Fincastle, VA – JRHS hires a new head football coach, John “Jack” Baker, to start the position on Dec 13.
Coach Baker has been an experienced coach and teacher for almost 30 years, dedicated to his student and possessing good relations with James River. He owes his love of coaching to the school and that is why he supports different programs in the facility as an alumnus.
“For me, getting back to working at James River is like coming home,” Baker said. Several communities define an athlete, and today I am privileged to represent this community and prepare the next generation of athletes for success both on and off the field. It will be my honor to work with these gifted young people and to do my part in supporting the values, such as team work and perseverance that people of James River possess.
Baker obtained his Bachelor of Arts in history at Virginia Military Institute in 1995. In his 29-year long career, he has coached football teams at Nelson County, Parry McCluer, Rustburg and Alleghany high schools, always getting teams to win seasons and games as well as playoff events of the Virginia High School League. These accomplishments include: 2021 Pioneer District Coach of the Year, Conference 30 and Seminole District Coach of the Year in 2016, Blue Ridge District Coach of the Year in 2006, VMI Coaching Excellence Award- 2002.
Baker also has some history with James River’s past. He joined the JRHS Hall of Fame first intake in 2005 alongside his father and his sister. Prior to joining Morehouse College as an administrator, his father was a football coach at Russellville from 1964 to 1972, and an assistant principal and athletic director. Baker learnt about the school system back at home and was always involved with the community and did not only develop affection for it but for its students and the athletes in particular.
Being a new head coach at the school, Baker’s vision is to continue with the excellence of the school. He will meet future players at JRHS on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 2:30p.m Any parent or member of the community can meet Baker at 6.30 p.m on the 18th of December at JRHS auditorium.
