Biddeford Schools - Est. 1848

Robert Cote, a 2012 graduate of Biddeford High School, left an indelible mark on both the classroom and athletic fields. Graduating as the salutatorian of his class, Robert demonstrated the same commitment to excellence in his academics as he did in sports. A standout in both basketball and baseball, Robert quickly became a key player for the Tigers, earning accolades that would define his high school career.

In basketball, Robert was named the 2012 SMAA Player of the Year, leading the league with an impressive 22.5 points per game. His prowess from beyond the arc was unmatched, as he also led the league in 3-point shooting. Robert set multiple school records, including the most points in a single season with 405 and the all-time 3-point record with 119. In 2012, he was also selected to the Maine McDonald’s All-Star Team. His ability to perform under pressure and his knack for clutch moments were defining features of his basketball career.

On the baseball field, Robert showcased his versatility, excelling as a steadfast pitcher for the Tigers. In 2012, he earned a spot on the SMAA All-Conference Team, further cementing his status as one of Biddeford’s top athletes. That same year, Robert was named to the SMAA All-Academic Team and was recognized with Biddeford High School’s Stephen F. White Award, presented annually to the top male athlete in the graduating class.

Following his high school career, Robert continued to excel academically, graduating from the University of Maine in 2016 with a degree in chemical engineering and a minor in math. Today, Robert contributes to the nation’s defense working on nuclear reactors aboard top submarines, demonstrating the same precision and dedication that defined his athletic and academic achievements.

Dennis "Duke" Dutremble, a 1965 graduate of St. Louis High School, was a standout athlete for the Eagles. He was known for his toughness, determination, and unwavering dedication. In football, Duke played a pivotal role for the Eagles during their Class A Co-Championship season, earning a spot on the Maine All-State Team in 1964 as the team’s center and defensive guard. 

On the basketball court, Duke became one of the school's all-time greats, ranking 15th in scoring history and setting numerous records for the Eagles. In 1964, he broke his own single-season rebounding record with 337, one more than his 336 rebounds from the previous season. He also holds the single-game rebounding record with 36 and the three-year total with 681 rebounds.

After high school, Duke continued his basketball career at the University of Maine at Farmington, where he played for 2 ½ seasons until an injury prematurely ended his collegiate athletic journey. His passion for sports, however, continued to shape his life. Duke went on to serve his community as a public servant, dedicating himself to both his town and the state of Maine. He was a founding member of the St. Louis Alumni Band and an original member of the La Kermesse Committee, highlighting his commitment to local culture and tradition. As a 28-year teacher and 10-year coach at Thornton Academy, Duke also displayed a long-standing and positive commitment to the youth of our area and the state of Maine.

Duke’s political career was equally impactful. From 1979 to 1981, he served in the Maine State Legislature, and from 1981 to 1994, he represented his constituents in the Maine State Senate, where he also served as Assistant Majority Leader. He became the first Franco-American Senate President, serving from 1993 to 1994. In 2012, he was inducted into the Maine State Franco-American Hall of Fame. Duke’s lifelong contributions to both sports and public service have left an incredible mark on the state of Maine, his community, and his beloved St. Louis High School.

Debra Lebel, a 1975 graduate of Biddeford High School, has built an unparalleled legacy in the world of cheerleading. Beginning her coaching journey in 1997 at St. James School, she quickly made her mark, and in the fall of 2001, she took over the Biddeford Tigers varsity cheerleading program. Over the next 26 years, her commitment to excellence and her relentless pursuit of success earned her the nickname "Lebelichick," a tribute to her coaching mastery.

Under her leadership, the Biddeford Tigers achieved extraordinary success, winning 10 Class A Maine Regional Championships (2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2019, 2020, 2022) and seven Class A Maine State Championships (2002, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2019, 2020). Additionally, her teams earned the prestigious New England Championship in 2014. A two-time SMAA Coach of the Year, Debra also had the honor of coaching the cheerleading squad for the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl for eight years, further solidifying her reputation as one of Maine’s premier cheerleading coaches.

Beyond her championship titles, Debra’s influence extended far beyond the gym. She touched the lives of hundreds of cheerleaders, guiding many to continue their passion at the collegiate level, including one who cheered for the New England Patriots. Her commitment to her community was also evident in her seven years of service with the Biddeford Pee-Wee Cheerleading Program, where she served one year as Vice President and seven years as President.

Debra’s legacy is not only defined by her unmatched success but also by the lasting impact she made on the lives of her athletes, both on and off the mat. A champion of “Education-Based Athletics,” she instilled the values of teamwork, discipline, commitment, and perseverance in every student-athlete she coached.

