John Baker, of Menomonee Falls (Wis.) High School, has been named Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week, the organization announced Wednesday.
Baker's Indians improved to 10-1 on the 2009 season after beating previously undefeated and defending state champion Homestead, 27-7, last Saturday. The Indians travel to Sun Prairie to face the Cardinals this coming Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.
"First off, I would like to commend our coaches," Baker said. "They've done a great job of building the program. Their dedication is the reason why we've been so good week-in and week-out this year. Along with the coaches, our outstanding senior leadership has brought everyone together as one team."
Baker, who is also the school's physical education and health teacher, began his coaching career in 1996 as an assistant coach at Platteville (Wis.) High School. After spending just two years at Platteville, Baker accepted an assistant coaching position at Menomonee Falls. In 2008, he was promoted to head coach of the Indians' football program.
A native of Oshkosh, Wis., Baker played football at Oshkosh North High School under head coach Steve Jorgensen. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where he played tight end under coaches George Chryst and Jim Kinder. He graduated from UW-Platteville in 1997.
His assistant coaching staff includes Mike Burling, Jamie Doyle, Eric Fuiten, Dan Heckman, Kevin Kempen, Ryan Rasmussen, Bobby Regent-Smith, Erich Rutsch, Jeff Waggoner, and Dave Weber.
Baker and his wife, Kara, have one daughter, Abby, and a son, Kip.
*The Packers will recognize one outstanding high school coach as their 'Coach of the Week' winner during the 2009 high school football season. Winners are awarded several items and privileges, including a $1,000 donation to the school's football program from the Green Bay Packers and the NFL, as well as recognition of the award on packers.com.
Nominations for Coach of the Week should be submitted by 9 a.m. every Monday to Tim Schroeder, community outreach coordinator, at coachoftheweek@packers.com (e-mail) or by fax at (920) 569-7302. Please include the nominee's name, address, school, phone number, and reason he/she is deserving of the award.*
