Independence CC

Independence has been and continues to be home for Blaine Babb. A 1960 graduate of Independence Junior College, Babb was a football All-American for the Pirates in his sophomore season of 1959. Although he went on to continue sports and eventually graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield in 1962, he eventually returned to town and made his imprint. He was employed at ICC from 1973-79 in various roles. Not only was he was the Counselor and Director of Admissions, but he got into the coaching side of things as well, becoming the first-ever basketball coach in Lady Pirate history in 1973. He led the Lady Pirates to the region championship and an eighth-place finish at nationals in the program’s second year of existence. At the completion of the season, he was named the Region VI Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year. He stepped away from coaching for two seasons but returned to the Lady Pirate sideline in 1977. During his four seasons as coach, Babb compiled an overall record of 52-25 and also coached two All-Americans — Marguerite Keeley and Susie Dinkel. Babb also coached men’s golf at ICC from 1977-79. Since closing out his coaching career, Babb has been active in the community, working 35 years in education.