Dylan Baker said it was a good decision for him to join the track and field team at Trinity Lutheran High School prior to his junior year.
He got involved in throwing events right away, and his favorite event is the discus.
“I just enjoy watching the discus fly, seeing your work after practicing, seeing how many feet you throw,” Baker said. “It’s fun and it doesn’t take that much out of you, either, like running. Form is a big thing, but the biggest thing is really to clear your head and make sure you’ve got no stress going in there. Once you have your form down, everything will come naturally.”
The senior’s best throw has been 95 feet, and his goal is to top 100.
“I improve as I go on, and I definitely get my best throw later on,” he said. “I need to put a lot more time and effort into it.”
Baker estimates he does 15 to 20 throws in practice every day, and he likes competing in home meets.
“I like to watch other people throw. There are some guys that go out and throw 160 feet. It’s crazy to see how some people can throw something that far,” Baker said. “More distance will eventually come if you have your form down. Just give your best effort. I’m just there to have fun.”
He also tosses the shot put for the Cougars during meets.
Baker said he tries to use his height, 6 foot, to his advantage, especially in the shot.
He said the weight room has helped him improve.
“Coach (Caleb) Tormoehlen is our weight coach, and he does a very good job pushing everybody and making sure everybody has the right idea and not goofing off,” Baker said.
He said his favorite lift is the squat, and he said he makes sure he uses the proper technique so he doesn’t get injured.
Baker said having a positive outlook is important in sports.
“The biggest thing for me is to go in completely not worrying about anything,” he said. “Trust that you will have a good throw, trust in your form. That is what practice is for, to make sure you have good form.”
He enjoys attending TLHS.
“I like the smallness of Trinity and the teachers know who you are,” Baker said. “You can come in any time during study halls and get things sorted out if you’re having troubles in a particular class, and I like how God is the main focus of the school. I’m going to look back on the friendships I’ve made. It has been worth the time.”
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Name: Dylan Baker
High school: Trinity Lutheran
Parents: Wes and Sherry Baker
Sibling: Luke
Sports: Track and field, two years; golf, one year; basketball, two years
Organizations: Fishing club, musical, student ambassador, events team, Immanuel Lutheran Church youth group
Plans after high school: Attend Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis study criminal justice
Favorite food: Italian
Favorite TV show: "The Flash"
Favorite band: Movements
Favorite movie: "Hacksaw Ridge"
Favorite team: Indiana University basketball
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