Athletic Hall of Fame 1999 Inductees
Kenneth D. Sterns, 1952
A standout high school athlete from Hiawatha, Kansas. Enrolled at Baker to play basketball for Coach Davee and to participate in track.
Became a four-year letterman in basketball playing at the center position. His 6’6” height and jumping ability led to numerous blocked shots and rebounds on the defensive side of the court while adding measurably to his offensive scoring average.
During his junior campaign, led the team in scoring with 312 points for an 18.4 point per game average. As a senior was the first Baker player in four years to be named to the KCAC all-conference squad.
Following his senior year, was honored as one of the top 10 players in an AAU basketball tournament in Wichita where he played for the Topeka Stevenson Roofers Team.
In track was one of Baker’s all-time greatest in the high jump. Lettered all four years and set the conference high jump record in 1949 and the intramural high jump record in 1950 and 1951. Took first place in the high jump at the 1951 Kansas Relays.
Active in the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and as a member of numerous intramural teams.
Following graduation, was employed in the insurance business for four years prior to moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he settled into a sales career in the building materials industry. Retired in 1987.
Married Baker schoolmate Helen Swayze, class of 1953, and together they have a daughter, Jane Lee.
Ira Frank Randel, 1948
Raised in Franklin County, Kansas, where he attended Appanoose Rural High School. Played on two Appanoose basketball teams which went to the state high school tournament.
Enrolled at Baker in the fall of 1943 and earned letters his freshman year in both varsity football and basketball.
Enlisted in the U.S. Army as an infantry soldier in June of 1944. Saw extensive action in the European theater of World War II and fought in the “Battle of the Bulge.” Received the Bronze Star for Valor and the Purple Heart four wounds received in action.
Re-entered Baker in the fall of 1946. Accelerated his education so that he received his Bachelor of Arts degree after a total of just three years. Also found time to earn four additional letters, two each in football and basketball and was invited to play in the Mo-Kan All-Star game.
Career was dedicated to teaching, coaching and as a school administrator. Taught and coached at St. John’s Military School 1948-1950; taught, coached and served as principal at Bison Rural High School 1950 to 1965; and served as superintendent of the Otis-Bison USD 403 from 1965 to 1991.
On campus, was a member of the Zeta Chi fraternity. Following college, became active in a wide array of community service activities, including Boy Scouts, Men’s Club of the United Methodist Church and as a Charter Board Member of the High Plains Mental Health Center.
Married Baker schoolmate, Donna Jessen, Class of 1950. Together they had two children, Kris Randal Waldren, Class of 1971 and Dana Kirk Randel, Class of 1973.
Passed away January 4, 1992.
H. Eugene "Gene" Chubb, 1951
Raised in Baldwin City. Enrolled at Baker where he soon earned a starting position on the football team as a strong-side blocking end. During his sophomore year was the leading receiver scorer and played equally well on the defensive side of the ball, where he earned two all-KCAC honors, and honorable mention his junior year and was first-team selection his senior year.
Also excelled in track where he only failed to take first place in small-college competition in the high hurdles on two occasions. Won the KCAV high hurdle event for three years. His Baker (14.7 seconds) and conference (15.0 seconds) records in the high hurdles stood for several years.
Also participated and earned team points in the low hurdles, shot put and discus. Additionally, participated in the University’s intercollegiate basketball team for 3 ½ years and earned the 1949 Goetz Athletic Scholarship Award for having the highest GPA of any Baker letterman.
After graduation form Baker, earned a master’s in education from Purdue in industrial recreation and studied government administration and horticulture while serving as head of municipal park and recreation departments. Received the Award of Merit in 1972 from the Mid-Continent Park and Recreation Conference and coordinated the creation of the 5,600-acre LaCygne Lake Complex.
Is an active church member and volunteer, a member and longtime trustee of the Zeta Chi fraternity and has served the University in a number of volunteer capacities for class reunions and athletics.
Is married to the former Greta Kanzig, class of 1951. They have three children, Stephen ’75, Katrina, ’77, and Denise ’79.
The Chubbs were honored as Baker’s Family of the Year in 1974.
