RHS Hall of Fame Honoring Former Grounds Crew Chief

VERNON, CT – Ehrhardt J. “Cookie” Koelsch has been selected as recipient of the Rockville High School Athletic Hall of Fame’s prestigious John R. Williams Jr. ’62 Exceptional Service Award, RHS Athletic Hall of Fame committee chairperson Scott Smith (’88) said.

The award will be presented for the second time at the fifth-annual RHS Athletic Hall of Fame Social/Induction Ceremony Sunday, Sept. 17 at Rockville High School. A 2 p.m. ceremony in the school’s auditorium will follow a 1 p.m. social in the school’s lobby.

Koelsch’s daughter, Marina Robinson, and grandson, David Robinson of Feeding Hills, MA, will accept the award on behalf of Koelsch, who passed away in 2000 at the age of 82.

“The committee is proud and honored to present Cookie’s family with this award,” Smith said. “Cookie committed most of his life to athletics and supporting youth sports in the Rockville/Vernon area. Cookie consistently went above and beyond what was expected to assure the RHS facilities were kept in the best playing condition for the RHS athletic programs. Even well into retirement, you would find him on the field or on the sidelines before, during and after games supporting the coaches and programs in whatever manner might be needed.”

Born in Rockville on Christmas Day, 1917, Koelsch was a child of the Depression who joined the work force after graduating from grade school. He was raised in Rockville and worked as a groundskeeper, custodian and supervisor of grounds in Vernon for 13 years. Koelsch was employed as maintainer of athletic fields and as a custodian at Rockville High School from 1970 through 1976 before being elevated to a position as supervisor of grounds for the town of Vernon. The long-time Tolland resident retired in 1982 but continued to volunteer at RHS athletic events.

“Cookie’s tenure at Rockville High School was the best of times for him,” wrote his daughter, Marina, about her father, who, prior to being hired in Vernon was employed and played baseball and softball in the Hartford Industrial League for Colt Firearms and Federal Electric. “He was able to work outside, interact with the staff and students, and participate in all of the sports programs,” added Marina. “With the appreciation of an adult, he was able to experience the part of his life that he had to forego as a teenager during the Depression.”

In addition to his official position with the town of Vernon, Koelsch was also active in Vernon and Rockville youth sports for many years as an administrator, coach, manager, official, and umpire. An early founder of Little League in the 1940s, and midget football in Rockville, Koelsch served as Rockville Little League president and was recognized for many years of service to the Vernon Babe Ruth organization. In the spring of 1982, the RHS baseball field was officially named in Koelsch’s honor.

A semi-pro football player in Rockville in the 1930s and a long-time football official, Koelsch also served as president of the Central Connecticut Association of Football Officials.

RHS Hall of Famer Art Wheelock ’68, the high school’s current assistant director of athletics and former RHS athlete and coach, has vivid memories of Koelsch and the impact he exerted upon his entire life. “Cookie was like a second father to me, and remained that way until his death” says Wheelock of his first Little League coach and an early Vernon midget football coach. “He was totally dedicated to RHS and was loved by many, but no more than by me. He was one of the greatest influences in my life as a player, coach, and most importantly, as a person.”

The Williams Award is named in honor of the former educator and Rockville High faculty manager, who held the latter position from 1981 until his death in 2001.

Seven former athletes representing nine sports and one pioneering administrator/faculty member comprise this Rockville High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2017.

Among this year’s eight-person induction class is the late Clare M. Albom ’37, who pioneered the advancement of girls’ sports at the local, state and national levels as a member of the RHS physical education staff from 1952 until her retirement in 1981. Joining Albom in this year’s induction class are former athletes:William G. (DiPietro) Corrente ’78, Douglas J. Domian ’82, Donald B. Edmondo ’45, Steven A. Emerson ’81, Karen E. Ewald ’91, James P. Formica’92, and Corey R. Pusey ’98.

David Smith, former RHS coach and faculty member, will once again serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Tickets are priced at $35 and must be reserved prior to Sept. 13 by contacting Scott Smith at 860-604-6618 or at smithsc33@sbcglobal.com.

Photo Credit: RHS HOF