Baker, John, -1970

John Willard Baker moved with his family to Albuquerque, N.M. in 1953 where he began his track career at Mark Twain Elementary School. While on the Manzano High School track team he became the New Mexico State Champion in the mile. As a member of the University of New Mexico track team, he won the WAC Cross-Country Championship twice and was the WAC Champion in the mile. After receiving his bachelors's degree in 1967 he became an elementary school coach and physical education teacher. As a teacher, he sought ways to involve all of his students in athletics, including handicapped and "problem" children. His philosophy was to encourage each child to do his best. Baker died of cancer on Thanksgiving Day in 1970. A number of tributes to him have followed since his death. His story has been the inspiration for a book, various articles and two films.

From the guide to the John Baker Papers, 1958-1985, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)

John Willard Baker moved with his family to Albuquerque, N.M. in 1953 where he began his track career at Mark Twain Elementary School. While on the Manzano High School track team he became the New Mexico State Champion in the mile. As a member of the University of New Mexico track team, he won the WAC Cross-Country Championship twice and was the WAC Champion in the mile. After receiving his bachelors's degree in 1967 he became an elementary school coach and physical education teacher. As a teacher, he sought ways to involve all of his students in athletics, including haandicapped and "problem" children. His philosophy was to encourage each child to do his best. Baker died of cancer on Thanksgiving Day in 1970. A number of tributes to him have followed since his death. His story has been the inspration for a book, various articles and two films.

From the description of Papers, 1958-1985. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 42001427