Ithaca College Athletics

Ray Kirkgasser '51 '52 holds the distinction of being the only Ithaca College athlete to be drafted by the National Basketball Association. A 1951 draft choice of the Syracuse Nationals, he also received an offer to play professional baseball, turning down a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Kirkgasser played both sports at Ithaca and was captain and MVP of the basketball team as a senior. He spent 23 years coaching baseball at Perry Central School and also served as director of athletics during his 30 years there.