Reagan’s Head Boys Track and Assistant Football Coach, John Baskin, announced his retirement after 16 years at Reagan and 35 years overall in coaching.
Coach Baskin started his coaching career in 1985 and coached both Track and Football at Georgetown, Kermit, Brady, and San Saba high schools. He came to Reagan High School in the Fall of 2004 and has been an integral part of the Rattler’s success over these years.
When asked about his coaching highlights, Baskin reflected, “There were too many great things that happened over the last 16 years to single out just one or two. What has been outstanding is the work ethic and desire these Reagan kids have always shown. We have so many of them that work so hard and accomplish so much both on the field of play and in the classroom! It was not just about gold trophies and gold medals. It was about goals and reaching them, and sometimes not reaching them, and learning how to stand tall in both instances. It was about resiliency to what circumstances the world throws at you and coming out better and stronger. This was well exhibited by this year’s seniors and all our spring sport teams.”
He said he will miss most the “camaraderie of the coaching staff and everyday interaction with the students and athletes.”
Athletic Director, Lyndon Hamilton, commented, “I have been able to lean on Coach Baskin for wisdom and guidance since we have been together at Reagan. He has loved my two sons and all of the student-athletes at Reagan as his own. He is a man of integrity and compassion for others. We are going to miss his quick-witted personality and his dedication to this Athletic Program. He will always bleed Reagan Green.”
In retirement, Coach Baskin and his wife look forward to spending more time with their grandkids and traveling in their RV.
Wherever this next phase of his journey takes him, we want to wish him and his family the very best in the years to come. We appreciate Coach Baskin and thank him for his years of passion, commitment, and dedication to our athletes!
#RattlerPride #OnceARattlerAlwaysARattler
Pictured below is Coach Baskin with one of his former athletes, Ty Summers, who now plays in the NFL as a Linebacker for the Green Bay Packers.
