MIDDLETOWN - The Friends of Section 9 Track & Field Hall of Fame recognizes distinguished track & field, and cross-country athletes, coaches, and officials for their outstanding achievements. Since the inaugural banquet in 2017 over 40 people have been inducted. Last month this honor was bestowed on retired teacher, coach and athletic director Ken Garry. “Coach” Garry dedicated 35 years to the students of Monticello. 

 Garry was a swimmer and played water polo but credits Sol Furth, a 1932 Olympics triple Jumper and javelinists Stuart Levitt an NCAA champ and 1972 Olympian, Milt Sonsky as his influences.      

  Under the tutelage of Ken Garry, Monticello cross-country and outdoor track & field teams secured many top placings in OCL and Section 9 meets. “I enjoyed working at Monticello. The kids were a heterogenous, colorful group. They got along with themselves, others, and me. I was proud of their efforts.” 

  Coach Garry coached many top athletes in his thirty plus year career in Monticello. Names like Gwen McRae, Stephanie Moore, Karen Kurthy, Clemson record setter, Larry Armstead, multi-event athlete Bob Jahrling, and harrier, Ray Condron who ran for Ireland internationally. 

 From 1988-2007, Garry served as OCL outdoor co-chair and Section IX indoor co-chair from 1986-1993. 

“My brother told me: if I put as much time and effort in studying the stock market as I did in studying track & field, I would be a wealthy man,” Garry stated. He went on to say, “I am a wealthy as I have numerous memories of my track & and cross-country days.”

  Today he still resides in White Lake and works as a (SOCAT)Southern Catskills Track & Field Official. (SOCAT).