For 20 years I worked with Steve Vanidestine, Bangor school athletic director, as a school administrator. I believe I know Steve as well as anyone, and I refuse to believe that he would intentionally hurt any student.

This man lived for his students as much as he does his own family. He was like a father to his athletes, making sure they were safe at all times.

Steve also made sure that his athletes performed well academically. He went out of his way to set up an academic program for athletic students who needed help. I know because I was also involved. Athletes who needed help would go to an assigned room after school, where teachers were available to help with homework and other academic needs. He would follow up with their teachers and guidance counselors, to make sure that his students were performing to the expectations of the School Department.

He made sure a student’s academic performance was as important as the athletic performance. As a result, Steve could boast that Bangor High School athletes were among the highest academic performing students in Maine. I need only to mention the high level of athletic performance of Bangor High students during the past 20 years, and that this doesn’t happen without a devoted athletic director like Steve.

His whole life has been dedicated to athletics. He has taught, mentored and administered athletic programs for 35 years, with distinguished service to Bangor High students and parents. He has been a tremendous asset to Bangor. I, therefore, do not believe he is capable of intentionally hurting any student.

I am, however, disappointed in the lack of support for him. He deserves better. It’s a shame that students, parents, teachers and administrators have not openly supported Steve, a person who has done so much for the Bangor area’s athletes.

Richard Madore

Hampden