Alexandria native Angus King, a former governor and current senator representing the state of Maine, will be on hand as the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club honors the city’s top high school athletes at its annual awards banquet May 19 at the Westin Hotel.
“Growing up in Alexandria, sports were really a way of life,” said King, a 1962 graduate of Hammond High School. “And from my time at Hammond, I know all too well how the bonds of a team can help foster understanding and a sense of togetherness that can ripple throughout a community.”
King will deliver the keynote address as 35 area students are honored for their academic and athletic excellence. He will also be receiving the club’s Hall of Fame Award.
Also being honored at the event will be Bishop Ireton girls lacrosse coach Rick Sofield and T.C. Williams boys soccer coach Marty Nickley as Coaches of the Year. TC’s track and field coach Mike Hughes and his nationally-ranked 4x100-meter relay team will also be recognized for their achievements.
“Alexandria has a proud sports tradition, and as someone with deep roots in the city, I am honored and humbled to be inducted into the Sportsman’s Club [Hall of Fame],” King added. “I would not be where I am today without the lessons I learned on and off the football field as a proud Hammond Admiral.”
Founded in 1947, the Alexandria Sportsman's Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing local high school athletes for excellence in sports and proficiency in the classroom. Tickets for the May 19 awards dinner at the Westin Hotel, 400 Courthouse Square, are available online at www.alexandriavasports.org.