UPDATE: The Orono High School Athletic Hall of Fame will enshrine five new members in an urgent induction ceremony scheduled for Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. The event will take place at Orono High School, right between the highly anticipated home basketball games for the boys and girls Red Riot teams, making it a day to celebrate local sports legends.
This year’s inductees include two former basketball coaches, a standout three-sport athlete, and two prominent community figures known for their dedication to local youth sports. Former Orono boys basketball coaches Bob Cimbollek and John Giffin lead the charge, joining former athlete Jeff Mateja from the class of 1997, and community volunteers Diann and Billy Libby.
Bob Cimbollek, who coached at Orono from 1963 to 1969, boasts an impressive coaching record of 106-32, leading the team to two state championships in 1967 and 1969. His contributions extended beyond basketball—he also served as the assistant football coach and was a physical education teacher. Cimbollek, a member of the Husson University Hall of Fame, later went on to coach at Bangor High School and John Bapst in Bangor, securing a total of five state championships during his illustrious career.
Following Cimbollek, John Giffin took over the boys basketball program, achieving 136 wins in his nine-season tenure. Notably, he led the team to a perfect 22-0 state championship season in 1973 and was recognized as the statewide coach of the year on two occasions.
The spotlight also shines on Jeff Mateja, who excelled in soccer and track while serving as captain of all three teams. Mateja set multiple school records in hurdling events and played a crucial role in leading his teams to conference, regional, and state championships. He continued his athletic career by running track at Bentley University.
Recognized under the “special contributor” category, Diann and Billy Libby have dedicated countless hours to Orono athletics. Their daughters were both three-sport athletes, and the Libbys supported the community through various roles. Diann’s contributions include volunteering with the Orono recreation department, coaching middle school track, and managing concessions for the booster club for five years. Meanwhile, Billy served seven years on the football chain crew before becoming the school’s football announcer for nearly 20 years, leaving a lasting impact as the voice of Orono athletics across multiple sports.
This induction ceremony is not only a celebration of athletic achievement but also a recognition of the significant contributions made by community members who have uplifted local sports for generations.
What happens next? This event promises to draw a crowd, as local fans and families flock to honor these remarkable individuals. With the home games providing a perfect backdrop, the ceremony will surely highlight the vital role of sports in the Orono community.
Stay tuned for updates as this exciting day unfolds, and share in the celebration of Orono’s sports legacy!
