John Baker

John Baker graduated from Manzano High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was offered ten scholarships from ten different colleges for running but chose to stay near home and family. He had a younger sister, a younger brother, and two caring parents. John attended the University of New Mexico and continued upping his running status. He received his degree for physical education and became the first physical education teacher at Aspen Elementary School in Albuquerque. All was going well for John until he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He lived for two years with the struggle of cancer and then passed away. He lived from 1944 to 1970. John was invited to run in the Olympics but he had to give it up because of the cancer. He also coached a girl’s track team named the Duke City Dashers. John’s passion for running was evident in a poem he wrote while he was in high school.

“Many thoughts race through my mind

          As I step up to the starting line

          Butterflies thru my stomach fly,

         And as I free that last deep sigh,

        I feel that death is drawing near,

           But the end of the race I do not fear.

                     For when the string comes across my breast,

I know it's time for eternal rest.

The gun goes off, the race is run,

And only God knows if I've won.

       My family and friends and many more

Can't understand what it was for.

            But this "Race To Death" is a final test,

           And I'm not afraid, for I've done my best.”

Created by Natalie Sample. November 7, 2007

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