Ken Baker, the patriarch of the Cambridge High football program, died Wednesday afternoon after suffering shortness of breath playing basketball near his winter home in Aiken, S.C.
"I am stunned. I know he kept himself in such great shape. This just shows that it can happen to anybody," said current Cambridge football coach Doug Luke, who served on Baker's staff. "The only people who had a bigger impact on my life were my father and uncle. That is how much he meant. It is tough to talk about."
"He did a lot for my career. I owe him a lot. That is for sure," said La Salle football Al Rapp, also a former assistant at Cambridge who took over the Indians in 1996. "He's a true legend. Ken was an unbelievable mentor to me. What a great guy."
Baker started his coaching career at Hoosick Falls in 1972, leading the Panthers to four Section II Super Bowl appearances and the 1981 Division III title with a 13-0 win over Bishop Scully. Baker also enjoyed a succesful run as the Hoosick Falls wrestling coach.
Cambridge enjoyed minimal football success prior to Baker's arrival. He guided the Indians to one of the greatest upsets in Section II history in 1992. Watervliet entered the Class C Super Bowl with a 36-game winning streak and was seeking a third straight state title. The Indians, who lost starting quarterback Steve Dearstyne to injury in the semifinals, stunned the Cannoneers behind the play of backup quarterback Josh Woodworth with 7-6 triumph at Bleecker Stadium. The Indians carried Baker off the field.
Baker also guided Cambridge to Section II titles in 1994 and 1995. He retired following the 1995-96 scholastic year at age 55. He finished with a career record of 151-61-6. |