Al Baker, Trigg County's all-time leading rusher, came home to speak at the Trigg County Century Club annual dinner Thursday night.
Baker ran for 5,396 yards from 1981-85, which was the fourth highest total in Kentucky history at the time of his graduation.
Baker still holds the Class 1A state record in the 100-meter dash at 10.7 seconds. The overall state record is 10.46 seconds by Tyson Gay of Lafayette High in 2001. Gay recently beat Olympic Gold Medal star Usain Bolt in the 100 meters.
Baker's 40 time his senior year was 4.5 seconds. Not bad for a guy who could also bench press 360 pounds, squat 600 pounds, and deadlift 585 pounds.
Baker went on to play football at the University of Kentucky, telling the crowd he came close to quitting the team his junior year but decided to stick it out on the advice of family and friends.
It paid off. His senior season, Baker ran for a team-high 780 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 35 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns and was named Second Team All-SEC.
Baker was taken by the New York Jets in the 10th round of the 1991 draft, although injuries caused him to leave camp before playing a game in the NFL.
Al currently lives in Ashland, Ky. with his wife and three kids.
Al talks about what he is up to these days
Back when Baker played, only the district champion advanced to the playoffs. Despite a 27-14 record in his four seasons of high school football, Trigg was 0-4 against Mayfield which kept them out of the playoffs.
Baker said the 1984 team, which went 7-4 with losses to Glasgow, Christian County and Mayfield (10-0), would have had the best shot to beat the Cardinals had they met again in the playoffs. He also talked about which team put a bounty on his head.
Al Baker talks about Mayfield and the rivlary
Baker chose UK over several high profile schools, including Ohio State, USC, and Tennessee. He talks about the differences between Jerry Claiborne and Bill Curry and of the recruiting battle to get him.
Al talks about the differences in UK coaches Jerry Claiborne and Bill Curry
Al talks about the recruiting battles he went through and why he chose UK
Al also talked about what lessons he learned in sports that he passes down to his children.
How Al uses sports to pass down lessons to his children
Baker plans to attend tonight's Trigg County/Hopkinsville game at Perdue Field, which is the second game of the Wildcat Chevrolet Bowl.
Al Baker (center) poses with his high school track and field coaches Jim Wallace (right) and George Radford.
Baker poses with several members of this year's Wildcat football team.
A true legend, thanks Scott.
Posted by: Will Ezell | September 24, 2011 at 07:33 PM