Patrick Kolks Receives Inaugural Oldenburg Academy Service in Sports Award

The award recognizes Kolks seven years of service as President of the OASIS Athletic Booster organization. 

Photo provided.

(Oldenburg, Ind.) - Oldenburg Academy recognized Patrick Kolks with the inaugural Oldenburg Academy Service in Sports Award on Saturday, November 7 during the seventh annual OASIS Athletic Boosters Hog Roast and Drawdown.

The award recognizes Kolks’ outstanding dedication, leadership, and commitment to Oldenburg Academy athletics throughout his seven years of service as President of the OASIS Athletic Booster organization. 

Throughout his tenure, Kolks has helped organize and lead numerous fundraising initiatives, including the annual OASIS Golf Outing held in June, overseeing OASIS’ involvement with Freudenfest held in July, and the annual Hog Roast and Drawdown held in November. These events have brought together alumni, parents, local businesses, and community members while raising funds to support Oldenburg Academy’s athletic programs and student-athletes.

A significant part of Kolks’ success has been his close partnership with Chris and Laura Grote and their family, who have worked alongside him throughout his seven years of leadership. Together, they have dedicated countless hours to planning, organizing, and executing fundraising events that have become traditions within the Oldenburg Academy community.

The Grote family has played an especially important role in the success of the annual Freudenfest fundraiser, and they were the innovators of the Hog Roast & Drawdown.

“Chris, Laura and the entire Grote family have been right there alongside me throughout this entire journey,” Kolks said. “The amount of time, effort, and dedication they’ve given to OASIS over the past seven years is incredible. Whether it was preparing for Freudenfest, organizing the Hog Roast, or handling the countless details that go into these events, I always knew I could count on them. I truly couldn’t have asked for two better people to work alongside, and so much of what we’ve accomplished wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

Patrick also credits his wife, Emily, and his entire family for their unwavering support throughout his years of service.

“None of this would have been possible without my wife, Emily, and our entire family. They’ve spent countless hours helping prepare food, working events, setting up, cleaning up, and doing whatever was needed to make our fundraisers successful. Their support and sacrifices have meant more to me than I could ever express. Throughout the seven years, it was never a ‘let me know how I can help’ it was always ‘I’ll be there and you tell me what to do’ mentality. I’m forever grateful for my wife and family”. 

Beyond his involvement with OASIS, Kolks also serves as the head baseball coach at Oldenburg Academy. Having completed his 11th season with the program in 2026, including seven seasons as an assistant coach and four as head coach, Kolks has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.

While the award recognizes his individual contributions, Kolks is quick to emphasize that the organization’s accomplishments have always been a team effort.

“Receiving the first-ever Oldenburg Academy Service in Sports Award is truly an honor,” Kolks said. “When I first became involved with OASIS, my goal was simply to help make a difference for our student-athletes and athletic programs. Over the past seven years, I’ve been fortunate to work with an incredible group of volunteers, families, and local businesses who have made our success possible.”

The November 7 Hog Roast also marked a significant milestone as Kolks concluded his seven-year tenure leading the booster organization.

“Oldenburg Academy and the athletic department holds a very special place in my heart, and the support this community provides our student-athletes is remarkable,” Kolks added. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past seven years, but even more grateful for the friendships, relationships, and memories we’ve made along the way. Working with people like Chris and Laura, along with so many other dedicated volunteers, has made this experience something I’ll always cherish.”

The inaugural Service in Sports Award recognizes the countless volunteer hours, dedication, and leadership Kolks has contributed to Oldenburg Academy athletics and the broader school community.

Although his time as OASIS President is coming to a close, Kolks will continue serving Oldenburg Academy as head baseball coach, maintaining his commitment to the school’s student-athletes and athletic tradition. “I look forward to still supporting my Alma mater in different roles, and I look forward to ushering in the next chapter of OASIS.” Kolks added.