2007 Class Of The Maine Sports Hall Of Fame

Written By - Tom Remington - 06/19/2007

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Last night was the 32nd annual awards banquet of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame, eight people were inducted into the 2007 class. They included Bryce Beattie, Betty J. Davis, David R. Fernald, Eugene A. Hunter, Martin J. Joyce, Michael N. Landry, Arthur H. Smith and James A. Soule. This event was held in Portland at the Italian Heritage Center.

The echoing theme from all the recipients became clear after about the third induction speech was given - \"It\'s not really about me!\" I think nearly every new member of the Maine Hall had the same comment to make in their opening remarks.

Each one methodically listed name after name of all those who contributed to their successes by focusing the bulk of the credit back onto them. This I believe is something that remains commonplace among athletes - giving credit where credit it due and not hoarding it on themselves.

The reason I attended was to accompany my wife, Melinda. She is the niece of Arthur Smith, one of the inductees. Most of Art\'s fame is surrounded around his accomplishments in baseball but when introduced to the crowd of around 400, Dr. Richard A. Constello, Master of Ceremonies, referred to Art as one of the greatest all around athletes Maine has known.

After an introduction by Art of his family and friends, working the crowd like an old pro, he took us all on a journey to the past recalling some of his memories as a young boy growing up up to the present day of golf nearly everyday. Key to Art\'s success was revealed in what seemed an endless list of past coaches and others who contributed in some way, whether large or small, to his success.

Congratulations to all the inductees into the Class of 2007 Maine Sports Hall of Fame.

Tom Remington