https://www.rsu10.org/o/mvhs/athletics

Mountain Valley Athletics, 799 Hancock Street, Rumford, ME (2026)

08/10/2026

The Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame is proud to announce its final inductee of the 2026 Class, in the Contributor category, Dr. Dieter Kreckel. Behind every championship, every victory, and every successful athletic program are individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed. Dr. Dieter Kreckel is one of those individuals.
When Dr. Dieter Kreckel and his wife, Jennifer, chose to make the River Valley their home in 1993, it was not by chance. Dr. Kreckel had long dreamed of practicing medicine in a rural community, once saying that the traditional country doctor was someone who cared not only for people when they were sick, but for the entire community. That philosophy has defined his life in the River Valley ever since. As their two children grew up attending Mountain Valley High School, Dieter and Jennifer became deeply invested in the schools, the community, and the people who call this area home.
For more than three decades, Friday nights at Falcon football games have almost always included one constant: Dr. Kreckel standing on the sideline, ready whenever he was needed. As team physician, he has volunteered countless hours caring for Mountain Valley student athletes, working alongside athletic trainers when available and willingly stepping into that role himself when they were not. His calm presence and medical expertise have provided reassurance to generations of athletes, coaches, and parents alike. Dr. Kreckel also generously volunteered with the Chisholm Ski Club and the Black Mountain Ski Patrol over the years.
His commitment to the community reached far beyond athletics. As one of the physicians who helped establish and grow Swift River Family Medicine, Dr. Kreckel has cared for generations of River Valley families while serving in numerous leadership roles, including the Maine Medical Association, the Mountain Valley Boosters Club, and committees dedicated to strengthening the Town of Rumford. Through it all, he has remained a steadfast advocate for the health, safety, and well being of our students and our community.
The greatest contributors rarely seek recognition. They simply show up, year after year, because they care deeply about the people they serve.
For his decades of dedication to Mountain Valley athletics, his unwavering commitment to the health and safety of our student athletes, and his lasting impact on generations of Mountain Valley families, we are honored to welcome Dr. Dieter Kreckel into the Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.

08/07/2026

Here is some clarification and some more information on what our upcoming Hall of Fame Weekend will look like. All of these events are available to the general public.

Saturday, August 15th
The MV Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony in the Muskie Auditorium begins at 1:00 PM. Doors will open at noon. Tickets to attend are $10, with all proceeds going directly to Mountain Valley Athletics. *Inductees and one guest get free admission.

Immediately following the Award Ceremony there will be a reception at Black Mountain of Maine for all attendees. At the reception there will be appetizers, coffee and water provided to all attendees upon arrival. The lodge and deck will both be open for this event and the hope is for this to be an opportunity for all generations of our area athletes and fans to get together and celebrate our area’s rich history.

Sunday, August 16th
The MV Athletics Hall of Fame Golf Scramble at Oakdale CC will begin with a shotgun start at 9:00 AM, with registration opening at 8:15 AM. This is an 18 hole scramble available to all, the entry fee is $400 per team, once again with all proceeds going directly to Mountain Valley Athletics and the costs of the HOF. After the scramble, there will be a lunch for all participants provided by Mainely Plates and Platters. We are still looking for foursomes to fill out this tournament and businesses to sponsor the event($100 to sponsor a hole and $200 to sponsor a contest).

Here is the link to register for the scramble: https://forms.gle/qwkkTCCSgCA4tXwe8

08/07/2026

The Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame is proud to announce its newest inductee, 2000 MVHS graduate, Jill Dunton (Bartash).

Few student-athletes in Mountain Valley history have demonstrated the versatility that Jill displayed throughout her high school career. A true three-sport standout, she excelled in skiing, soccer and track & field.

Jill’s greatest success came on the ski slopes, where she established herself among the very best all-around skiers in the state. She captured the title of Class A State Ski-Meister three times, in 1997, 1998, and 2000, an award recognizing the state’s top overall skier based on combined alpine and nordic results. She also helped lead Mountain Valley to an MVC alpine skiing championship in 1997. As a result of her dominance on the nordic circuit, Jill was named a member of the Maine Nordic team at the Eastern Championships, a race in which she finished 4th overall. Her outstanding performances also earned her a Telegram All-State First team and Honorable Mention recognition.

Jill carried that same competitiveness into the spring season. She won the 1999 Mountain Valley Conference championship in the 400-meter dash, a race in which she still holds the school record with a time of 1:01.38. She was also a member of the school-record setting 4x400-meter relay team (4:17.10). She helped lead the girls track team to their first and only MVC championship in 1999.

On the soccer pitch, she was equally outstanding. She earned Telegram All-State Honorable Mention honors, and was selected as a Western Maine Class B All-Star, establishing herself as one of the premier players in the state. She was a major contributor to the team's back-to-back MVC soccer Championships in 1998 and 1999.

