SANFORD—This year's Redskin Invitational wrestling tournament, held Friday and Saturday, was held in honor of former Sanford coach and standout athlete Keith Kalman who died suddenly on September 21, 2007.
Keith was born in Sanford on October 28, 1945 and graduated from Sanford High School where he was very active in athletics, especially football and wrestling. While a member of the Sanford wrestling team he earned Maine and New England wrestling titles.
After high school, he attended the University of Maine in Orono where he played on the Black Bear football team. At Maine, he received a bachelor's degree in Biology and met his wife, Janet.
After graduating, Keith and his wife took teaching positions in Sanford. During Keith's teaching career, he served as head coach of the Sanford High wrestling team that won several consecutive state championships. While coaching at Sanford, Keith played a key role in the establishment of the prestigious Sanford Redskin Invitational, which became known throughout as one of the most competitive wrestling tournaments in New England. Keith was also one of the founding fathers of the Sanford Pee-Wee tradition.
Whether you addressed Keith as a teacher, coach or referee, or even an insurance man, a career he turned to when he left the teaching profession, you were guaranteed to catch his infectious smile and absorb the drive he had toward the Sanford Wrestling Program.
Prior to this year's Redskin Invitational, Keith's wife and son,Andy, were introduced to the audience at the Sanford Memorial Gymnasium.
Anyone who would like to donate to the Keith Kalmen Memorial Fund may do so by mailing the donation to : Sanford High School, Care of Anne Demers, Sanford High Boulevard, Sanford Maine, 04073.
Please make the check payable to Sanford High School Wrestling.