‘Remember When’ is a new monthly series 

telling Scarborough’s sports history through special profiles, memorable games and more.

By Martha Williams

In 1958,the year of the town’s tricentennial, Dick Plummer began his career as teacher, coach and mentor to thousands of Scarborough’s youngsters.

He was a handsome young man, not many years out of school himself, and brought a welcomed touch of Aroostook County to our coastal community. He had a notably full head of dark hair and its gradual disappearance over the years was a source of good natured humor among Dick and his colleagues. He became an enthusiastic assistant coach to head coach Packy McFarland, and taught physical education and health. A non-smoker, non-drinker and exercise advocate, Dick was a worthy role model for his students.

Scarborough High School teams in basketball, baseball and the relatively new sport of soccer, prospered under the direction of its dedicated coaches and soon began to show the kind of success that hard work brings. Just as important, parents knew their sons were learning sportsmanship along with athletics. Packy and Dick were well-known for never questioning an official’s call or making excuses for a loss.

Under their direction, the Redskins became known for tough, well-coached play and were frequent contenders at tournament time.

Dick married Sally Foster of Scarborough and had children of his own, a son and two daughters, but the young people of Scarborough were like extended family to him. He cared deeply for their development, both in terms of athletic prowess and character. One year, for example, Scarborough was invited as Class A State Champions to participate in the prestigious New England Soccer Playoffs. Coach Plummer explained to his team that it was only fair that they play the B and C teams to determine the Maine representative. A heartbreaking loss to C champion, Yarmouth, meant that Scarborough would not be going to Rhode Island that year, but along with their disappointment, the students learned a priceless lesson in ethics.

Other years saw the Redskins in New England play, and as cheering coach I always appreciated that Dick insisted his teams demonstrate a gentlemanly manner toward the young ladies in my care. There was plenty of good-natured banter as one might expect from teenagers, but Dick made sure that his boys always behaved courteously – another valuable lesson.

He had his  idiosyncrasies - like many in the world of sports, he  was superstitious. A change of any kind when the team was on a winning streak was not welcome. Just before a big game, the cheerleaders decided to swap their usual outfits for skirts and sweaters they had found in storage. The look on Coach Plummer’s face let me know immediately that change was not welcome, but that event paled in comparison to the infamous disappearing truck episode. It seems that Dick always parked his pick-up in a certain place in the upper parking lot. He could see it easily from the soccer field, so when a couple of misguided pranksters moved the truck from its accustomed spot, the consternation was considerable.

Still, he had an enduring sense of humor – something that came in handy when tensions ran high as they did one rainy afternoon in a close contest with perennial rival, Gorham.

The winner would go on to the state championship game at Orono and both teams were eager for the opportunity. When regulation play ended in a tie, the play went to overtime. In all, 16 overtimes were played before the game was called for darkness.

Scarborough won the rescheduled match and represented Western Maine in the final. Later, the State Principals’Association modified the rules to limit the number of overtimes, in part because of that endless game.

Dick saw many victories in soccer, but his teams in basketball and baseball achieved lofty goals, too. As the Legion baseball season begins, I’m reminded of the great run in 1960,when the boys from Libby-Mitchell won the state title under young Coach Plummer.

Throughout his long career, Dick maintained the values that he had learned growing up in rural Maine. He was a tireless worker, dedicated educator and faithful friend. In retirement he continued to give countless hours to the athletes of Scarborough, as a timer, scorekeeper and fan. He stayed close to Packy, Phil Martin, Larry Jensen and other coaches from his past, but he embraced Scarborough’s future, too, becoming a good friend to current SHS soccer coach, Mark Diaz. Like Dick, Mark was a native of “the County” and a graduate of the University of Maine. Their bond was close. When Mark’s Red Storm won the Western Maine title in fall 2008, the first person he  called was Coach Plummer. Dick took the call from his hospital bed at Maine Medical Center – the cancer he had been battling for months had worsened.

His loving family kept vigil as Dick slipped into peaceful sleep. His last visitors included loyal friends Bud Sutyak and Phil Martin. His years of service to Scarborough had ended, but he would be remembered by generations of students who gained wisdom and inspiration under his guidance. His memory lives on, too, in the gymnasium that bears his name, the impressive collection of trophies won by Scarborough and the legends of those championship seasons. Most of all, he lives on in our hearts. He was truly a coach for all seasons.

Martha Williams is a former teacher at Scarborough High School and daughter of Packy McFarland who taught and coached at SHS for 26 years, and for whom the baseball field is named.