Her remarkable accomplishments across three sports also earned her the honor of receiving the William Fraser Outstanding Female Athlete Award in 2000, the highest athletic honor presented at Mountain Valley High School. Her success on the playing surface and in the classroom also earned Jill a spot in Bruce Glazier’s varsity club in 2000.

Following high school, Jill continued her athletic success at the college level. As a track and field athlete at Colby College, Jill qualified to compete in the New England championships in both the 400 meter hurdles and 4x100. After moving on to the University of Maine at Farmington, Jill was a member of the Beaver squad that won the NAIA conference and went on to compete in the National Championships in St. Louis, Missouri.

Jill Dunton’s success across three sports exemplifies what it means to be a complete student-athlete. Whether earning individual accolades or helping lead her teams to conference championships, her versatility and commitment to excellence have earned her a well-deserved place in the Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.

08/05/2026

The Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame is proud to announce its newest inductee, Chris West.

Hard work, determination, and perseverance defined Chris West’s football career. From an inexperienced freshman to one of the state’s premier linemen and ultimately earning a spot on the roster of an SEC football powerhouse, his journey stands as one of the most remarkable in Mountain Valley football history.

By his senior season, Chris had developed into one of the state’s most dominant two-way linemen. He earned First Team All-State honors on the offensive line as a junior before being named First Team All-State on both the offensive and defensive lines during his senior season. He was also selected as the recipient of the Bruce Campbell Award, recognizing him as the top class B football player in the Campbell Conference. An award almost always won by quarterbacks, running backs or other statistically prolific skill position players, Chris’s selection as a lineman was unheard of, a true testament to his dominance. He was also the first ever recipient of the Chet Bulger Award given to the best lineman in the state, fittingly named after another Rumford football legend.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing more than 230 pounds, Chris possessed a rare combination of size, quickness, and athleticism. Coach Jim Aylward described him as an incredibly quick and athletic player for his size who dominated on the defensive side of the ball while anchoring Mountain Valley’s offensive line. “If we needed three yards on offense,” Aylward recalled, “we ran behind him every time.” Chris helped pave the way for the conference’s most productive rushing attacks while also ranking among the Falcons’ leading tacklers. Just as importantly, he was known for his humility, work ethic, and leadership. Coach Aylward described him as “a terrific young man and role model for the younger players,” qualities that made him as respected off the field as he was on it.

Chris’s accomplishments attracted the attention of college coaches across the country, but he embraced the challenge of walking on at the University of Tennessee, one of the premier programs in college football. Earning the opportunity to compete in the Southeastern Conference, widely regarded as the top conference in college football, is an extraordinary accomplishment for any athlete, especially one from the small mill town of Rumford, Maine. Through hard work and perseverance, Chris earned a place on the Volunteers’ roster, competed alongside some of the nation’s top players, and was even a member of Tennessee’s 1997 SEC Championship team. His dedication extended beyond the football field, as he was also named to the 1996 SEC Academic Honor Roll, demonstrating the same commitment to excellence in the classroom that he displayed in competition.

Even after his collegiate career, Chris remained committed to Mountain Valley football, returning home to mentor Falcon linemen and share the techniques and lessons he learned while competing at the highest level of college football.

Chris West’s legacy extends beyond the football field. His dominance as a player, his leadership as a teammate, and his journey from Rumford to the highest level of college football continue to inspire future generations of Falcon athletes. He is a most deserving inductee into the Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame.

08/04/2026

The Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame is proud to announce its newest inductee, Jen Deraspe of the Mexico High School Class of 1983.

The early 1980’s were a golden era for Mexico High School girls athletics, and Jen Deraspe stood at the center of it. A fierce competitor and exceptional three-sport athlete, she helped lead championship teams in basketball and field hockey, while excelling in track and field, earning a reputation as one of the greatest all-around athletes in school history.

On the basketball court, she led Mexico in scoring during her sophomore, junior and senior seasons while helping the Pintos compile one of the greatest runs in school history. During her sophomore year, Mexico completed an undefeated regular season, captured Mountain Valley Conference and Western Maine Championships, and advanced to the Class C State Championship Game. Jen courageously played through a severely sprained ankle suffered during practice the day before the championship game. Despite her gutsy performance, the Pintos came up just two points short of their goal of winning a state title. Throughout her career, Mexico qualified for four consecutive postseason tournaments, and Jen twice earned team Most Valuable Player honors before being selected to the Maine Association of Basketball Coaches Senior All-Star Team. She also set a school tournament record by scoring 29 points in a Western Maine Tournament victory over Wiscasset.

Jen’s athletic success extended well beyond basketball. In field hockey, she was a four-year letter winner, multiple-time team Most Valuable Player, and captain of the 1982 Western Maine Championship team. In track and field, she set school records in the long jump and javelin as a freshman, earned team MVP honors twice, and reached the podium three times at the State Championships, placing third and sixth in javelin and third in triple jump.

