If an all-time Washington College football team were to be selected, the name of Ray Kirby would certainly be placed in nomination for either a guard or tackle slot. A native Eastern Shoreman, born in Chestertown, Ray attended Chestertown High School where he excelled in soccer, basketball and baseball. Ray prepped for a year at Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, before entering Washington College. It was at Perkiomen that Ray picked up the rudiments of football. He was also an outstanding contributor to their basketball and baseball programs.
George Ekaitis, deceased former Washington College football coach and a member of the College’s Hall of Fame, considered Ray Kirby a top player for the Maroon and Black. Ekaitis is quoted as stating: “He’s All-Maryland material and I’m not going out on a limb about this boy. He’s got it.”
Ray left his mark on the Washington College football program, holding down either a guard or tackle position for four years. It must be remembered that during Ray’s attendance at W. C., football players normally played both offensively and defensively. Ray was rewarded for his stellar play by being selected to the 1940 All-Maryland football team. The University of Delaware selected him to their All-Opponent team. He was elected co-captain of the football team in his senior year. Ray also was a member of the basketball squad during the 1939-40 season and played left field for the baseball team in 1941.
Ray was noted as being an all-around student. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity, serving as an officer for three years. He was elected to the presidency of the Student Council in his senior year, was named to Omicron Delta Kappa and was included among the top students in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. He was a member of the Varsity Club for four years, serving as secretary in his senior year.
The Washington College Hall of Fame Selection Committee considers it an honor to include the name of Allen Rayfield Kirby among its select list of inductees on this sixth day of October, 1989.
