Price a motivator

As long as I can remember football has been a part of my life. From days spent in Bangor Gardens Park with friends, to middle school, and then high school and college, the game that taught me so much about life has been part of my personality, desires and what defines me.

The fact is Coach Gabby Price instilled that in me, and so many other players. His ability to drive and motivate, to prepare and succeed were imperative in all of the day-to-day activities we participated in as a team.

While his legacy as a coach on the field is truly commendable, as he has returned to the Bangor Rams to prominence, to me, and so many others, it is his off-the-field ability to coach, teach, mentor and inspire that will truly be missed.

He has always been described as intense, fiery, competitive and stern. While all of these characteristics are indicative of his approach to the game, and imperative parts of his personality, it is the other qualities that define him I feel will be truly missed.

Caring, compassionate, reasonable, fair and honest. Those are the qualities that enable him to touch the hearts and lives of those lucky enough to interact with him for even a small time.

For those of us privileged enough to have developed a prolonged relationship, we should consider ourselves lucky. We have been both blessed and honored by one of the “good guys.” He has affected all of us in some way, in some situation, more than either he or ourselves realize.

A wise coach once said “I expect the same from you if you are the first-string quarterback, or the fourth-string tackle … one hundred percent!” That was coach Price’s mentality on the field. The fact that he cared about and touched every guy he coached off the field, regardless of rank or status truly defines him … as a great coach, but an even greater man!

Congratulations, you will be missed. Good luck in the future!

Dan O’Connell,

Bangor High Class of ’95

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