Hesperia’s Doug Baird is inducted into the Michigan Coaches Hall of Fame, currently in his 100th season coaching

HESPERIA - Hesperia cross country, wrestling and track coach Doug Baird is in 100th season coaching this fall as he leads the Hesperia cross country team. Baird got his start in 1989 in Mount Pleasant, before heading to Coleman, and landing at Hesperia. Baird was the first cross country coach at Hesperia and so far, his teams have won 4 state titles between the girls & boys. In wrestling he’s captured a state title and ten regional titles along with coaching over 500 dual meet wins with many of his wrestlers going on to the division one level.

Baird was thrilled to be recognized by his peers that he had competed against for everything that he’s done in his time at Hesperia.

“I was just so excited, to be recognized I mean, I always look at myself as just kind of doing my own thing here in Hesperia and then to be recognized on a state level with all the greatest coaches, is really a humbling experience,” said Baird.

He was inducted into the MITCA running hall of fame in 2019 and will also be inducted into the wrestling hall of fame later this year, but what he appreciates the most during his time coaching wasn’t the trophies or the wins.

“I said, in our hall of fame thing, it’s the relationships that I cherish the most with the kids and that are now adults, many of them. It’s just been a great ride, and I just am blessed that I was able to be part of it,” said Baird.

Baird said that he probably won’t be coaching track in the spring of this year, but if they twisted his leg he just may oblige.