Whether it was instilling passion in young hockey players, challenging his Falcons at East Kentwood High School to strive for excellence or teaching and mentoring coaches from all over Michigan, Ron Baum has made a significant impact for over 50 years. His unwavering commitment to youth was recognized in his being named an Art Armstrong Award winner by the MAHA.

His 35-year coaching career and founder of EK’s hockey program earned him induction into both the MHSCA and the MHSHCA Halls of Fame. His Falcons won 623 games, 21 conference and 25 regional championships, reached 14 Final Fours, finished state runner-up three times and claimed one Class A State Championship – all west Michigan records.

He was also instrumental in initiating the Kentwood Hockey Association and ice arena, developing the MHSHCA Perseverance Award and established ice hockey for the State Games of Michigan. In 2010 Coach Baum was presented with USA Hockey’s highest coaching education award in the U.S.