In a few days I will be inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame. It is an honor that, as a poor boy growing up in a small town in Maine, I never considered or even thought possible. This honor, though greatly appreciated, is very humbly received.
Thank all of you who have thought me worthy of standing alongside so many outstanding players and great coaches from the state of Maine.
As I pondered how this has come to be, my thoughts always come back to the many wonderful players I have coached and the great coaches I have been privileged to serve with over the years. This honor is more about you than it is about me.
For many weeks since learning of my induction, I have wanted to thank all of you who have played a significant role in making this all possible. But how to make contact with so many now scattered so far and wide across the land became a major problem. Immediately I thought that many of you still stay in touch with your hometown sports through the local newspaper so I am writing this note in hopes it will reach some of you and let you know how much I appreciate all you have done for me.
This honor has been bestowed upon me because of your hard work and dedication. Thank you.
I also want to thank the administrators at Bangor Christian and Bangor High School who gave me an opportunity to teach their teams. I will be forever grateful to you.
To the many coaches I was privileged to coach against, thank you! You forced us to be at our best every night we met on the hardwood. As coaches, you hold a special place in my heart.
Also, a big thank you to the sports commentators and writers who have written about our teams or have interviewed us after many of our games. You were gracious and kind on every occasion. You played a big part in this honor as well.
Special appreciations to all the referees who covered our games and helped us provide a safe and wholesome environment for this great game. Thank you!
I don’t know how many of you will see this thank you note, but I felt compelled to put it out there in hopes some of you will. I really wanted you to know that this belongs to all of you.
Sincerely, Coach Reed
Carmel native Roger Reed compiled a 571-201 record during a nearly 40-year high school basketball coaching career at Bangor Christian and Bangor High School. During 27 years at Bangor High, he guided the Rams to eight Class A state championships and 10 Eastern Maine Class A crowns. Reed will be among the 2015 inductees into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame during an Aug. 23 ceremony at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.