Nick Baker, A Haddonfield Icon And NJ Coaching Legend, Dies At 70

HADDONFIELD, NJ — Nick Baker, a Haddonfield icon and one of the greatest track and cross-country coaches in state history, died Saturday. He was 70.

Baker taught and coached for about 50 years at Haddonfield Memorial High School, with no shortage of accolades in his respective sports. He led the cross country team to 35 sectional titles and 20 state group championships. Haddonfield also won 20 state track titles under Baker's tutelage.

Despite Baker's diagnosis with Stage 4 lung cancer last February, he continued coaching in Haddonfield. In September, the team broke South Jersey's winning-streak record, with 245 consecutive victories going back to 1997.

And winning was only the beginning of Baker's impact, according to Lefteris Banos, athletic director of Haddonfield Public Schools. With an infectious smile and personality, Baker formed longstanding relationships with countless individuals who he taught, coached and mentored.

"It was the top seven or nine athletes that won the championships for the sport over the years," Banos told Patch. "But everyone on the cross country team felt equally as valued, and that was all Nick."

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Baker grew up in Mount Vernon, New York, according to his obituary. He then attended Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he met his wife, Maureen. Eventually, they moved to South Jersey, and Baker began teaching and coaching at Haddonfield Memorial High School.

Baker's cross-country accolades were seemingly endless. Under his leadership, the Bulldawgs won a state-record 19 straight state group championships, including the last five, according to MileSplit NJ. The team qualified for the XC Meet of Champions 34 times — a state public-school record.

Haddonfield's cross-country winning streak currently stands at 251 — the second-longest ever in the state and the third-longest in national high school history. His career dual meet record was 375-16.

Baker was also a tireless advocate for the sport, serving as president of the South Jersey Track Coaches Association for 20 years and then as vice president for 14 years.

With the news of his death, many who knew Baker have discussed his profound impact.

"My heart is with the Baker family today," wrote Haddonfield Mayor Colleen Bianco Bezich. "Coach Baker’s legacy and long-standing role as coach & mentor to thousands of HMHS grads is truly something special. He will be missed by our entire Borough, with his impact felt across our region and beyond."

"He always pushed his teams to work hard, try their best, do things the right way, and have fun every step of the way," Colin Baker, Nick's son, said on social media. "Dad will be dearly missed but we know that his legacy will live on in all of the memories we share, the lessons we have learned, and the love that he fostered."

Baker's family encouraged people to share their reflections on his CaringBridge webpage. View his full obituary here.