The Orono High School Athletic Hall of Fame will celebrate the induction of five new members during a ceremony on March 2, 2024. The event is scheduled for 15:30 at the high school, coinciding with home basketball games for the boys and girls teams, aptly honoring the contributions of two former basketball coaches among the inductees.
Among those being honored are former boys basketball coaches Bob Cimbollek and John Giffin, who both made significant impacts on the program. Joining them is Jeff Mateja, a standout athlete from the class of 1997, along with community volunteers Diann and Bill Libby, who have dedicated years to supporting youth and high school sports in Orono.
Cimbollek, who served as a physical education teacher at Orono from 1963 to 1969, led the boys basketball team to a remarkable record of 106-32, securing two state championships in 1967 and 1969. His legacy continued at Bangor High School and John Bapst in Bangor, where he won a total of five state basketball championships throughout his coaching career.
Giffin took over from Cimbollek and coached the boys basketball team for nine seasons, achieving a stellar 136 wins. Under his leadership, the team completed a perfect season in 1973, finishing 22-0 and winning the state championship. Giffin earned statewide coach of the year honors twice, once at Orono and previously at Schenck High School in East Millinocket.
Mateja made his mark as a three-sport athlete, excelling in soccer and both indoor and outdoor track. He captained all three teams, setting numerous school records in hurdling events and winning individual state titles. After his successful high school career, Mateja continued to compete in track at Bentley University.
Diann and Bill Libby will be inducted under a special contributor category, recognizing their extensive volunteer work in Orono athletics. Their daughters were both three-sport athletes, and the Libbys dedicated their time in various roles over the years. Diann volunteered for the Orono Recreation Department and the Old Town YMCA, coached middle school track, coordinated concessions for the booster club, kept the basketball scorebook for over 25 years, operated the soccer score clock, and officiated track-and-field events.
Bill Libby contributed to Orono athletics by working on the football chain crew for seven years before serving as the school’s football announcer for nearly 20 years. He became known as the voice of Orono athletics, managing multiple score clocks and supporting various sports.
The induction ceremony will not only honor these remarkable individuals but also celebrate the rich history of athletics at Orono High School. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, reflecting the community’s pride in its athletic heritage.
