By Bob McPhee,Staff Writer

DIXFIELD – The numbers don’t lie.

Those few words were just a piece of what Gavin Kane has provided during the past decade as the high school girls’ varsity basketball coach at Dirigo High School.

More than 200 former players, coaches, school administrators and friends honored Kane on Saturday night in DeFoe Gymnasium. The gala event was full of memories, heart-felt admiration and respect for the coach who helped transform the Dirigo girls’ team into one of the top programs in the state.

Dr. Tom Ward served as master of ceremonies. The four-hour affair was filled with personal insights by several speakers who have witnessed the history-making events. Ward emphasized Kane’ numerous accomplishments that have brought recognition and pride to SAD 21.

Dirigo principal Dan Hart pointed out how strongly Kane respects the game. Despite all the success, Kane is quite different than the stern, taskmaster that every fan sees patrolling the sidelines.

Alumni players Rachel Chow, Amanda Law and Natalie Keene’s mother each expressed their gratitude and appreciation that Kane’ teachings had instilled in them. Each said they were treated as a person and given an opportunity to grow.

The records are impressive. This includes 11 consecutive MVC championships and 11 Class C regional titles. The 228-11 record includes five unbeaten seasons and six state crowns. The team is currently riding a 121-win streak during the regular season.

Five players have scored more than 1,000 points during their careers and have had their uniform numbers retired. They include Gretchen Curtis Errington (1,045 points); Nikki Dominiczak (1,076); Tara Gagnon Pelletier (1,279); Lyndsay Clark (1,313) and Alexa Kaubris (1,210).

Defense has been a critical component of Kane’s success at Dirigo. For 32 minutes, opposing teams were often left bewildered by the Cougars high-level intensity.