1977 Kirby Symes Charter Member Ellsworth.gifKirby was coach at Ellsworth for 19 years. During that time he won 142, lost 30 and tied 2. Ten of those losses were in 2 years. His panthers won 37 different team titles.
That same record includes 8 of 11 Ellsworth Invitational titles, 8 of 14 Middle Border Conference Titles, 12 of 14 Regional titles and 4 Sectional titles.
His wrestlers have captured 65 Conference Championships, 85 Regional titles, 24 Sectional titles and 5 State Championships. Out of 24 State Tournament Entries, Kirby has placed 10 boys.
While being a permanent resident of the State Tournament from 1961 until his retirement from coaching, he was also matchmaker for the 1975 N.A.I.A. Tournament, and is a color announcer for WIXK - New Richmond for the 1976-77 Conference, Regional and Sectional Tourneys. Ten of Kirby's former wrestlers are coaching in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
As an official, he was instrumental in starting the Pierce-St. Croix Officials Association and was responsible for conducting one of the first officials clinics in the state.

 

Obituary - Kirby M. Symes, 84



Born: Tuesday, December 31, 1929.Death: Sunday, September 28, 2014
 

Kirby Mason Symes, 84, of River Falls, died Sept. 28, at his home.

He was born on Dec. 31, 1929, to Jesse and Gladys Ann (Mason) Symes in River Falls, Wis.

Kirby married Dorothy "Ty" Hoyer on June 30, 1956, in Ellsworth. He started his teaching career in Prescott and in 1956 he moved to Ellsworth and taught History until his retirement. While teaching, Kirby established the Ellsworth Wrestling program, which he coached for 19 years.

He was one of the original inductees into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Chapter, and other Hall of Fames. He was a member of the WIAA for 60 years as an official for Cross County and Track and Field. He was the Athletic Director in Ellsworth, coached and was a referee for football.

After his retirement, Kirby helped establish the athletic training program in RFHS. The River Falls Public Library was important to Kirby and his family. He serves as the President of the River Falls Public Library Foundation. Kirby was a member of the Episcopal Church and the Masonic Lodge.

Kirby is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, Todd Symes; son-in-law, Ken Giske; and granddaughters, Cassandra Ann Giske and Paige Catherine Giske.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Catherine Ann "Katy" Giske.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, with Fr. Guy Usher officiating. Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, at Cashman-Hill Funeral Home, and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Masonic Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, at Cashman-Hill Funeral Home.

Cashman-Hill Funeral Home is assisting the family.

 

 

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