STANDISH – Andy Bedard, one of the best athletes to ever come out of Rumford, has a new challenge awaiting him – head basketball coach.

Bedard was named men’s basketball coach at St. Joseph’s College. He replaces the legendary Rick Simonds, who recently resigned after a long and successful tenure.

In addition to his coaching duties, Bedard was also named coordinator for Intercollegiate Athletics. That newly created position has him overseeing academic support and community outreach, including summer camps and service projects.

“Andy will bring a great work ethic, enthusiasm and new ideas to the athletic department and the men’s basketball program,” athletic director David Roussell said in a statement. “Not only does he have a wealth of basketball experience, he has earned the respect of high school and college coaches in Maine and New England and will successfully recruit top student-athletes to St. Joseph’s College.”

Bedard served as an assistant men’s basketball coach for the University of Maine for two of the past three years. During the 2001-02 season, Bedard played professionally in Portugal. While in Portugal, he organized and coached youth basketball camps.

A native of Rumford, Bedard led Mountain Valley to the Class B championship in 1994. He still owns the state record for most points scored in the state finals with 53.

He left after his junior season to play for Maine Central Institute, where he started at point guard and served

as captain for the nationally

renowned prep school program.

He played two years at Boston College. He was an integral part of the team that won the Big East Conference title his sophomore year and advanced to the NCAA tournament both years.

Bedard then transferred to Maine for his final two years. In his first game with the Black Bears, he tied an Alfond Arena record with 39 points.

As a senior, Bedard ranked 13th in the nation in assists with a 6.9 average. He was selected to the all-conference first team twice.

With Bedard running the offense, the Black Bears enjoyed one of their best two-year stretches in history with a 43-16 mark.