Prairie hires Baker as head football coach

Kevin Baker has been hired to be the next head football coach at Prairie High School, it was announced Monday by Battle Ground Public Schools.

He replaces Terry Hyde, who took the head coaching position at Evergreen High School.

Baker has been a member of the Prairie football coaching staff since 2007 as the defensive coordinator and a position coach.

“I’m thankful for the support I received from Coach Hyde, the kids, parents, and the whole Prairie community,” Baker said in a press release. “I’m excited about the opportunity I have before me and I’m ready for the challenge.”

Baker was head football coach at Battle Ground High School from 1995 to 2003, and at Annawan High School in Annawan, Ill., for three seasons in the 1980s.

Baker has also coached football at Hockinson and Washougal high schools, and Centennial High School in Champaign, Ill., for a total of 16 years a defensive coordinator. He has a total of 33 years of football coaching experience.

“Kevin brings a great depth of football knowledge and coaching experience to Prairie,” said Andy Schoonover, Prairie High School’s athletic director and an assistant principal. “He is committed to building a successful program through relationships and fostering sportsmanship and positive character development among athletes and staff.”

Baker also has coached girls’ basketball, wrestling and track. He has bachelor’s degrees in history and history education and a master’s degree in kinesiology. He also has completed the administrative credential program at Washington State University, Vancouver.

He teaches social studies at Prairie.

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