Happy New Year!

The thought occurred to me recently that the significance of role models for our youth and other athletic participants has been minimized recently by talk of the downplay of such characters, especially in the world of sports.

With the high school basketball season in full swing, I thought today might be a good time to look at some people who are excellent role models within their own professions.

In the eastern Maine region, certified basketball official Brian Gallant would represent a good example for aspiring referees to follow as they go about the business of learning the rules and the regulations of the often fast-paced high school basketball scene.

Brian always conducts himself like a gentleman on the basketball floor, and his professionalism in his approach to his job speaks volumes about not only his respect for officiating, but also his love for the game.

I remember Brian’s playing days at Hermon High School, and I especially remember how well he conducted himself out on the floor. He was always well-mannered, and that personal trait rubbed off on his two hoop-playing sons, Aaron and Alex.

On the female side of the officiating picture, young girls aspiring to the ranks of refereeing only have to look at the work of former Central Aroostook standout Cynthia Porter-McLaughlin.

Cindy combines her athletic skills with a thorough knowledge of the game to put forth an effort in the gym that is appreciated by all participants.

In my own coaching career, I can say truthfully that Cindy can work any game at any level and be as good as any male official while doing so. She represents a solid role model for aspiring female officials.

A move to the high school coaching ranks finds a couple of blue-chippers working the sidelines of area gyms, providing all the while good examples of role models for younger coaches and their players to emulate.

At Brewer High School, Mark Reed brings a classy demeanor to the varsity boys hoop proceedings.

Reed, the former standout basketball and baseball player at Bangor High School and Liberty University, didn’t have to look far to have a coaching role model of his own. Mark’s father, Bangor basketball boss Roger Reed, provided not only an outstanding parental role model for his son, but also a solid coaching example for the young man.

Brewer is indeed fortunate to have a coach and a role model of Mark Reed’s caliber.

At Hermon High School, the girls basketball Hawks are led by impressive Margie Deabay.

Females aspiring to head jobs in the high school ranks need to look no further than this talented young woman.

From an educational standpoint, our profession needs to get more young women involved in the head coaching ranks in high school hoops.

A Wiscasset High School and Husson College of Bangor graduate, Deabay is impressive as she goes about the business of leading her Hawks night in and night out.

Of course, it takes yeoman-like service to tie all this basketball stuff together each season.

Athletic administrators are needed to make all the basketball proceedings run smoothly.

In the eastern region, we boast many fine ones, none better than Deer Isle-Stonington’s Matt Larsen and Maine Central Institute of Pittsfield’s Julie Treadwell.

These two ADs are Johnny-on-the-spot organizers and troubleshooters, two job characteristics which are musts for success at the high school level.

Aspiring athletic administrators need look no further than the work of Matt and Julie.

Yes, we have some fine role models in our midst, but the aforementioned positions still need an influx of female blood to shore up the ranks.

NEWS columnist Ron Brown, a retired high school basketball coach, can be reached at bdnsports@bangordailynews.net