Athletic Hall of Fame 1981 Inductees

Marvin O. "Sailor Boy" Hodges, 1943

Lettered in all sports at Gardner High School. After graduation, enlisted in the Navy. Played football and baseball for the U.S.S. Arizona under Hank Hardwick, who went on to coach at the Naval Academy. One of the first married students to be admitted as a full-time student. “Sailor Boy” lettered in four sports as a freshman at Baker and was named to many all-star and all-conference teams in football, basketball, baseball and track. Was named homecoming king in 1941. Quarterbacked the undefeated 1942 Wildcat team.

Finished his studies at Morningside College where he lettered in track while serving as the physical training instructor for the 81st college training detachment, Army Air Corp. Coached high school football for one year at Baldwin High School and one year at Elk Point High School in South Dakota. Was drafted in 1943 by the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL and sent a contract, but chose not to sign due to age and family considerations. Re-entered the Navy during the closing stages of World War II and served again during the Korean Conflict.

Began his officiating career in California in 1946, and became one of the country’s most respected football, basketball and baseball officials. Spent 25 years in basketball officiating, 32 in baseball and begins his 35th year in football this September. Spent five years working with youth and the Head Start Program, Upward Bound, Camp Fire, Inc., YMCA, and the Somis School.

Kenneth C. Brown, 1948

Participated and lettered in football and basketball at Baldwin High School. At Baker, participated in football and baseball. Received four letters in football and one in baseball, (Baker did not field baseball teams three years of his attendance.) Chosen three times to the Kansas Conference First Team in football. Graduated in 1940 with a B.S. in physical education. The last two years at Baker were spent as an assistant coach to W.W. Ridgeway. Played professional football for the Phoenix Tigers in 1940. Began 32-year high school coaching career in El Paso, Texas, in 1943. First assignment was with El Paso High from 1943 to 1950. Then in 1950, moved to Austin High. Coached several teams in football, track and baseball. Won league, city, district and regional championships, and participated in state championships twice. Received El Paso coach of the year in track, 1944, and coach of the year in football, 1945; was named coach of the year in baseball six times, and was presented the Temple of Mt. Sinai Sportsman Award in 1965. Has had several original articles published in professional magazines. Belongs to numerous local, state and national educational and athletic coaching associations.