Washburn District High School is pleased to announce the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame. Eleven athletes, Ron Ericson as coach, Camille “Doc” Albert, posthumously, as school administrator, and the 1985 WDHS State Champion Girls’ Basketball Team headline this inaugural Hall of Fame class. The induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 6 PM in the Washburn District High School Camille “Doc” Albert Gymnasium.
The 1985 Girls’ Basketball team coached by Ron Ericson, won the first State Championship in school history. The team finished with a 20-1 record and beat Dirigo 47-27 for the Class C State Championship. The Beavers were led by All State selections Dawn Oldmixon at center and Kim Richardson as the floor general at point guard. Wendy Maynard, Kim Donovan and Debbie Dobson rounded out the starting 5 with super sub Shari Wilson being the first player off the bench.
Here is the rest of the 2024 Class:
Ron Ericson dedicated 48 years to MSAD#45, serving as a Middle School Teacher, High School Principal, District Assistant Principal, and Athletic Director. Throughout his tenure in Washburn, he excelled as a coach, leading both middle school and Washburn District High school basketball teams to unparalleled success. Under his guidance, his teams secured over 200 victories, clinched four state championships, and emerged as regional runners up twice. Notably, the Washburn squads achieved a flawless season twice, a testament to Ericson's exceptional leadership. In 1989, he spearheaded a successful fundraising campaign enabling the girls to embark on an educational sports trip to Europe. Ericson's coaching prowess was recognized with prestigious honors, including Coach of the Year titles in 1985 (IABOO) and 1989 (MABC). At the middle school level, he established and coached the inaugural girls' basketball team, embodying his commitment to developing young talent. Additionally, Ericson left an indelible mark as the first coach to achieve 200 wins in basketball and 100 wins in soccer at Washburn, a testament to his enduring impact on the athletic program.
Camille “Doc” Albert, a revered figure at Washburn District High School, dedicated his career to education. The school's Gymnasium proudly bears his name, a testament to his exceptional tenure as an Athletic Director. Doc Albert held various roles, including assistant principal, principal, and athletic director, leaving an indelible mark on Washburn.
Under his guidance, the school witnessed remarkable upgrades to its athletic fields and facilities. The eighties marked a golden era for Washburn, as both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams clinched six gold balls. A breathtaking streak of six consecutive years saw both teams competing in the finals, with one emerging as champions. Furthermore, Washburn excelled in baseball, reaching the regional finals, and secured the state runner-up title in softball.
Doc Albert's exemplary leadership was recognized when he was named the State's Athletic Director of the Year in 1991, an accolade achieved by only a select few from the county. His legacy continues to inspire generations of students and athletes alike.
Carsyn Koch, a 2014 graduate of Washburn District High School, achieved unprecedented athletic success throughout her high school years. Dominating the track and field events for all four years and clinching the state champion title each year in cross country, Carsyn exemplified excellence. Not only did she lead her cross country team to both state and regional victories, but she also showcased her skills on the 2013 State championship soccer team. Furthermore, her prowess extended to basketball, contributing to four consecutive State Championship wins. Her accomplishments continued into college, where she excelled as a top-tier national-level runner.
Mackenzie Worcester, a 2015 graduate of Washburn District High School, was a key figure in an extraordinary era of success in girls' sports. In basketball, Kenzie scored 2000 points, achieving this milestone during the State Championship game in her senior year. Her basketball teams clinched four consecutive state championships. Additionally, she played a crucial role in the soccer team's state runner-up and championship victories. Mackenzie also excelled in cross country, earning accolades on both regional and state championship teams, while also making her mark in track and softball. Transitioning to her collegiate career, Mackenzie showcased her talent on the basketball court for the Husson women's team, delivering outstanding performances throughout her four years. Her leadership propelled the team to postseason triumphs, and she garnered recognition through numerous all-conference, all-state, and all-regional all-star team selections.
Joan Overman, a 2015 graduate of Washburn, exceled as a gifted athlete. She stood out as a key player on four consecutive state championship teams. Not only was she a state runner-up in girls' soccer, but she also played a pivotal role in her team winning the state championship. Furthermore, Joan displayed her exceptional talent as a cross-country runner. Throughout her time on the track team, Joan clinched several individual championships. Her success continued into her college years at Husson, where she defied the odds by participating in multiple sports—a rare feat indeed.
