“I loved when you get a good discussion going,” said Gerry Bakke, “you get both sides of the room really going at it. It is one of my best memories as a teacher.”
Thursday marked the final retirement celebration for long time Social Studies teacher and wrestling coach Gerry Bakke. After 30 years of teaching, his retirement was finalized on October 25. Bakke greeted friends, family, and fans in the cafeteria from 5-7, when the wrestling meet vs. Big Lake began.
Beginning at 8:30, after the wrestling meet, there were speeches by some of Bakke’s close friends and colleagues. Among the many festivities a table displaying many of Bakke’s trophies and awards was set up. This table provided a testament to Gerry’s talent as not only a coach, but also a teacher.
“I would like to thank everyone in Buffalo for 30 years of fun,” said Bakke. “I would like to thank my principals for putting up with me, Nancy Bergert and Tom Bauman, my activities directors, Kip Wold, Joel Squadroni, John Ause, Jill Hanson, Charlie Keifenheim, the entire Social Studies department […]” the list goes on to be almost as long as the table of Bakke’s awards. Bakke would also like to let everyone that “I still play internet checkers every day.” 
