If I remember correctly, it was the summer of 1971 (or maybe 1970) and the Columbus City school system began their version of desegregation. I was running track for Coach Whitt and he now was going to be the new Track Coach at Carver. Coach Whitt did his best to convince several of his track team to follow him to Carver, but most of us stayed at Baker. We loved Coach Whitt, but we all wanted to finish our high school career at Baker.
Coach Sam T. Roberts, arguably one of the best track coaches in the Southeast, came out of retirement to coach this band of misfits that remained at Baker.
Unfortunately this format is much to small to recount all of the "unique characteristics" Coach Roberts had! Even after high school our family continued a close personal relationship with Coach Roberts. As I reach the ripe ol' age of 60, I am fortunate to have the ability to run several times a week and as I begin my workout, I recall Coach Roberts calling out "HIKE" to start the race!
Rest in Peace Coach Roberts. I know the Mackeral are running strong!
I was a member of the "Great Team" consisting of James Batie, Robert Dempsey,Clevon King, Keith Kirchner, Jim Lockett, Greg Manns, and Bennie Vaugh just to name a few. Coach Roberts was a track coach but he was also a life coach. As a seventeen year old kid, he taught me how to be a winner. He simply told me that if I was willing to work hard, I could be a champion. Well he was right and to this day I past that simple truth on to those that I come in contact with. "Hard work can make you a champion". My two sons heard this constantly.
I am sure that all the guys who "ran" for coach Roberts are now champions no matter what they are doing in their lives. Sam knew how to bring out the best in each of us and he cared for all of us.
I will never forget coach Roberts yelling "hike" with that cigarette in his hand and holding his little dog. "Hike" started each groups lap around the track during our tough workouts that would prepare us to win; yes to get into shape to be winners. I am 68 years old as I write this about a man I will never forget. What I learned from Sam Roberts helped me to become a winner in whatever I have attempted. I applied it in making it through law school and becoming a good golfer in a very short period of time. Practice, practice practice, morning, noon and evenings. This is what we did to become Georgia State Track champions. He produced at least eight (8) State Championship track teams while at Baker. Sam Roberts was the ultimate coach. Throughout my life , I would hear his voice. Truly amazing.
It is a shame that all of what Sam Roberts did for Baker High School in winning state championships was not preserved when Baker was torn down. I was living in Atlanta and could not believe nothing was done to preserve trophys, pictures and other track memorabilia that Sam was able to bring to Baker as a result of his outstanding coaching during his years at the school.
Sam, this is one guy who will never forget what you did for him and ultimately for my family.
Rusty Bliss (1972)
If I remember correctly, it was the summer of 1971 (or maybe 1970) and the Columbus City school system began their version of desegregation. I was running track for Coach Whitt and he now was going to be the new Track Coach at Carver. Coach Whitt did his best to convince several of his track team to follow him to Carver, but most of us stayed at Baker. We loved Coach Whitt, but we all wanted to finish our high school career at Baker.
Coach Sam T. Roberts, arguably one of the best track coaches in the Southeast, came out of retirement to coach this band of misfits that remained at Baker.
Unfortunately this format is much to small to recount all of the "unique characteristics" Coach Roberts had! Even after high school our family continued a close personal relationship with Coach Roberts. As I reach the ripe ol' age of 60, I am fortunate to have the ability to run several times a week and as I begin my workout, I recall Coach Roberts calling out "HIKE" to start the race!
Rest in Peace Coach Roberts. I know the Mackeral are running strong!
God Bless,
Rusty
Danny Williams (1975)
May god be with you. Danny Williams.
Elwood Thomas, II Gibson (Gibson) (1969)
I was a member of the "Great Team" consisting of James Batie, Robert Dempsey,Clevon King, Keith Kirchner, Jim Lockett, Greg Manns, and Bennie Vaugh just to name a few. Coach Roberts was a track coach but he was also a life coach. As a seventeen year old kid, he taught me how to be a winner. He simply told me that if I was willing to work hard, I could be a champion. Well he was right and to this day I past that simple truth on to those that I come in contact with. "Hard work can make you a champion". My two sons heard this constantly.
I am sure that all the guys who "ran" for coach Roberts are now champions no matter what they are doing in their lives. Sam knew how to bring out the best in each of us and he cared for all of us.
I will never forget coach Roberts yelling "hike" with that cigarette in his hand and holding his little dog. "Hike" started each groups lap around the track during our tough workouts that would prepare us to win; yes to get into shape to be winners. I am 68 years old as I write this about a man I will never forget. What I learned from Sam Roberts helped me to become a winner in whatever I have attempted. I applied it in making it through law school and becoming a good golfer in a very short period of time. Practice, practice practice, morning, noon and evenings. This is what we did to become Georgia State Track champions. He produced at least eight (8) State Championship track teams while at Baker. Sam Roberts was the ultimate coach. Throughout my life , I would hear his voice. Truly amazing.
It is a shame that all of what Sam Roberts did for Baker High School in winning state championships was not preserved when Baker was torn down. I was living in Atlanta and could not believe nothing was done to preserve trophys, pictures and other track memorabilia that Sam was able to bring to Baker as a result of his outstanding coaching during his years at the school.
Sam, this is one guy who will never forget what you did for him and ultimately for my family.
Elwood T. Gibson II