Richard Lemay graduated from Biddeford High School in 1969. Over the course of his high school career, Richard solidified his reputation as one of the most talented and clutch players to ever take the field or court. His versatility and leadership in three major sports—football, basketball, and baseball—earned him the respect and admiration of teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.

In football, Richard's leadership shone the brightest. As the captain of the Biddeford Tigers, he led the team to two Class A State Championships in 1966 and 1967. A standout running back, Richard’s powerful performances on the field played a critical role in the team's success during these championship seasons. His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, earning him a well-deserved spot on the All-State Football Team in 1967.

Richard’s athletic prowess was not limited to the gridiron. On the basketball court, he demonstrated exceptional skill, earning All-Conference honors in both 1968 and 1969, and became the 12th-leading all-time scorer in Biddeford basketball history. Perhaps his most iconic moments came in the form of two unforgettable buzzer-beater shots against Thornton Academy, which remain cherished memories in the hearts of Tigers fans.

In addition to his high school athletic achievements, Richard was also a key figure in the Biddeford athletic community. After his playing days were over, he dedicated six years to coaching in the Biddeford Pee Wee Football League, passing on his love for the game and invaluable knowledge to the next generation of athletes. He was an active member of the Biddeford Athletic Association, further cementing his commitment to the youth sports community in his hometown.

Richard’s professional life mirrored the same work ethic and dedication he displayed on the field. He had a successful 45-year career at General Dynamics, contributing to his community in both his professional and personal life.

Grace Martin, a 2019 graduate of Biddeford High School, left a lasting impact on the school’s athletic program as a three-sport standout in volleyball, basketball, and softball. In volleyball, she earned All-Conference and All-State honors for three consecutive years, led the state in every offensive category, and was nominated for the 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year after posting 352 kills, 135 digs, and 30 blocks.

On the diamond, Grace played a pivotal role as a freshman on Biddeford’s 2016 softball state championship team, batting third and anchoring the infield at shortstop. On the basketball court, she became one of the most decorated athletes in school history—earning All-State recognition, twice being named SMAA Player of the Year, and finishing her career with 1,436 points, the third-highest in school history. She averaged 25 points and 12 rebounds per game as a senior, earning a nomination for the 2019 Gatorade Player of the Year in basketball and receiving the Brother Richard Hebert Award, given annually to Biddeford’s top senior female athlete.

Grace is now graduating from Harvard University, where she was a John Harvard Scholar (top 5% of her class), a former member of the Harvard Women’s Basketball Team, and currently serves as Vice President of the Harvard University Sports Lab, where she leads student programming in sports business and innovation.

Her professional experience includes roles with the Miami Dolphins & Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, MarketCast, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and Vapotherm.

In 2024 and 2025, Grace served as Head Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach at Boston University Academy, leading the team to its most successful season in program history. Through every chapter, she continues to lead with purpose, using sport as a platform to empower and inspire. 

Steven Simensky, a 1984 graduate of Biddeford High School, left a lasting mark on the school’s athletic legacy. Excelling in cross country, basketball, and baseball, he earned recognition as co-captain of both the basketball and baseball teams, solidifying his place as one of Biddeford’s standout athletes.

On the baseball field, Steven was named to the All-Telegram League All-Star Team in his senior year with an impressive .380 batting average. As the starting pitcher in the 1984 Maine State Championship Game, Steven struck out 16 of 21 batters, leading the Tigers to a 10-4 victory over Brewer High School, marking the school’s only state championship in baseball. He also received a nomination to the US Junior Olympic Baseball Team.

Steven’s talent extended to basketball, where he ranked 85th all-time in scoring with 328 career points. In his senior season, he averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds per game, showcasing his versatility and leadership on the court.

After high school, Steven continued his athletic pursuits at Brandeis University, where he was a starting pitcher from 1984 to 1986. He also excelled as an amateur bodybuilder. Following his collegiate career, he pursued studies in Austria and began an academic and professional journey in sports psychology and medicine.

From 2008 to 2020, Steven played in the Columbus, Ohio Men’s Baseball League, earning multiple Team MVP awards, numerous all-star selections, and two batting titles. In 2020, he founded the Motor City Red Sox, a 35+ team in Detroit. He also served as a graduate assistant for the Michigan State University Baseball Team in 1991.

Steven earned a Ph.D. in Sports Psychology from Michigan State and an M.D. from the University of Vermont. He served as the medical director of OhioHealth’s sports concussion program for many years, covering over 25 high schools and several colleges. He now works as a general neurologist at Memorial Healthcare Institute for Neuroscience in Owosso, Michigan, using his expertise to improve the lives of others.