David Baker

Head Coach, Hough High School

The High School Football Coach of the Year Award was created to honor a local Head Football Coach who demonstrates character, integrity, sportsmanship, responsibility, and excellence both on and off the field.

Hough High School’s David Baker exhibits all these qualities and more and is the recipient of this season’s High School Coach of the Year Award. Coach Baker leads Hough’s football program with a respectful, yet uncompromising approach. He sets high standards for his student-athletes and holds all players, coaches, and staff members accountable for their actions. Baker is a consummate professional and a role model for all to follow.

Coach Baker epitomizes sportsmanship and promotes a family atmosphere within the football program. Baker uses the Golden Rule as a benchmark for all conduct and builds a spirit of team unity by inviting players, parents, and coaches to attend numerous social events throughout the season.

Coach Baker is a prominent figure throughout Hough and the community at large. Baker leads the school’s Sources of Strength Program designed to reduce the likelihood that vulnerable youth will engage in self-harm. Many students view Coach Baker as a trusted adult who provides excellent counsel to all students not just athletes.

As a former collegiate player, Coach Baker knows the value of scholastic excellence. He encourages student-athletes to excel in the classroom by providing a study hall for his players before practice each day. He also performs weekly academic and conduct checks with each teacher with lower performing students required to attend tutoring sessions.

This season, the Hough Huskies are undefeated through nine games and competing for a conference championship in the competitive Queen City Athletic Conference. The Huskies are ranked 4th in the state among 4A schools while playing the second most difficult schedule of schools ranked within the top 25.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Coach Baker and his staff, Hough High School football has become a well-respected name in North Carolina and throughout the Southeast.

It is with great pleasure that the Charlotte Touchdown Club and First National Bank present David Baker with its High School Coach of the Year Award.

Award Criteria:

All applicants must currently hold the head football coaching position at a high school in the seven county area supported by the Charlotte Touchdown Club. The purpose of this award is to honor a local high school Head Football Coach who demonstrates Character, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Responsibility and Excellence both on and off the field.

I. CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY

Is knowing how to win the right way. The best coaches refuse to bend or break the rules to keep their teams on top and require the same from their players. They set an example for everyone to follow.

II. SPORTSMANSHIP

Is conducting oneself in an honorable way on and off the field. Give examples of the coach promoting sportsmanship to his players and parents and treating opposing teams and officials with respect.

III. RESPONSIBILITY

Is shown when coaches aren’t just leaders of their team, but also leaders in their community. They give back to their school and community.

IV. EXCELLENCE OFF THE FIELD

Is about encouraging student-athletes to excel in the classroom and community so they can be successful in life.

V. EXCELLENCE ON THE FIELD

Is seen in wins, penalties, and year-over-year improvements by the coach, his staff, and his team.