A story by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project from 1940s to current
Voices of Biddeford interview with Ron Cote on October 7, 2023
To say that Ron is passionate about sports is the epitome of an understatement. As a star athlete himself from a young age, his goal was to be a coach and a teacher (requirement to be a coach) and to do this in Biddeford. With absolute dedication and hard work, he felt he had realized his goal beyond anything he had imagined. He navigated his way to a decades long career as a teacher and three sport coach at Biddeford High, followed by coaching at various schools including at the college level. He takes his great pride in helping others be the best that they can be. This is topped off by recognition as a legend himself, inducted into every Sports Hall of Fame that Maine has to offer. He stated his whole life had been sports and family, which included his wife of 52 years and his 2 children. At the time of the interview, he said he was focusing on supporting the passions of his grandchildren and "trying" to wind down.
Ron shared stories of his great-grandparents and the impact of a duel as well as how his grandmother moved to Biddeford by taxi. He spoke of living a simple life while growing up, centered on family, the immediate neighborhood and the Mayfield. Community expectations and game atmosphere during Biddeford high school sports championship years had a great impact and how he dealt with the decision to stay at St. Louis High School, despite being recruited to go to Biddeford High. He shared information about the role models and major influences in his life and his experience attending prep school in Connecticut. He provided insights into the positives and negatives of having a strong French background, his perspective and the impact on the closure of St. Louis High School, the change of parents' role in their kid’s athletic experience and challenges of coaching your own children, his decision to leave Biddeford High to coach at University of New England, his preferred sport, and how Ron Cote, the coach, now sees Ron Cote, the athlete and the transition to this phase of his life.
Recorded on October 7, 2023
View a transcript of this interview, more pictures. and additional information.
For more stories from the Voices for Biddeford project, visit Voices of Biddeford.
Ron Cote, star football player for St. Louis High School
Basketball coach for Biddeford High School (including his son, a star player)
Ron with his wife and children and Maine Sports Hall of Fame trophy, October 2022
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