A Community Decision in the Making
The Regional School District 17 Board of Education has opened a public consultation on honoring Mark Brookes, the architect of the Haddam‑Killingworth High School baseball program, by naming its home diamond after him.
Brookes, who has steered the Cougars since 1976, amassed 789 career victories and guided the team to its inaugural state championship in 2023, a milestone that capped a half‑century of mentorship.
His influence extends beyond the win column; he helped design the dugouts, press box and concession stand that give the field its distinctive character, and he has overseen forty‑five straight appearances in the state tournament.
District officials say the naming proposal reflects a broader effort to celebrate the contributions of educators and coaches who shape the local community, and they are inviting alumni, parents and residents to weigh in.
Feedback can be submitted through an online Google Form, with responses accepted up to 11:59 p.m. on June 3, 2026. The board will review the input before finalizing any decision.
While the field remains unnamed for now, the conversation underscores the deep gratitude many feel for a coach whose legacy has become woven into the fabric of Haddam‑Killingworth.