The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

PULLMAN - Waitsburg High School graduates Glenn and Sally (Chase) Baker, who graduated in 1960 and 1961, respectively, were recently recognized as lifetime Benefactors of the Washington State University Foundation at a recognition gala on Sept. 26.

The Bakers were also privileged to join WSU athletic director Bill Moos in the AD's box for the WSU vs. OSU game on Saturday, Sept. 27 before heading to Waitsburg to rekindle old friendships at Waitsburg's Pioneer Fall Festival that Sunday.

More than just your average fan, Baker was a Waitsburg Cardinal before playing football for the WSU Cougars from 1960-1963. Baker said freshmen weren't allowed to play on the varsity team at the time, but the 6'3" 240 lb. tackle, wearing jersey #74, lettered in '61, '62 and '63. As a senior, Baker was selected to represent WSU in the East-West Shrine Game in Stanford, Calif. and was chosen 2nd team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-American.

Baker was drafted by the Pittsburg Steelers but chose to sign with the Vancouver Lions in the Canadian League, instead. However, was not successful in making the team.

Baker said Moos had invited him and Sally to join him for a game last year, during the 50th reunion of the 1963 Cougar Football team.

"What a treat to see the Cougars play the Ducks and compete so impressively with a highly ranked team. We don't get to see them play very often and enjoyed every minute of that game," said Baker. "If you haven't met Bill Moos, he is a wonderful host and a great ambassador for the university. WSU is very fortunate to have him as its AD."

The Bakers are strong supporters of the communities that helped shape them. "It has always been my goal to provide a student ath- lete with a scholarship in today's dollars as I was when I had the opportunity to attend WSU and play football. Obviously, the cost of a scholarship today is much more than when I attended college," said Baker, regarding their WSU donations.

In the gala program the Bakers are credited with advancing WSU's efforts to attract high caliber athletes, ensuring the college remains competitive and providing students with an invaluable educational opportunity. The program noted that their support will help with the renovation of Martin Stadium, the very field where Glenn played.

The Bakers also make regular memorials to the Waitsburg Ambulance Service and are founding donors - in memory of Sally's parents Bettie and Berger Chase - of the newly established WHS Alumni Scholarship Fund.

Baker taught at WAHI for two years before beginning a career with Green Giant-Pillsbury and working in various trucking businesses. For the last 20 years the family has owned a refrigerated truck line in Austin, Minn. where they reside today.