Joe Girardi
Former football coach Joe Girardi brought honor and distinction to the University through his recruiting, coaching and leadership of an exceptional group of student-athletes. He coached at Baker from 1976-1979 and finished with a 25-15-1 overall record. In 1977, Baker finished 8-2 with its first national NAIA ranking at No. 13. The 1978 team went 7-2 in the regular season and competed in its first postseason game, the Boot Hill Bowl. In 1979, Girardi’s men went 7-3 overall and 5-1 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Coach Girardi died in a car accident in 1982, and his legacy as one of Baker’s best coaches remains today.