John Willard Baker (June 29, 1944—November 26, 1970) while a runner for the

University of New Mexico The University of New Mexico (UNM; es, Universidad de Nuevo México) is a public research university in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded in 1889, it is the state's flagship academic institution and the largest by enrollment, with over 25,400 ...

(1967) he won the WAC Cross-Country Championship twice and was the WAC Champion in the mile. He received his degree in physical education from University of New Mexico. After he graduated he became the first

physical education Physical education, often abbreviated to Phys Ed. or P.E., is a subject taught in schools around the world. It is usually taught during primary and secondary education, and encourages psychomotor learning by using a play and movement explorati ...

teacher at Aspen Elementary in

Albuquerque Albuquerque ( ; ), ; kee, Arawageeki; tow, Vakêêke; zun, Alo:ke:k'ya; apj, Gołgéeki'yé. abbreviated ABQ, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Mexico. Its nicknames, The Duke City and Burque, both reference its founding in ...

New Mexico ) , population_demonym = New Mexican ( es, Neomexicano, Neomejicano, Nuevo Mexicano) , seat = Santa Fe , LargestCity = Albuquerque , LargestMetro = Tiguex , OfficialLang = None , Languages = English, Spanish ( New Mexican), Navajo, Ker ...

when it opened. John Baker also started a running team called the Duke City Dashers. Baker was later diagnosed with

cancer Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal b ...

; he died shortly thereafter, at the age of 26. The students in the school petitioned the school board to change the name of Aspen Elementary to John Baker Elementary. The school's name was changed the next year, where an astounding 520 people voted for the change, and no one against it, and is still called John Baker Elementary.

''A Shining Season''

Bill Buchanan wrote a full-length biography of Baker called ''A Shining Season''. A TV movie based on the book was created in 1979. John Baker was told he had 6 months to live, at the time of diagnosis. Through his sheer determination, he lived a year beyond the expectation his doctor gave him.

''John Baker's Last Race''

Brigham Young University Brigham Young University (BYU, sometimes referred to colloquially as The Y) is a private research university in Provo, Utah. It was founded in 1875 by religious leader Brigham Young and is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day ...

also made a

movie A film also called a movie, motion picture, moving picture, picture, photoplay or (slang) flick is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, beauty, or atmosphere ...

about John Baker in 1976 entitled ''John Baker's Last Race''. A DVD of the movie is available throug
BYU's Creative Works Office.

References

External links

John Baker Foundation
* Lobo'
WAC Championships
include WAC Mile Champion & two time Cross-Country Championship. * Television movi
A Shining Season
adapted by William Harrison from the biography by William Buchanan * *IMDB page fo
Baker's Last Race''
John Baker Elementary Website: http://johnbaker.aps.edu/ {{DEFAULTSORT:Baker, John 1944 births 1970 deaths American male middle-distance runners Deaths from cancer in New Mexico New Mexico Lobos men's track and field athletes Track and field athletes from Albuquerque, New Mexico