Colon Baker
Colon E. Baker was born April 27, 1939, in South Norfolk, Virginia, but moved to Great Bridge, Virginia in the mid-50's. During his four years at Great Bridge High School, he played football (team tri-captain), ran track, and wrestled. The then-wiry 140 pounder became captain of the school's first sanctioned wrestling team. After his graduation in 1959, he drifted away from wrestling for a while. He then began a distinguished military career, working for the Virginia Army National Guard and graduating with honors from the Army Electronic Radar School inFort Bliss, Texas. Following retirement after 21 years in the Army Reserves, his next endeavor was at the Naval Sea Support Center, Atlantic, where he retired as a division head in 1994. Post-retirement, he conducted surveys for the National Marine Fisheries Service, enjoying the company of fishermen and the outdoors, while getting paid for it. He rekindled his love for wrestling in 1983 when his daughter started dating a "Great Bridge Wrestler." He and Anna became invaluable supporters and tireless volunteers for Great Bridge and Old Dominion University wrestling, expanding their contribution to administering events that made the Eastern Region the leader in Virginia wrestling, such as the Virginia Duals. They also served as media chairs for the AAA state wrestling tournament in the 14 years it was held at Oscar Smith HS in Chesapeake. The couple enjoyed major wrestling events around the country, including, thanks to a Budweiser contest, the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. One of their most enduring contributions: they were co-founders of Virginia Challenge Wrestling Program for middle school wrestlers, with Colon serving as president. Virginia Challenge honors his memory to this day with the annual Colon E. Baker Service Award. Great Bridge High also has the Colon E. Baker Elite Classic Wrestling Tournament annually. On February 8, 2016, Colon was inducted posthumously into the Chesapeake Sports Club "Legends of Honor". Wrestling didn't occupy all of Colon's interest. He loved golfing, fishing, the outdoors, and spending time in Rodanthe, NC. His family was his pride and joy, especially his daughter, Sandi Morris, and his grandsons, Dylan and Cullen Morris. Colon was truly an ambassador to the sport, not just for Chesapeake or ODU, but for wrestling in Virginia and the nation. Colon attended his last NCAA Wrestling Championship in March, 2006, and passed away, June 4, 2006.
Awards:
Year
2016
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Award
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
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Chapter/Region
Virginia
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