Class of 1997

Born in Bridgeport, CT, Ken Lowe graduated from Ilion High School and from Springfield COllege in 1952. This mild mannered Korean War Verteran married Norma, his beloved wife in 1956 and began his taching career at Sauquoit Valley Central Schools in 1968.

Under the encouragement and mentoring of Art Coons, Ken started his highly successful wrestling coaching quest in 1971, winning over 94 dual meets over a span of 12 years. Ken was also a successful Cross Country coach, winning 73 meets, five CSC League Chamionships, remaining undefeated for four straight years. Scott Prichard was a winner of three sectional meets and the state title in 1981.

He was the founder of the highly successful and highly touted Sauquoit Valley Invitational Tournament which started in 1973. Over the years, his tournament was rated as one of the top tournaments in the state with top teams coming from Long Island, Vermont, and Massachusetts. One seasoned coach reported that "Ken was an honest man who ran the bets tournament I have ever been involved in."

Much of Ken's expertise came from attending the best camps around and trying out the "new moves" on his own children in the living room of his house!

Ken sought out the toughest competition he could find in building his great program at Sauquoit. It was this philosophy that led to Class D Sectional Championships from 1979-1983. Jim Smith placed inthe state meet in 1979 and Ken's teams from 1979-1983 won league and tournament championships.

Ken served on the Section III Wrestling Committee for several years with dedication and dignity. His genuine honesty and love of kids was his mark of distinction.

Ken and Norma now live in Florida. The wrestling community of Section III wish this deserving Hall of Fame recipient a long and happy retirement.