The coaches, athletic directors and administrators at LTC-member schools have earned an impeccable reputation for providing a first-class experience for their student-athletes.

As recently as two weeks ago, there had been discussion, and considerable concern, that the LTC might be forced to scale down its postseason all-star football awards banquet because of financial considerations.

Since 1990, the LTC has not had a corporate sponsor to defray the costs of the plaques and the banquet itself.

However, when the LTC coaches met Monday to select the LTC All-Conference football teams, they voted not to cut back on awards. Instead, because of space considerations, the LTC has changed the format of its banquet.

The league’s outstanding football players will be honored Sunday, Dec. 6, during one of two LTC All-Star awards banquets. The events are scheduled to be held at the Black Bear Inn and Conference Center in Orono.

The Class B banquet will run from 1 p.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m., while the Class C all-stars will be honored during a second session, slated from 5 p.m. to approximately 7:30 p.m.

Don Dow, the athletic director at Stearns High of Millinocket, said the thought of scaling back the banquet did not sit well with many of the league’s coaches and athletic directors.

“I made the statement that a couple of us as ADs had talked and we did not want to leave kids out,” Dow said. “The LTC has a philosophy of having all our kids together and I personally felt that it’s important that we continue that tradition.”

Each player chosen for the All-LTC squads and those named to the LTC All-Academic Team will be honored and presented with an award during the banquet. The league will recognize All-Star first and second teams in Classes B and C.

The conference Player of the Year and Coaches of the Year, in the respective divisions, also will be announced.