Hall of Fame
Don Verkey competed as a standout player on the Cardinals’ men’s basketball team in the early 1970s, serving as a team captain in 1971-72 and 1972-73 after transferring from Broome Tech.
He was a First-Team All-SUNYAC honoree in 1972-73 after earning Second-Team All-SUNYAC recognition in 1971-72, and he helped lead Plattsburgh State to an NAIA Tournament bid during his senior year.
The Seneca Falls, N.Y., native holds all three of the program’s steals records with 296 for his career, 183 in a single season (1971-72) and 15 in a single game (1972). Don also ranks 10th in the program’s career record book in blocked shots with 78.
Date of Induction into Cardinal Sports Hall of Fame:
October 13, 2023
Where is he now:
Don is currently retired, having managed and owned restaurants for 30 years in addition to working for New York State. A 52-year resident of Plattsburgh, N.Y., he was married to his wife, Patricia, for 48 years before she passed away in 2022. His son, Chris, is a physical education teacher and a high school track and field coach, while his daughter, Samantha, is an elementary school principal.
Professionally, Don states that his greatest accomplishment was owning and running a business and being successful at it. He cites his greatest personal achievement as raising a great family. “You have to be happy when your kids do the right things.”
Favorite Plattsburgh State Sports Moment:
“My favorite Plattsburgh State sports memory is when my son, Chris, won his national championship in the 400-meter hurdles.”
