The Legendary, the Magnificent Coach “B”

The Legendary, the Magnificent Coach “B”

Mr. Christopher Baker is retiring from teaching from RC after 32 years.

Written By: Jordan Ligons and Jordan Pierce

“The Pursuit of excellence is a noble one and I never make apologies for it.” -Coach Baker

The Baker, Coach “B”, Mr. Baker, or Coach; there are numerous names for such an amazing person. The beloved Weights teacher will be retiring from the classroom after this year and the amount of hard-work and effort he has put into River City High School will always be remembered. He has left a legacy.

As one walks into the weight room, it has the aura of Baker’s sanctuary. Looking left and right, one will see the Raider symbol reflected on almost each wall. The room is very goal-orientated, with a weekly inspirational quote, which he asks a random student every Friday to see if they memorized it.

Each day, after their cardio warm-up, Baker assigns a specific work-out to target each muscle group. He has created a tradition within the weights classroom. He teaches full body lifts and techniques for the student’s benefit.

Students take pride in getting their name on the wall. To do so, one has to lift in various categories ranging from negative 45 pounds to 100 pounds over one’s body weight for guys and about negative 65 pounds to 30 pounds over for girls. Baker also relies on the philosophy of “The Big Three”: squats, dead lifts, and bench press.

All the weights placed back in their rightful spots, every sport is very conscious of the equipment after using the weight-room in sheer fear of Baker’s wrath and being called a “Scrub Jay”.   

Coach Baker not only teaches in the weights classroom, but also out on the field and on the court. Thirty-six years total since being hired as the Co-Head Freshmen Football and Assistant JV Basketball Coach at his alma mater Washington High School in 1976, Baker continues to enlighten athletes on a daily basis.

The impact that he has is limitless. “Coach B has been a father figure to me. He’s taught me mostly everything I know about football,” senior Myles Matamoros expresses about his football coach that he’s had for all four years of high school.

Matamoros continues, “There will never be another Coach Baker. No one will be able to have such an impact on so many generations of students as Coach Baker has.”

Senior Isabella Gomez had Baker as a weights teacher since her sophomore year. He also taught her older brother and sister years before. “Coach Baker has not only helped me be a better person but also work hard in everything I do. He helped all years of basketball, but this year especially because of my injury.”

Gomez was the starting center for RC’s women’s basketball team when she suffered an ACL knee injury against El Dorado in January.

“He made me realize that I would be okay and that this one season of basketball doesn’t describe me. He made sure that I was still involved in the team and the season. He always makes me reach for whatever I want to do.”

Coach B symbolizes a true raider. By definition, a raider is an attacker and a force to be reckoned with.     

Mr. King, Earth Science and Leadership teacher and also head women’s basketball coach, says that he’s happy for Baker and his retirement but also sad for himself and the school in its entirety. “He’s one of those people we heavily rely on; he symbolizes the school,” King states, who has known Baker for 26 years.

King says Baker is the primary reason he’s a teacher and a coach; he’s a second dad to him and impacts him greatly.

Mr. Watkins, World History Teacher and assistant varsity football coach, has known Baker for 17 years. “Coach B has had an impact on every coach…He sets a great example on how to lead young men and women. Regardless of sport or record he always makes an effort to reach out and encourage other coaches.”

“It is a coach’s job to ensure that his players are giving their best effort both in practice and in games. Commitment is not a part time thing. If you desire to be a champion, you have got to work harder than your opponent. It’s not glamorous, but it’s necessary. I tell players to bring their hard hats and lunch pails. We are going to get after it,” Coach Baker shares wise words about his coaching style.

Ms. Anderson, the dancer teacher, has known Baker for three years and feels like the kids here truly look –up to him and respects him. “I feel sad [about Baker retiring]. We are losing a good person; he’s a positive role model to the student body.” 

He has transitioned from three school sites, two school names, but has been one of the few consistent influences on the Raider community. Coach B will still be seen on the sidelines of the Raider football field underneath the Friday night lights. If you see him around campus, give him a fist bump and a Diet Pepsi.

Baker: thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to making the lives of those around you better— thank you for leaving a Raider legacy.