Larry Mahaney graduated from Fort Fairfield High School in 1947 and the University of Maine, B.S. Economics, in 1951, and a Masters of Education in 1955. Mahaney was the varsity basketball coach at Brewer High School from 1956 to 1962 and the varsity football coach from 1957 to 1961. He was well known for his ability to coach and lead young men at Brewer High. He led the Witches into three championship basketball games, winning a regional championship in 1960. The 1959-1960 team featured fellow Brewer Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees, Dan Coombs and David Farley. Mahaney led the Witches to a state championship in football, compiling a record of 7-0-1 with 6 of those wins coming as shutouts in 1957, and compiling the first of two straight undefeated seasons with 23 straight victories carrying over into 1959.
The Mahaney stamp could also be seen on several of his former players who became successful coaches in the high school and college ranks. These individuals included: Ron Rogerson, former head football coach at the University of Maine and Princeton; Jerry Perkins, former head football and wrestling coach at Rumford and Mountain Valley High Schools; Don Harnum, former basketball coach and athletic director of Susquehanna University and the University of Delaware; Alton “Bump” Hadley, former head football coach and Principal of Brewer High School, as well as Superintendant of Brewer Schools; and lastly, Norris Nickerson, former coach and Principal at Bangor High School.
After coaching at Brewer High School, Mahaney became President of Webber Energy Fuels and the Erin Company. He was a major contributor in upgrading the University of Maine Baseball facilities, specifically the baseball field and construction of the Mahaney Clubhouse. His philosophy of philanthropy was simple: “Although the bottom line is the main objective of most companies, I sincerely believe we also have a social responsibility and commitment to invest in other projects. Investing in education, teachers, and the future of our young people offers a great return.” The UMaine baseball field was aptly named Mahaney Diamond. Mahaney's generosity was felt statewide. There is also a baseball field named after him at St Joseph’s College in Standish.
Larry Mahaney joined his brother, Keith (1994 Inductee), in the Maine Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. Mr. Mahaney passed away in 2006. His son, Kevin, in his father's memory, continues the “Mahaney Tradition” through his contributions to the UMaine baseball program and the construction of the Mahaney Dome, an air supported dome for various sports and activities on campus.
Keith Mahaney (brother) and grandsons accepting award on behalf of Larry Mahaney