She was honored for her all-around success by being named the Mexico High School’s Most Outstanding Female Athlete as a senior. Her success continued at Plymouth State College, where she served as team captain and finished her career with 792 points.

Jen Deraspe’s athletic career was defined by toughness, versatility, and excellence. As one of the driving forces behind one of the most successful eras in Mexico High School athletics, her impact extended far beyond individual accomplishments. She is a most deserving inductee into the Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.

07/31/2026

The Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame is proud to announce the induction of the 2004 MVHS Football Team, the first football state championship team in school history.

“You don’t lose gold balls, you win gold balls.” Those were the words Coach Jim Aylward shared with his team before the 2004 Class B State Championship. It was a simple message, but one that perfectly reflected the mindset of a team that refused to be defined by the past. After years of building one of Maine’s top football programs and coming within reach of a championship, the 2004 Falcons broke through, capturing the first football title in school history and forever changing the legacy of Falcon football.

The season did not begin with championship expectations. The team opened the year with a hard-fought 14-6 loss at York. But they responded exactly as championship teams do. They won eleven consecutive games, defeating Greely, Gorham, Lake Region, Poland, Wells, Fryeburg, Falmouth, Leavitt, fittingly York in a rematch in the Western Maine semifinals, Gorham in the Western Maine Championship, and finally Winslow in the Class B title game. Along the way, Mountain Valley outscored its opponents 410-64.

The state championship unfolded like something out of a movie, with big play after big play and seemingly every Falcon contributing to the victory. On the opening kickoff, reserve lineman Chris Taylor delivered a crushing hit that jarred the ball loose from the Winslow return man and Devin Roberts recovered the fumble deep in Black Raider territory. Nine plays later, Aaron Arsenault powered into the end zone to give MV a 7-0 lead. Just minutes later, another forced fumble, this time forced by Chris Lever and returned 45 yards for the team's second touchdown and a commanding 13-0 lead before the first quarter ended. Winslow was able to cut the lead to 13-7 before halftime, but the Falcons never wavered. Their defense shut the door in the second half, forcing two interceptions(Chris Smith and Shawn Marr) and repeatedly turning back every Black Raider opportunity before Arsenault sealed the championship with a 12-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, securing Mountain Valley’s historic 21-7 victory and the first football state championship in school history.

The identity of the 04 Falcons was built on relentless defense. Throughout the season, only three of their opponents managed to score on them more than once, and the Falcons overwhelmed teams with their physicality, discipline, and fundamentally sound play. Their best defensive performance came on the biggest stage. Facing a Winslow team averaging nearly 35 points per game during the postseason, Mountain Valley forced five turnovers, recorded 13 tackles for loss, including two sacks, and held the Black Raiders to just 163 total yards in the commanding victory. It was a championship performance that perfectly embodied the style of football Coach Aylward had spent years instilling in his program.

The Falcons were equally effective offensively. Behind one of the state’s most productive rushing attacks and a dominant offensive line, Mountain Valley averaged more than 34 points per game during its eleven-game winning streak. Quarterback Zach Fergola provided steady leadership at the helm of the offense, and he and Aaron Arsenault, Chris Smith, Pat Knapp, and a talented supporting cast consistently delivered in the biggest moments. Zach Fergola, Travis Fergola, Chris Lever, and Korey Staires each earned First-Team Campbell Conference honors, but this team’s success was never defined by individual accolades. It was built upon selflessness, trust and an unwavering commitment to the team.

That bond extended far beyond football. Throughout the season, the Falcons carried the memory of teammate and classmate Rob Beadle, whose tragic passing had deeply impacted the entire community. His No. 22 jersey had a place on the sideline every Friday night, several players wore No. 22 armbands in his honor, and when the final seconds ticked away at Fitzpatrick Stadium, they proudly raised Rob’s jersey alongside the Gold Ball. It was a powerful reminder that this championship belonged not only to the players on the field, but also to a teammate whose spirit remained with them throughout the unforgettable journey.

The 2004 Mountain Valley football team did more than win the first football state championship in school history. They rewarded years of dedication from Coach Jim Aylward and his longtime staffers Rick White, Ryan Casey, and Steve Lapointe, honored the foundation laid by the teams that came before them, and carried the memory of teammate Rob Beadle every step of the way. As Aylward told his players before they took the field, “You don’t lose gold balls, you win gold balls.” On November 20, 2004, the Falcons did exactly that, forever cementing their legacy as one of the greatest teams in Mountain Valley history.

Congratulations to the 2004 MVHS Football team, a most deserving inductee into the Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.

07/27/2026

The Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame is proud to announce its newest inductee, Lisa Pomerleau, now Lisa Redmond, of the MVHS Class of 1990.

