RUMFORD – There was certainly plenty of time rekindle memories among classmates and friends Saturday at the fourth annual Matt Gaudet Alumni Day at Puiia Gymnasium at Mountain Valley High School.

The format was altered this year. The new theme was designed to promote the Mountain Valley boys’ and girls’ basketball programs.

“We changed the format of the program for several reasons,” Eddie Paterson said. “We want all alumni to recognize the current and future direction of this school system as a community school, with the emphasis on both towns working as one for the same cause – kind of a regionalization concept.”

Proceeds will go to three places, including the Matt Gaudet Trust Fund, the Rotary Club for their scholarship fund and the Mountain Valley Sports Boosters.

Gaudet, a former Mountain Valley standout, was paralyzed in a diving accident several years ago. Gaudet scored more than 1,000 points during his basketball career and was Mr. Basketball for the state of Maine in 1991.

Now a resident of Minnesota, Gaudet went to Colby College and earned All-American honors. He is the ninth-leading scorer in Colby history.

Stephens, Rumford and Mexico high schools – the forerunners of Mountain Valley – all had a great history and reputation. In the early years of the event, dividing the alumni among their former schools to re-establish the old rivalries generated enthusiasm to bring people to the games. The event is well known now that the organizers felt that element could be eliminated.

An early game featured the alumni women against the Falcons girls’ varsity. The current Falcons jumped out to a 16-0 lead, before the alumni found its way.

“It’s hard for girls to play in alumni games,” Lynn Wheeler Whitney said. “The group usually hasn’t played together. It’s the same way, when I go back to (University of Southern Maine) because it usually takes until halftime before figuring out each other’s talents and skill levels.”

Whitney scored over 1,000 points during her career and helped Rumford win a Western Maine championship in 1988. Whitney, currently playing in an Auburn Recreation League, made 20 of 25 free throws during a halftime contest.

“I really like to come back to my alma mater for some thing like this,” Whitney said. “It’s great to see old friends, teachers and teammates. I would have liked to see more players from my time playing.”

The men alumni (1991-2001) played during the afternoon. In the finale, the current unbeaten boys’ varsity played against alumni (2002-4).

“The basketball legacy in this area is exciting,” said Paterson. “That winning tradition is something all players and fans can respect and be inspired to continue.”