Faces off the Field: Noah Baker, senior safety, LBJ
What’s your favorite memory of LBJ football?
Going to the playoffs last year and going that far (to the state finals). We all believed in our abilities, and it was up to us to do our jobs.
Why is LBJ so good every year?
Our discipline, our fire, our culture, tradition. They all play a part in how we play.
Most of the players grew up together. Is that a factor?
Most of the kids know each other; they’ve grown up together; they’ve played against each other. They’re familiar with each other just by living in the community.
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Have you learned any lessons playing football that you apply to daily life?
I’ve learned to wait for my turn and doing the right things can get you very far. Everyone knows their responsibilities on the team. We can only go one way, and that’s the right way.
Do you think this team can be better than last year’s team?
Yes, definitely. Just based on last year’s final game, we saw what our mistakes did. … Throughout the playoffs, we need to keep the focus on us.
If you could have dinner with four people in the history of the world, who would they be?
I’d say Obama, Elon Musk, Jay-Z and Kanye West.
Why Kanye?
I feel like there’s a side to him that people don't listen to. He might be saying bad things, but there is some truth to it. Sometimes he doesn’t know how to phrase it.
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If you had a chance to be valedictorian of the senior class or all-state in football, what would you choose?
All-state. That’s a big honor. I feel like I would get more recognition from being all-state.
Do you have any game-day rituals?
I always drink two bottles of water. And I roll out my body with a (hand-held) massager. It loosens me up, gets rid of the kinks and soreness, refreshes me.
Describe what your body feels like the day after a tough game.
After a win, I feel great. Maybe a little soreness in the thighs. That’s about it. I hurt more after a loss. Based on my experience, it hurts longer than games when we win.
What was the best thing that happened during your journey to the state finals last fall?
We raised more awareness on our facilities. Our old weight room got remodeled. It’s much better than when I came here.
What has been your favorite vacation?
It’s when we went to California for a family reunion. We all went to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. The (amusement) parks were different. I’d never been around so much stuff to do right next to each other. You can’t get bored there.
What will you be doing next year?
I want to commit and go play football. I have opportunities, offers from Arizona State, UNLV, Prairie View A&M and Navy.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: High school football: Noah Baker, senior safety, LBJ
