Ron Baum - A Devoted Life Long
Coach And Mentor
By Searrah Herendeen
The Meijer State Games of Michigan is grateful to everyone in the community that volunteers, coaches, sponsors, and participants in the games. Almost anyone can be a coach, but only some coaches have the skills to produce a winning team. This particular coach has been a part of MSGOM Hockey since the beginning. Due to this, he was named the affectionate title 'godfather' of MSGOM Hockey. Please welcome onto the ice, Ron Baum!
Have an idea for a blog article? Email Searrah Herendeen.
The Legacy of the ‘godfather’ of MSGOM Hockey
Ron Baum has had a life focused on students and athletes. He taught high school students for 43 years at the East Kentwood and the West Michigan Aviation Academy. Baum also was an adjunct instructor at the Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University. His hockey career started by playing amateur in the Dearborn Hockey Association and at a higher level at Western Michigan University. Not only did Baum begin the East Kentwood hockey program and was their coach for 35 seasons, but he also helped construct EK's ice arena with a team of volunteers.
Photo courtesy of Ron Baum
Baum's hockey experience extends beyond Michigan. He coached for USA Hockey at National Player Development Camps at the U.S. Olympic Festival in North Carolina. Baum spent thirty years with the Coaching Education Program for USA Hockey. This year marks his 53rd year coaching youth hockey and his 32nd year coaching at his summer hockey camp.
In 2009 a press conference was held to launch the first Meijer State Games of Michigan Summer Games in 2010 with 10 sports. Ron saw the announcement of the Meijer State Games and that hockey was not in the sports lineup. He contacted the Meijer State Games of Michigan with the importance of adding hockey and a regional plan to target high schools. The Meijer State Games of Michigan agreed to add hockey to the lineup for the launch. Ron used his connections statewide to talk with coaches and scheduled tryouts. The first year the event saw less than 10 teams. Since then, the event has become one of the biggest in the Meijer State Games of Michigan Summer Games.
Photo courtesy of Linda Baum
Family And Friends Fulfill His Life
Ron states, “I have been blessed to coach both of my sons and all six of my grandsons on the ice.” Coaching his family started 48 years ago to the present day with his youngest grandson, Reid, who is five years old. Reid skates in the Fox Motors Hockey Club's “Learn to Play” program while his older brother, Landon, plays for their Squirt A team.
This is Baum's eighth time coaching hockey teams at five years old. He explains, “It has been very satisfying watching my sons and grandsons take up the sport that has been so meaningful in my life.”
This year, Ron's grandson, Landon, will be trying out for the team. Baum explains, “Landon has an amazing passion for sports,” and plays “mini-sticks” with his brother Reid. Ron will usually join the game whenever they are together.
The Summer Staff Roster
Landon's father, Nathan Miller, will participate in this year's tournament. Nathan is just as passionate about hockey as his father-in-law and son. Miller has been an athlete at the collegiate level and an amateur coach for the Grand Rapids Hockey Association.
Ron is excited about his family joining this year's team. Similarly, he is ready to welcome a former player into the District 6 staff. Robert Antonini played under Baum at East Kentwood from 1980-1984. Baum describes him as “A gifted, top-10 all-time scorer.” Antonini finished his hockey career at Ferris State University, D-2.
Stock Image
Words of wisdom to overcome doubt and bad habits
According to Baum, ice hockey is “A long-term development sport,” emphasizing the importance of “patience with the process, for players, parents, and coaches. Do not expect quick improvements or results.” Focusing on improving individual skills and learning them correctly from the beginning is more important. This is significant because these habits “Frequently keep [athletes] from achieving to fullest potential,” according to Baum.
Final remarks
If there is anything else the community should hear, it is this, according to Coach Baum, “Participating as an athlete or coach in the Meijer State Games of Michigan is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy your sport, meet new friends, build confidence in your athletic abilities, and most of all, have fun.” There are six divisions in the Meijer State Games of Michigan - Summer Games hockey event: 11U, 13U, 15U, 18U, Girls 7th -9th, and Girls 10th - 12th. Tryout registration is now open, with tryouts being held from March through May.
The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event(s) that welcome athletes regardless of age or ability level. The Games embody the values of participation, sportsmanship and healthy living.