ORONO – Andy Bedard turned away from his first chance to play basketball at the University of Maine, choosing the bright lights and national television spotlight of Boston College.

Halfway through his college basketball career, the Rumford native had a change of heart. Those two years playing for his home school were enough to make a permanent impact.

Bedard will be inducted into the University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame on October 14, complementing a class of seven that includes NFL star Mike Flynn, NHL goaltender Garth Snow and former Maine Guides catcher Kevin Buckley.

Football player Ed Barrows, runner Vanessa McGowan-Ray and equipment manager George Wood also will be honored at the enshrinement ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 14.

Bedard led Mountain Valley High School to three straight Class B tournament appearances from 1992 to 1994, punctuated by a state championship his junior year. Bedard scored 53 points at Bangor Auditrorium in the state final against Camden Hills, an all-class record that still stands.

As a senior, Bedard starred for Coach Max Good at national prep power Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield before signing with BC. He platooned at point guard with James “Scoonie” Penn as a freshman with Eagles before his playing time waned as a sophomore.

Reborn upon transferring to Maine, Bedard finished among the nation’s top 15 in assists as a junior and senior. He led America East in that category both seasons and twice was a first-team selection to the all-conference squad.

In only two seasons, Bedard became Maine’s all-time assists leader.

Maine won a school-record 24 games Bedard’s senior year and might have been in line to win the conference tournament and a berth in the NCAA tournament until Bedard suffered a broken wrist.

Bedard entered the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Flynn has been a starting offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens for the past seven seasons, celebrating a victory in Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.

Snow was undefeated during Maine’s first hockey championship season of 1992-93 and posted 135 wins and a 2.80 goals-against average in the NHL. He is now general manager of the New York Islanders.

Buckley appeared in five major-league games after a Maine career in which he batted .340 and was a 1981 All-American under Coach John Winkin.

Barrows was killed in action during World War II after serving as Maine’s football captain in 1941. McGowan-Ray won a dozen varsity letters for her middle-distance running prowess.

Wood worked in the athletic program for 43 years.

The ceremony will be held at the Black Bear Inn. Tickets are $30 per person and may be purchased by calling 581-BEAR through Friday, Oct. 5.