Elkin City Schools has named Brad Baker as the new head football coach for Elkin High. Baker will take over for Scott Wood, who served as coach for 14 years.

Since 2017, Baker has been the head coach at Rockingham County High. During his tenure, his teams had a total record of 32-41. In his first year, the team had a successful 9-4 record. Prior to Baker’s arrival, the Cougars had only won one game and had not made the playoffs for four consecutive years. Most recently, Baker led the team to a 7-4 playoff season.

During Baker’s tenure as head coach, Rockingham’s football team achieved the highest combined GPA among all sports teams in the county.

Baker served as the head coach at North Mecklenburg High for five seasons, from 2012 to 2016, before joining Rockingham County. During his time at North Mecklenburg, his teams had a total record of 19 wins and 36 losses. In 2015, Baker led the Vikings to a 7-5 season, their first winning season since 2006.

The individual from West Virginia served as an assistant coach at Reidsville until 2005. During this time, he contributed to the team’s success in winning state championships in 2002 and 2003.

Leslie and I are thrilled to join the Elkin community, according to a statement from Elkin City Schools. We are fully aware of the impressive football legacy at Elkin and are eager to contribute to a top-notch program.

“We are enthusiastic about beginning to establish connections with the athletes and families in our youth program, including those in high school, middle school, and the Junior Elks. Our ultimate aim is to positively impact our entire football program and community. We strive to develop strong, responsible individuals who excel both academically and athletically. As natives of Bluefield, WV, relocating to Elkin feels like coming home. We are eager to get the ball rolling.”

In the 2000s, Elkin achieved four 1A state titles. In 2002, they emerged victorious against Southside with a score of 30-6. The following year, the Buckin’ Elks dominated North Edgecombe with a score of 35-6. After a two-year hiatus, Elkin triumphed over Northampton-West in 2005, winning with a score of 42-12. Their most recent state championship was in 2006, where they defeated Manteo with a score of 28-7.

In 1967, the Buckin’ Elks were crowned champions of the 3A West division after defeating North Surry with a score of 21-0.

The following is the complete announcement from Elkin City Schools:

On January 11, 2024, Elkin City Schools is pleased to declare the selection of Coach Brad Baker as the fresh head coach for the Varsity Football Team at Elkin High School. Coach Baker has a strong history of achievements and a dedication to promoting both athletic prowess and character development, making him a valuable addition to our football team.

With a decade of experience as a high school football coach, Baker is prepared to guide our student-athletes to greater achievements both on and off the field. His enthusiasm for the sport, commitment to mentoring, and strategic tactics are in accordance with the principles of Elkin High School.

“My spouse, Leslie, and I are thrilled to join the Elkin community. We are familiar with Elkin’s rich football legacy and are eager to be part of a high-performing program. We look forward to establishing relationships with the players, parents, and youth in the high school, middle school, and Junior Elks program. Our ultimate aim is to positively impact the entire football program and community, fostering strong character and success in both academics and athletics. We both hail from the small town of Bluefield, WV and feel that moving to Elkin is like coming home. We cannot wait to begin,” stated Coach Baker.

As we embark on a new and thrilling chapter for Elkin High School’s football team, we extend an invitation to the community to join us in welcoming Coach Baker to our Buckin’ Elk family. A meet and greet event will take place on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 4:00 pm in the media center of the high school. The entire Elkin High School community eagerly anticipates a period of achievement, good sportsmanship, and development under Coach Baker’s guidance.

Coach Baker Highlights:
● During Coach Baker’s previous head coaching jobs
the value of the estate

The estate was rebuilt and its value was increased by (Rockingham County & North Mecklenburg).
both program’s winnings percentage by a combined 45% during his
tenure.

Coach Baker’s teams saw an improvement in their overall team GPA under his leadership.

The Rockingham teams had the best team GPA among all the sports.
Every year during his time as head football coach, he participated in the county games.
● 2017 Mid State 3A Coach of the Year

● Has been a coach for 3 NCHSAA State Championships.

● As an assistant, they have been victorious in 2 NCHSAA State Championships.
coach

Source: highschoolot.com