His mark of excellence shone brightly in every avenue of athletics, academics, business, politics, and community.\u00a0 Whether it was his presence as a center on the basketball team or his dedicated service as a Line Foreman for 46 years with the Connecticut Light and Power Company, 1998 Branford Sports Hall of Fame inductee Herbert \u201cPat\u201d Sykes gave unselfish contributions for the well-being of others.<\/p>\n
Born on December 12, 1907, and raised in Branford all his life, \u201cPat\u201d attended Branford High School from 1922 to 1926. While there, he was a three sport athlete and in his senior year was captain of the football ( as a back), basketball ( as a center), and baseball (center fielder) teams. The 1925-26 basketball squad proved to be one of the most successful in the history of Branford High School.\u00a0 A long and difficult schedule of games was played, during which Branford met and defeated some of the largest and best school teams in the state.\u00a0 Out of the 24 games played, the Hornets won 15 and lost nine. The most notable accomplishments of the team were wins over Wilby High School (16-15), West Haven (21-15), Congress High (45-20), and New Haven High School (21-20), the state champions.\u00a0 That year, Branford was chosen to take part in the Interscholastic Championship of the State for the Class \u201cC\u201d and \u201cD\u201d teams held at Storrs College.\u00a0 Contrary to expectations, Terryville eliminated Branford in a very close contest (23-17).\u00a0 During the season, Branford scored a remarkable total of 673 points to its opponents\u2019 479.\u00a0 On the season, \u201cPat\u201d was the fourth leading scorer on the Hornets with 66 points.\u00a0 Tonight\u2019s inductee played with fellow inductees Adolph Mischler ( inducted in 1992) and Rudy \u201cScag\u201d Johnson (1994).\u00a0 Voted by his fellow classmates as \u201cMost Athletic Boy,\u201d ‘Pat’ graduated in 1926 and was offered an athletic scholarship at the University of Connecticut, but chose not to go.<\/p>\n
After high school, he played with several baseball and basketball teams and also with the Branford Laurels football team.\u00a0 Off the playing field, \u201cPat\u201d coached several Branford Little League teams, in addition to being a charter member of the Representative Town Meeting. He also served one term as Selectman with Don Holabird and four terms with John B. Sliney.\u00a0 When he retired from office, \u201cPat\u201d was honored by the town for a decade of devoted service.\u00a0 \u201cPat\u201d also held positions on the Branford Recreation Department Commission, the Sewer Authority, and the Public Works Commission.\u00a0 During the 25th Anniversary of the Recreation Department in 1988, he was honored for his\u00a0 dedicated service, interest, and concern for the residents of Branford.<\/p>\n
Sadly, on December 3rd, 1979, Branford lost one of its proudest patriots, when \u201cPat\u201d died at the age of 71.\u00a0 He was survived by his widow, Charlotte Tobin Sykes, three children:, Patricia Oksanen, Charlotte Sykes, and Michael Sykes, seven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and his sister, Elizabeth Quinn. His sister, Alicia Beach, recently passed away.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201c He would have been very proud and happy to receive this honor into the Branford Sports Hall of Fame.\u00a0 This is a great tribute to \u2018Pat\u2019,\u201d said his wife, Charlotte.<\/p>\n
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