Hall of Fame: ​ Ken Brink ​- PTHS Teacher, Coach, and Athletic Director (1964-1991)

Legacy Achievement Award 

Ken Brink graduated from Washington State University in 1961 and soon after married his college sweetheart, Helen Reilly—his lifelong teammate. While this story focuses on Ken, Helen was a constant, vital presence behind every achievement. In fact, it was Helen’s new job at Port Townsend High School (PTHS) that brought them to town. Thanks to Principal Gael Stuart, Brink landed a job at the Juvenile Reform School at Fort Worden.

In 1964, Brink joined the PTHS staff as a history teacher. Over the years, he taught history, social studies, and PE to more than 3,000 students. In 1967, he founded the PTHS boys track team, and by the early 1970s, girls joined as well. Despite his sprinting background, Brink committed to mastering the throws—shot, discus, and javelin—resulting in numerous state champions. One athlete even qualified for nationals in Knoxville, Tennessee. This success led to the creation of the "Jefferson Jets" youth track program, a launchpad for future PTHS stars.

The PTHS track posed its own challenges—it was a rough 330-yard dirt oval that Brink famously called “the worst track in the state.” Despite failed attempts to improve it with cinders, Brink’s teams thrived. In one meet, visiting runners refused to race on the track, giving PTHS a 1-point victory. Improvised raking and chalk lanes were routine. Field events were squeezed into a tight infield, once resulting in a discus hitting a runner mid-race. Still, Brink cultivated excellence.

Brink also spearheaded infrastructure improvements for student-athletes. In November 1969, he initiated the tennis courts project at PTHS—a school and community collaboration that expanded access to tennis for students and residents alike.

That same year, 1969, Brink took on the role of negotiator for the Port Townsend Education Association (PTEA), helping advocate for teachers’ rights. He also started the PTHS Chess Club, giving students another avenue to explore strategic thinking and camaraderie.

Former PTHS athlete, record-setting track star, and now retired marathoner and road runner, Kim Seelye Jones recalled:
"Coach Ken Brink was an incredible coach and a rock of support and encouragement to the boys and girls he coached throughout the years; he made a lasting impact on all our lives. His belief in me, through thick and thin, gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams, and I will always be grateful."
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Brink’s impact extended to the gridiron as well—he served as assistant football coach during the 1980–81 seasons, bringing his signature energy and commitment to another group of student-athletes

​Notable PTHS Track & Field Achievements:
•​ 7.5-year dual meet winning streak vs. A & B schools
•​ First Washington school to win both boys and girls state titles in the same year (1976)
•​ Girls team: three state titles (1976, ’78, ’79), one second-place finish (1977)
•​ Most points scored at state by any school in Washington during the 1970s

​In 1981, Brink launched Port Townsend’s first cross-country team, which immediately won a state championship. He co-founded the Rhody Run in 1979, rallying 300 volunteers for the community race. In 1986–87, he brought the WIAA State Cross Country Championships to Fort Worden—an extraordinary feat for a small town.

Brink retired from coaching track in 1987 and became athletic director, a role he relished. Off the field, Brink loved hiking, fishing, hunting and golfing, earning the nickname “Bear” through legendary (and surprisingly true) tales. Ever competitive, he joined other PTHS teachers on a rec-league basketball and bowling team, the "Old Professors," and organized one-day runs across the Olympics. A passionate golfer, he competed in pro-ams and led alumni tournaments like the “Bear Open.”

Brink’s greatest achievements may have been in building community. He and Helen founded the Port Townsend Booster Club, raising $100,000 to sustainably support school programs. Known for recruiting volunteers, Brink’s response to “I’m too busy” was: “Perfect—busy people get things done.”

He joined the Elks Club in 1974, helping to grow a thriving scholarship program, support wounded veterans, provide gifts for families during the holidays, and launch a homeless outreach initiative. He later joined the Port Townsend Kiwanis Club, where he recruited over 100 members. His efforts made the local club the largest in the Pacific Northwest and third largest nationally. As District Membership Chair, his strategies even attracted attention from Kiwanis International leaders. Brink is also past president and past district president of the PT Kiwanis Club, and founder of the Kiwanis Camp at Gibbs Lake.

In 1998, Brink served as Camp Director for the Northwest Kiwanis Camp for the developmentally disabled, bringing compassion and leadership to a transformative experience for campers and volunteers alike. He continued to serve in this role for several years, helping shape the camp's ongoing success and impact.

Awards & Honors:
•​ 1969–1970: Outstanding Young Educator by the Port Townsend Junior Chamber of Commerce
•​ 1986: Ken and Helen were Jefferson County Citizens of the Year
•​ 2008: Rhododendron Festival Senior Royalty
•​ 2008: Elk of the Year (Ken established the Lodge Building Association and helped raise more than $300,00 for the project. He also started a winetasting event that raised more than $100,000 for the Elks Scholarship Fund and was chairman of the Elks Golf Scholarship Tourney, known as the “Bear Open.”
•​ 2013–2014: Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award
•​ 2015: Heart of Service Award (with Helen)
•​ ​2016: Jack P. Delf Distinguished Service Medal

Ken Brink always gave credit to the team for accomplishments, proud of the athletes for what they achieved, and how the 300 volunteer officials were able to create a great race, or how many volunteers worked together to raise money so wounded warrior veterans could be supported. This was best summed up by a favorite story he told about when he was “the best hunter in the world” at six years old. He talked about how he would walk out to hunt with his cork gun and dog into the fields and lakes near his South Dakota home. He always had a successful hunt, coming back with a duck, rabbit, or goose. After a little chuckle, he would give credit to his dog as the best hunter—his first teammate.