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Colonie Relays takes on new name: Harry Koch Relays

Participants from the first Colonie Relays: Seated: Ruth and Harry Koch Standing: Paul Gansle, Bill Haas, Jeff Green, Brian Casey, Tom Frowein, Brian Fitzpatrick
Participants from the first Colonie Relays: Seated: Ruth and Harry Koch
Standing: Paul Gansle, Bill Haas, Jeff Green, Brian Casey, Tom Frowein, Brian Fitzpatrick

It’s been a tradition for 55 years. And now it has a new name. The Colonie Relays will now be called the Harry Koch Relays after the man who founded the storied meet. Check out the story and photo gallery from the Colonie Spotlight here. 

About Harry Koch

Harry Koch speaks takes the mic during the Colonie Relays on Saturday, May 22 at Colonie Central High School.
Harry Koch speaks takes the mic during the Colonie Relays on Saturday, May 22 at Colonie Central High School.

Harry Koch started his Colonie coaching career in 1958. Over the course of the next 20 years his track teams amassed 12 Suburban Council Championship wins along with numerous Albany County Meet crowns and Colonie Relay victories.

In 1966 Harry along with Ed Springstead hatched the idea of having a major relay carnival in the Capital District. What we have today is the fruit of his labor.  On the 55th year of the Colonie Relays the meet will take on a new name: The Harry Koch Colonie Relay Carnival.