but always by design. He went out of his way to speak to everyone and share a warm “hello.” Coach Dors was a Laker through and through. He passed away unexpectedly in January 2018.

Rick Worthley Golf Award — Evan Duprey.

Carol Youker Award (Skiing) — Lauren Roy.

Carol Youker was a member of the LRHS Class of 1970. She was a skier with grace, speed, precision, daring but most of all, had a love for the sport. Carol grew up skiing, experiencing the sport first from a backpack on the back of her father, who was the Bridgton Academy Outing Club director. Once she took her first steps, Carol quickly advanced to skiing on her own. She skied for the Bridgton High School girls’ ski team and was on the first Lake Region H.S. ski team in 1970. Carol was a ski instructor at Pleasant Mountain before attending and graduating from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont., with a degree in outdoor recreation. She returned to New England after graduation and taught skiing in Maine and New Hampshire. Carol died in a car accident in New Hampshire in 1977. This memorial award was established to remember Carol’s skill and love for skiing, but also as much for her happy nature and likeable personality. She was enthusiastic, full of life and fun to be around. The award goes to someone who demonstrates all of these qualities.

All-Academic Selections

Cross-Country: Ezra Gronlund, Carly Dyer, Caitlin Lees and Elizabeth Brewer.

Field Hockey: Samantha Donahue.

Girls’ Soccer: Melissa Mayo, Olivia England and Adison Keefe.

Girls’ Basketball: Melissa Mayo, Carly Dyer and Olivia England.

Ice Hockey: Caitlin Lees.

Indoor Track & Field: Ezra Gronlund and Elizabeth Brewer.

Softball: Melissa Mayo.

Girls’ Lacrosse: Samantha Donahue, Rachel Lake, Carly Dyer and Olivia England.

Track & Field: Ezra Gronlund and Elizabeth Brewer.

Girls’ Tennis: Sarah Solomon.

All-Conference Selections

Boys’ Soccer: Jacob Chadbourne, first team and All-State; Josiah England, second team

Girls’ Soccer: Emily Rock, first team; Bella Smith and Abby Lavoie, honorable mention.

Field Hockey: Emma Nadeau, first team; Reannah Dingley and Ashley Pelletier, second team.

Football: Jackson Libby, second team; Brock Gibbons, honorable mention; Colby Chadwick selected as Maine Lobster Bowl participant.

Golf: Evan Duprey, honorable mention.

Volleyball: Olivia Pearson, second team.

Cross-Country: Abigail Roberts, first team and New Englands; Sam Laverdiere, first team and New Englands; Grady Kemp, first team; Bhavnish Tucker, second team.

Boys’ Basketball: Jacob Chadbourne, second team; Aidan Roberts, all-defensive team; Jackson Libby, honorable mention.

Girls’ Basketball: Melissa Mayo, first team and McDonald’s All-Star; Ava Smith, second team; Bella Smith, all-defensive team.

Alpine Skiing: Ashley Pelletier and Zachary Vogel.

Indoor Track: Campbell Johnson and Abigail Roberts.

Girls’ Ice Hockey: Caitlin Lees, Senior All-Star Game; Marissa Payne.

Girls’ Tennis: Kasey Johnson, second team; Jenna Jordan and Rianna Reynolds, honorable mention doubles.

Boys’ Tennis: Abe Richards, second team.

Track & Field: Izabell Apovian, first team, javelin; Grady Kemp, second team, 1600m; Alecssander Freitas, second team, 300m hurdles.

(Note: All-Conference selections for baseball, softball and lacrosse had not yet been made)

Sportsmanship Banners

Girls’ Alpine Ski Team, Class B South

Girls and Boys Indoor Track & Field, Class B South

Girls’ Ice Hockey Co-Op Team

Coach of the Year — Laura Pulito (2012 graduate of Fryeburg Academy and 2018 graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington) and Cory McCullough (2013 graduate of Brookfield in Conn. and 2018 graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington), cross-country. “When I think of the leadership of this program, I find superlatives like conscientious, caring, dedicated, motivators and always wanting to do the right thing. When I think about this program, I think of supportive, encouraging, grueling and successful... I am so thankful for everything these coaches do and represent. They are so dedicated and are in this profession for all the right reasons,” — AD Paul True.

Varsity Club Awards

Football: Colby Chadwick.

Cross-Country: Micaela Reed, Grady Kemp.

Field Hockey: Reannah Dingley.

Girls’ Soccer: Melissa Mayo.

Boys’ Soccer: Josiah England.

Volleyball: Olivia Pearson.

Fall Cheerleading: Adalynn Peterson.

Golf: Evan Duprey.

Girls’ Basketball: Melissa Mayo.

Boys’ Basketball: Jacob Chadbourne.

Indoor Track: Campbell Johnson, Tristan Cormier.

Ice Hockey: Colin Murphy.

Alpine Skiing: Ashley Pelletier, Zach Vogel.

Winter Cheerleading: Madison Richard.

Softball: Emily Rock.

Baseball: Ian Carras.

Track & Field: Izabell Apovian, Ezra Gronlund.

Girls’ Tennis: Sarah Solomon.

Boys’ Tennis: Brady Emery.

Girls’ Lacrosse: Olivia England.

Boys’ Lacrosse: Zach Vogel.

E-Sports: Wyatt Deane.

Single Cords (one varsity team, all four years): Lilli Boesenberg, Olivia Gilpatric Pearson, Adison Keefe, Gayatri Kusumawardhani, Rachel Lake, Brianna Lewis, Madison Pond, Catharina Rodrigues Parrilo, Caitlin Ross, Asia Sirolla, Avery VerWey, Logan Allen, Logan Buchanan, Jack Bueler, Aundrew Edwards, Daniel Noyes, Braden Coyne, Sarah Solomon, Regina LeRoy.

Double Cords (two varsity teams, all four years): Samantha Donahue, Caitlin Lees, Madison Richard, Aiden Bourgoin, Colby Chadwick, Elizabeth Brewer, Josiah England, Tyler Jones.

Triple Cords (three varsity teams, all four years): Reannah Dingley, Carly Dyer, Olivia England, Melissa Mayo, Emily Rock, Jacob Chadbourne, Tristan Cormier, Alecssander Freitas, Ezra Gronlund, Grady Kemp, Taylor Spearrin, Zachary Vogel, Colin Murphy.

Varsity Club President’s Awards: Emily Rock, president; Carly Dyer, Melissa Mayo and Kasey Johnson, vice presidents.