|
  |
Mens Sports |
|
Athletics Department Links About
Baker Athletics |
Baker University Athletic Hall of Fame Member Donald Gene Kukuk
|
1992 inductee BAKER UNIVERSITY DONALD GENE KUKUK WHO HAS BROUGHT HONOR TO THE UNIVERSITY THROUGH HIS OWN ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS, SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY, AND AS AN OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AND COACH Born in March 1935 in Emporia, Kan. Moved to Kansas City, Kan., and attended Wyandotte High School. Earned varsity letters in basketball and tennis, and played football two years. Was recruited by several NCAA Division I schools. Attended Baker University from 1953 to 1957. Earned eight varsity letters in tennis and basketball. Started on basketball team all four years. Selected all-conference honorable mention freshmen and sophomore years. Scored 28 points against Kansas Wesleyan sophomore year. Selected all-conference first-team junior and senior years. Ranks eighth in all-time Baker scoring with 1,174 points. Named one of top conference basketball players in 1957 by the Topeka Capital-Journal, who described him as a “complete player, who could give-and-go, drive the lane, set up and dish off to open teammates, pull up for swish 15-footers, and drive the baseline against taller opponents — all with the same effectiveness.” Won conference singles tennis championship 1954 and 1957. Doubles champion in 1956. Graduated with a BA degree. Served active Army duty with the Kansas National Guard. Following military obligation, taught and coached in Kansas City, Kan., school district at Central Junior High, West Junior High (which won city basketball championship in 1964.) Rosedale High School, and Harmon High. Retired from coaching after 16 years. Currently teaches social students at Harmon. Earned master’s degree from Emporia State University. Has refereed basketball at high school level for many years. Plays tennis competitively in local tournaments. Married to Janet Johnson. They have three children and six grandchildren.
|
