Bangor High dedicates gym to `Red’ Barry

To play hard but fairly. To remain a gentleman, even in the heat of competition. To have faith in oneself and one’s teammates even when things look bad.

Governor John R. McKernan and U.S. Senator William Cohen returned to their hometown of Bangor Thursday night amid the climate of a slumping state and national economy to pay tribute to former Bangor High School teacher and coach Frederick K. “Red” Barry, the man each credited with imparting the above lessons, and others, to they and thousands of other past Bangor High School students.

Bangor’s two most politically influential natives spoke to a capacity crowd on hand for the dedication ceremonies of what was formerly the BHS gymnasium, now, and forever more, to be called Frederick K. Barry Gymnasium.

“Of all the things I learned from him, the ones that have stayed with me are to be a gentleman and play by the rules,” said Cohen, who played basketball for Barry from 1955-58. “He demanded a lot from us. He taught us the value of discipline as something that applies to everything you do in life.”

McKernan, a basketball standout under Barry at Bangor High from 1963-66, said the lessons his former coach taught him still stand him in good stead as he comes under fire amid current state budget shortfalls.

“Certainly, what I learned from Red on the court was to try as hard as you can. The best thing you can do is always work your hardest,” McKernan said.

The two political figures said Barry was a major influence in their lives, both on and off the court.

“He was second only to my parents in terms of impact,” said Cohen.

McKernan credited Barry with helping him through a difficult period in his life with the death of his father.

“Red was an incredibly big influence on me. My father died when I was in high school and Red really took me under his wing. As I look back, I realize the extra attention he gave me and how he kept an eye on me,” McKernan said.

Barry, confined to a wheelchair by the effects of a stroke he suffered, looked on appreciatively as his two, now famous, former players paid tribute to him.

Barry coached basketball at Bangor High from 1947 to 1969, compiling nearly 300 victories. His teams advanced to the Eastern Maine tournament 18 times and won the regional crown six times. Barry-coached teams appeared twice in the New England tournament, winning four of six games while finishing third in ’55 and runnerup in ’59.