FARMINGTON — Colleagues, former students, coaches from competing colleges and friends celebrated the career of University of Maine at Farmington coach Robert Leib on Saturday.

State Sen. Tom Saviello, R-Wilton, first presented Leib with a legislative sentiment.

UMF Assistant Athletic Director Jamie Beaudoin spoke of playing soccer for Leib, then working with him, and finally taking over as coach of the men’s soccer team. He introduced Todd Chamberlain, president of Beaver Alum Supporting Student Athletes, another student coached by Leib who also works to raise money for the Athletic Department.

Chamberlain said, “Second to graduating college and competing in playoff games, today is one of my proudest moments.” Leib is the reason Chamberlain came to UMF. His legacy of putting together winning teams and the camaraderie of the players are why many students choose UMF.

Chamberlain said Leib asked him to help raise money for athletic programs at the college. Small golf matches eventually led to the formation of BASSA. The group donated $5,000 yesterday to complete its $10,000 pledge to Leib Field.

Several of Leib’s former players shared their experiences at UMF in a video shown during the roast.

Dr. Dennis Kamholtz was a member of the UMF faculty and student adviser for much of the time Leib coached there. He said, “The man can flat-out coach.” 

Kamholtz said Leib transplanted his personality into his players. Leib was known for his competitiveness and his uncanny ability to focus. “Students were expected to come to play,” he said. If they didn’t have that drive, Leib had them sit on the bench.

“Coach Leib was always about the team. He deflected attention away from himself,” Kamholtz said. 

During his time at UMF, Leib never had a losing season. His teams won more than 800 games in four sports. His coaching resume includes 85 All-Conference selections, 34 All-State recipients, 29 All-NAIA District 5 players, 23 All-New England Region honorees, 17 All-Americans, 13 Academic All-Americans, and a nine-time Coach of the Year winner at the conference, state and regional levels.

Earlier in the day, the UMF soccer field was dedicated to Leib.

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