Dawn Oldmixon, a 1986 graduate of Washburn, was a remarkable athlete. She excelled in basketball, scoring 1000 points and grabbing 1000 rebounds throughout her career. A four-year starter, Dawn played a pivotal role in Washburn's consecutive state championships in 1985 and 1986. Additionally, she showcased her talent in softball as the pitcher for the 1986 State runner-up team. Dawn made history as Washburn's first female All-Eastern Maine soccer player and earned recognition as a two-time Bangor Daily News All-State Basketball team member. Together with teammate Kim Richardson, they were the first female athletes to represent Washburn in the McDonald's All-Star game, marking another significant achievement in her illustrious career.
Kim Richardson, a graduate of Washburn High School in 1986, was not only a four-year basketball starter but also achieved the remarkable feat of scoring 1000 points. Her exceptional talent shone through as she played pivotal roles in the 1985 and 1986 State Championship teams. Additionally, Kim earned recognition as a Bangor Daily News All State Basketball player in 1986. Not limited to basketball, she showcased her skill as the shortstop of the 1986 state runner-up softball team and excelled as a standout soccer player.
Kim culminated her basketball career at Washburn by receiving the honor of being selected to participate in the prestigious MacDonald's Senior All-Star Game. Transitioning to the field of education, Kim currently serves as a dedicated teacher at Washburn District Elementary School, where she has generously contributed her expertise by coaching the several middle school team.
Meredith Hews, a proud graduate of Washburn District High School in 1990, excelled in soccer, basketball, and softball. Known for her exceptional skills on the soccer field, she achieved the prestigious title of All Eastern Maine in soccer in 1988. A pivotal player on the Washburn girls’ basketball team for three years, Meredith made her mark during the Lady Beavers' 1988 Championship. She continued to shine as the starting stalwart guard in the victorious 1989 championship team, leading a remarkable second-half rally and making all her shots count with a flawless 6 for 6 from the foul line in the closing moments. Even in the 1990 season, Meredith's leadership guided the Lady Beavers to an impressive Eastern Maine runner-up finish. Her journey didn't end there; she pursued her passion for soccer at the University of Maine at Farmington, where she earned the title of All-Conference player. Transitioning from player to coach after her college career, Meredith embarked on a coaching career with Camden Rockport, where she steered her teams to multiple State championships. Her coaching prowess has garnered recognition at the local, regional, and national levels, solidifying her status as a coaching legend in Maine.
Jason Thompson, a 2005 graduate form Washburn District High School, was a phenomenal all-around athlete. His prowess as a goal keeper in soccer earned him recognition for his exceptional in-game performance, marked by numerous wins and shutouts. His talent extended to baseball, where he excelled as a hitter, pitcher, and outfielder, earning multiple regional accolades. In basketball, he dazzled as a top performer for all four years, clinching a 1000-point milestone. Notably, upon completing his remarkable career at Washburn, he held the school scoring record until it was surpassed years later. His outstanding achievements led to regional acclaim and a prestigious inclusion as a McDonald's All Star.
Trent Cunningham, a 1997 graduate of Washburn District High School, stood out as a remarkable all-around athlete. Over his four years at the school, he shone as a starter in soccer, baseball, and boys’ basketball. His exceptional skills not only led the boys’ basketball team to a regional runner-up finish in 1997 but also secured him the school’s scoring record at that time. These achievements earned him regional recognition and a spot on the prestigious McDonald's All-Star team.
Mitchell Worcester, a 2013 graduate of Washburn District High School, excelled as a four year started in both soccer and basketball. Mitchell made a name for himself as a prolific scorer, his remarkable performance set an individual three-point scoring record to which also contributed to the team holding the record for the same. Mitchell capped off his career scoring over 2000 points. His exceptional skills garnered him recognition as a Bangor Daily News All-State basketball player along with earning a spot as a McDonald’s All-Star. Mitchell continued his basketball career at the University of Maine at Orono before transferring and completing his career at Husson College.
Greg Sponberg, a graduate Washburn District High School in 1987, Greg excelled in baseball and soccer. His skills weren't limited to those; he shone as a remarkable basketball player, becoming the top scorer of the boys' 1987 State championship team. Greg's outstanding career culminated in surpassing the 1000 point milestone. After completing college, he found success as an assistant boys' basketball coach at Bangor High School under Roger Reed.
Carmen Bragg, a 2014 graduate of Washburn High School. Was an excellent all around athlete. She was decorated with regional recognition in 5 sports, cross country, soccer, Basketball, and softball, and track. She was an outstanding player on the State runner up soccer team in 2013 and the State Championship soccer team in 2014, She was a leading Cross country runner, finishing high and helping to lead Washburn to Regional and State Championship finishes. She was a 1000 point scorer and a starter for four years on the basketball team that won the State Championship every year that she played. She went on to college at the University Of Maine at Augusta and capped off her outstanding college accomplishments by being named to that school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.