John Baker

Who was John Baker?

John Willard Baker while a runner for the University of New Mexico 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 teacher at Aspen Elementary in Albuquerque, New Mexico when it opened. John Baker also started a running team called the Duke City Dashers.

John Baker was later diagnosed with cancer. He died soon after.

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 and is still called John Baker Elementary.