Ray Bicknell was born in Leominster, Mass. In 1920, and graduated from New Hampton Prep School in New Hampshire before receiving his Master’s Bachelor’s degree from Springfield in 1947. While at Springfield, Ray captained the basketball team; he also played Lacrosse and football.
After a short coaching stint at secondary schools and as the Olympic coach for Egypt, Ray was hired as the new Bowdoin College head coach. During his 23 year career at Bowdoin, they rose to phenomenal heights. Ray’s teams were always competitive, often against Division 1 teams, and annually banged heads with Colby and Bates for bragging rights for these three academically excellent schools.
He was Maine Coach of the Year four times, President of the New England Basketball Coaches’ Association, and winner of the prestigious Doggie Julian Award for his outstanding contributions to basketball in New England.
The President of Bowdoin once wrote Ray, “ The examples set by you and your team are a model for he whole College community. Ray Bicknell and Bowdoin College were a perfect marriage.
While Ray and his wife Jane had no children, “ Bicker” was father to legions of men and women athletes at Bowdoin.
Ray lasting legacy is one of integrity, healthy competition, and fellowship. He is a most deserving inductee into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame.
Ray passed away in November of 2013 at the age of 93.