by Shari Hand
The weekend of events memorializing legendary coach and educator Ken Baker and supporting the Coach Ken Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund culminated with a brief dedication ceremony at the Town Athletic Fields on Sunday, June 13. Hoosick Town Councilman Bob Ryan, Town Supervisor Keith Cipperly and Councilman Jeff Wysocki presented the Baker Family with a proclamation renaming the complex the Coach Ken Baker Athletic Fields. Located on the Barton Avenue entrance to the complex, the memorial includes two benches, a walkway and a large stone, both donated by W.E. Dailey. The stone will hold a plaque commemorating
the memory and legacy of Coach Ken Baker. “This is a beautiful area where my family and I can come and remember Ken. We appreciate this honor, and we love Hoosick Falls, thank you!” said Mrs. Ann Baker.
Ken Baker Memorial Golf Tournament
It has become somewhat of a tradition for rain to fall on the Ken Baker Memorial Golf Tournament, and this year was no exception. Yet despite the steady drizzle, over 28 teams came out to show their support of the Coach Ken Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund. This year’s low net winners were the foursome of Sean Frazier, Bill Frazier,
Adam Luce and Bob Ryan.
Following tournament play, golfers and spectators enjoyed some time to dry out as the winners of the Chinese auction and raffles were drawn and Vicki Wysocki led the bidding of a live auction. In addition to the many items available in the Chinese auction, the featured raffle prize was a 50″ Samsung, plasma, HD television which was underwritten through the generosity of Trustco Bank, Hoosick Federal Credit Union and TCT Federal Credit Union. The lucky winner of the television was Carol Folgert of Hoosick Falls.
The Coach Ken Baker Scholarship Committee wishes to thank all those who sponsored a hole, donated an auction or raffle item, volunteered their time and talent and who supported the golf tournament in any way. A special thanks to Tournament Chairman Mike Baratto, who has organized this event since it’s inception in 2008. “I think it is safe to say that the tournament put the Scholarship Fund over the $50,000 mark!” said Baratto. It is due to the success of this tournament and the support it receives that the Fund continues to grow.
3 On 3 Basketball Tourney
The Sports Weekend also featured a 3 on 3 basketball tournament coordinated by Scholarship Committee member Andy Nolan. Over 70 participants that included youth and adults, male and female turned out to compete in this first time event. Winners of the youth division were: Division A – Kevin McMahon, Sean Dingman and Quinn Rasmus, Division B – Chris LaCroix, Ryan Hyde and Josh Mulready and Division C – Jonathan Babson, Elizabeth Babson and Rachel Green. Thank you to all who assisted in helping Andy coordinate this event.
Proceeds from these events benefit the Coach Ken Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund. In conjunction with the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, the fund was established in 2008 in remembrance of Coach Ken Baker. The purpose of the fund is to preserve the values and ensure the legacy of Coach Ken Baker through the award of scholarships to one graduating senior from both Hoosick Falls Central and Cambridge Central schools. For more information on the Fund, please visit www.coachkenbaker.com or www.cfgcr.org.