In the fall of 1960, Walt Gorneau was the captain of the Hallowell High School football team. For the first 18 years of his life, tackling a ball carrier, hitting a pitch or shooting a basketball played a pivotal role in his life. Gorneau was a natural three-sport athlete and he co-captained the Hallowell baseball and basketball teams as a senior. 

But the one sport he didn’t play or coach will honor him in December with induction to the Maine State Soccer Hall of Fame. Gorneau is one of 11 who will become charter members. 

“I never expected anything like this. All I can say is this is all about longevity,” the 83-year-old Gorneau said.

Following graduation, Gorneau wasn't sure about his plans. The one thing he knew was he wanted to pursue a sports-related field. This ultimately led him to a career in education. He taught phys. ed and drivers ed for decades as well as coaching baseball and basketball. 

Once he finished his coaching career, he turned to officiating. In 1972, he became a soccer official joining the Midcoast Board of Approved Soccer officials. He has officiated soccer for the 53 years, and has no plans to stop. He later pursued basketball officiating and baseball umpiring. He has officiated basketball for 51 years as a member of IAABO ( International Association of Approved Basketball Officials).

Gorneau isn’t sure how many seasons he has umpired, but believes it's over 50. So how many more seasons will fans see Gorneau on the field, court, or pitch? “I can’t answer that, I still feel good, and I don’t know what I’d do during the day if I didn’t have a game,” he said.

Gorneau credits his fitness to wife Marilyn. “My beautiful wife takes good care of me and is a fantastic cook,” he said.

During his soccer officiating career, Gorneau was charged with testing referees who wanted to advance in the ranks. Previously, Maine soccer officials were placed in three classes: 1, 2, or 3. The top level was Class 1. These officials received higher pay and worked the toughest contests.

“I'd traveled around the state to watch these officials work and rate them," he said. "When I attend a state final I often recognize guys  I tested,” he said.

This is the inaugural Maine Soccer Hall of Fame Class. Michael Jeffrey is the president of the Maine Soccer Coaches Association and one of the inductees. He said a hall of fame has been discussed for 10 years.

In 2025, the Maine Hall of Fame Board of Directors met three times to finalize its nomination processes, discuss nominees and vote on its first class. Joining Gorneau and Jeffrey as inductees are the 1972 Gorham High School boys' team, Michael Berticelli, Shelby Bradford (Pickering), John Cullen, Peter Gardner, Brian Higgins, Kristina Kelly, Troy Kendrick and Bob Loeb.

The Class of 2025 will be inducted at ceremonies in Bangor during the 52nd Maine Soccer Coaches All-Star Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 7 at Anah Shrine Temple. The selection process was done by 14 people (the Board of Directors) who could nominate any player, coach, or teams.