Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Life and Legacy of Coach Gus LeBlanc
Wilfred “Gus” LeBlanc, a beloved high school sports coach and educator, passed away on Friday surrounded by his family and friends. His impact on Androscoggin County schools and the community as a whole was profound.
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A Franco-American Upbringing
LeBlanc, a native of Old Town, Maine, grew up in a Franco-American family. His passion for sports was evident from a young age, as he excelled in football both in high school and college at the University of Maine in Orono. After earning his bachelor’s degree in history in 1975, he went on to obtain a master’s degree in guidance.
A Career in Education and Coaching
LeBlanc began his career as a social studies teacher in Old Town before moving on to Dexter Area High School. During his time at Dexter, he served as a guidance counselor, assistant principal, athletic director, and head football coach. Under his leadership, the football team achieved great success, culminating in an undefeated season and a state title in 1984.
In 1987, LeBlanc took on the role of principal at Leavitt Area High School, where he implemented innovative approaches to support teachers in addressing the needs of high-risk students. He also introduced programming to raise awareness of issues such as emotional abuse, alcoholism, teenage pregnancy, and more.
A Tragic Loss and Resilience
By the late 1990s, LeBlanc had transitioned to the role of principal at Montello Elementary School in Lewiston. His tenure at Lewiston High School was marked by tragedy when three Air Force Junior ROTC students lost their lives in a plane crash in 2006. LeBlanc had the difficult task of informing the students’ families of the heartbreaking news.
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Despite facing such challenges, LeBlanc remained dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of his students. He implemented changes to support struggling students academically and advocated for stricter eligibility policies for extracurricular activities.
A Lasting Legacy
LeBlanc’s dedication to education and coaching extended beyond Maine, as he later served as the headmaster of Lee Academy and chaired the board of English-speaking schools in South Korea and the Philippines. He returned to Lewiston High School briefly as the interim principal and eventually found his way to Poland Regional High School as the head football coach.
Throughout his career, LeBlanc received numerous accolades, including the Dick Mynahan Coach of the Year award. His impact on the lives of students and colleagues will be remembered for years to come.
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