College notebook: Joe Bedard enshrined in Lynchburg Hall

October was a double Hall of Fame month for the Bedard family of Rumford.

One of Maine's most storied high school and college basketball players of the last generation, Andy Bedard generated ample attention when he was inducted to the New England Basketball Hall of Fame this weekend.

But there's only one national champion in the family, and he answers to Joe.

In typically understated fashion, Joe Bedard reaped another honor for his exploits as a track and field athlete when alma mater Lynchburg College inducted him Oct. 3 into its sports hall of fame.

Joe, the elder brother, won the NCAA Division III decathlon championship in 1997 and defended the title in '98. His career high score in the grueling 10 events still ranks among the nation's top 10 all-time.

"None of it would have happened without Jeff Turnbull, my track coach at Mountain Valley, or George Conant of Dixfield, because he was the one who told me about Lynchburg," Bedard said. "Those two played a huge role in what I was able to accomplish."

Bedard was a football, basketball and track standout in the early years of Mountain Valley High School, after the merger of the Rumford and Mexico school systems.

Lynchburg coach Dr. Jack Toms visualized Bedard as a decathlete due to his versatility. But unlike other athletes who make the decathlon their focus, Bedard remained a stalwart in multiple events.

He added Old Dominion Athletic Conference records in the long jump and pole vault to his Lynchburg decathlon standard during his four years as an indoor and outdoor track competitor. Bedard, a team captain his senior year, also was an All-American in long jump.

Bedard now lives in Gray with his wife, Amy, and children Kylie and William. He's also quick to give his spouse appropriate credit for his accomplishments.

"She moved to Virginia and worked a full-time job for two years to put me through school," Bedard said. "And those were the same years I won the NCAA titles."

BUBIER, LAHEY LEAD HUSKIES

Two Auburn athletes from different scholastic backgrounds have helped the University of Southern Maine field hockey to nine wins in their rookie seasons.

Hebron Academy graduate Kailey Bubier is tied for the team lead with eight goals. Bubier also an assist for the Huskies and has started all 14 games as a freshman.

Jocelyn Lahey, formerly of Edward Little High School, has started 11 games and produced one goal for USM. That tally was a game-winner.

SWEET 16 FOR UNE

The University of New England soccer teams have combined for 16 victories to date with the help of three local players.

Alice Read of Auburn (Edward Little) has appeared in all but one game for the Nor'easters' women's team. Read has registered a goal and an assist in UNE's 9-1 start.

First-year goaltender Sam Purcell of Durham (Lisbon) also is on the UNE women's roster.

Lewiston High School graduate Shirwac Hussain Ali is contributing as a junior forward and midfielder for the men.

CHARLES STRIKES FOR UMF

Three former Mt. Blue High School players didn't need to travel far for a continued impact in women's soccer. Beth Charles, Leigh Ronald and Abbey Gilbert all are in the University of Maine at Farmington starting lineup.

Charles scored one of Farmington's two goals Saturday in a 2-0 road shutout of Johnson State. It was the second goal of the season for the junior from New Vineyard.

Wilton's Gilbert and Farmington's Ronald each play a dual role as defenders and midfielders. Ronald has recorded a goal and an assist for the Beavers, who improved to 4-7-1 with the Johnson State victory.

koakes@sunjournal.com