Lisa began her career as a Rumford Panther and graduated as a Mountain Valley Falcon, establishing herself as one of the most talented basketball players ever to represent either school.

A dynamic 5 foot 1 inch point guard, Lisa could impact every part of the game. As a sophomore, she helped lead Rumford to a 17-1 record and the 1988 Western Maine Championship while earning Second Team All-MVC honors. By her junior season, she had become one of the conference’s most dominant players, leading the conference in scoring, assists and steals, which earned her First Team recognition.

Lisa saved one of her finest seasons for last. As a senior, she led Mountain Valley to an undefeated MVC championship season, repeated as a First Team All-MVC selection and earned Maine All-State and McDonald’s Senior All-Star honors.

She averaged 14 points and 4.5 assists per game and finished her career as a member of the 1000-point club. She also TWICE established the school single-season steals record, first recording 132 steals before breaking her own mark with 136 the following season. Her ability to score, create opportunities for her teammates, and relentlessly pressure opponents made her one of the most complete players of her era. John Bernard was able to coach her after the merger and said, “Lisa will go down in history as one of the best women’s basketball players to lace them up for Rumford and Mountain Valley High School.”

Although basketball was the sport for which she became best known, Lisa was an outstanding all-around athlete. She picked up field hockey as a sophomore and immediately earned a varsity position. She ended up being a leader scorer, the team's offensive MVP and earned First Team All-MVC honors. She was also a multi-year starter for the softball team, was an offensive powerhouse and a strong-armed catcher behind the plate for the Falcons.

Lisa Pomerleau’s talent left a lasting mark on both Rumford and Mountain Valley athletics. She is a very deserving member of the Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

A note from Lisa’s classmate and now fellow Hall of Famer, Matt Gaudet. “At a young age, Lisa Pomerleau was a dominant athlete. She was my teammate during my first year of organized basketball at the GRCC. We played in the Prep league for Merrimack and her father, the legendary Eddie Pomerleau, was our coach. His nickname for her was “Little” and he could be heard yelling that whenever our team needed a play made to turn the game in our favor. “Little” always came through for us. I remember thinking I’ve got a lot of work to do to be as good as Lisa. That thought wasn’t limited to basketball. She was also better than me on the baseball diamond and every other field of play! She was a better basketball player than the boys and the best pitcher and hitter in baseball. Luckily for me and the rest of my male counterparts, we grew bigger and taller and Lisa remained little. Despite her stature, Lisa remained dominant throughout high school. I was thankful that she’s a girl and I didn’t have to compete against her everyday! Her talent pushed me to work harder. Congratulations Lisa!”

07/26/2026

The Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame is proud to announce its newest inductee, Coach Ray Broomhall.

For more than half a century, Ray Broomhall has dedicated his life to the sport of Nordic skiing. As a coach, mentor, race organizer, and trail builder, his impact reaches far beyond championships and has shaped generations of skiers throughout the River Valley and across the state of Maine.

Growing up in Rumford, Ray competed as both a ski jumper and cross-country skier before turning his passion toward coaching and developing young athletes. With the support of his wife, Judy, he became deeply involved with youth ski programs through the Chisholm Ski Club, helping organize festivals, coach young skiers, and expand opportunities for Nordic athletes throughout Western Maine. His influence reached hundreds of young competitors, with dozens advancing to Junior National competition and many going on to national and international success.

Ray’s high school coaching career spanned more than four decades. He served as head Nordic ski coach at Mexico High School from 1974-1989 before continuing at Mountain Valley High School from 1990-2015(with a couple of breaks in between). Along the way, his teams captured the 1984 Class B State Championship(MHS), the 1985 MVC Championship(MHS), and the 2014 Combined State Championship(MVHS). His commitment to student-athletes never wavered, and his influence extended well beyond the finish line.

While Ray built outstanding high school programs, his impact on Nordic skiing reached an even greater stage. Working alongside his brother, Chummy, and countless volunteers, he helped transform Black Mountain of Maine into one of the premier cross-country skiing venues in the country. His expertise as a course designer and chief of course also took him to NCAA Championships, World Cup events, and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where he served as an assistant with the cross-country competition. He brought those experiences back to the River Valley, continuing to develop athletes, including devoting many years to coaching and coordinating Special Olympics Nordic skiing.

In 2006, Ray’s lifetime of contributions to Nordic skiing was recognized with his induction into the Maine Ski Hall of Fame. Even today, at 91 years old, he can be found on the trails, a fitting reminder that his passion for skiing has never faded.

Few individuals have done more to grow, promote, and sustain Nordic skiing in Maine(and likely the world) than Ray Broomhall. His lifelong commitment to student-athletes and the sport itself has left a legacy like no other. He is a most deserving member of the Mountain Valley Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.

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