Tony DiBiase grew up in Westbrook playing every sport available. He could hit a baseball really, really, hard, and often; he was an outstanding football player who ran with power and speed, and he was a rugged rebounder with a pure jump shot. Tony was a local Bo Jackson before that name became part of sport folklore. It should be noted however, Bo never spent much time on the hardwood.
Tony led Westbrook to a State Championship in 1972 and was named a first- team All-State player. He was a SMAA All-star for two years, and left Westbrook High School as arguably their greatest athlete.
Tony headed north to the Univ. of Maine in Orono and played football for Walter Abbott. After graduating with a Degree in Physical Education, he started a 36 -year coaching career that amassed 443 wins and three State Championships. He coached at Machias, Noble, Gorham, Portland, South Portland, Gray-New Gloucester, Scarborough High Schools, and was an assistant at St. Joseph’s College.
In 1982 and “86 he led Gorham High School to the Gold Ball, and in a memorable game against Bangor High School, his South Portland Red Riots to the state title. His teams played in nine Western Maine finals!
A rival coach said, “Tony’s teams were always prepared and they always played hard. His kids benefited from his calm presence in very stressful situations. And he was always humble in victory or defeat. Tony was a real class act.”
Today’s induction into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame serves as a permanent reminder of the excellence he demonstrated for nearly four decades.
Tony and his wife Lyn live in South Portland and have four children, Matt, Jon, Joe, and Ashley.