Any day of the week Channel 6 sports broadcaster Andrew Baker could be seen at high school athletic practices and interviewing athletes and coaches, promoting varsity athletes to the Lawrence community.

After eight years covering area high schools, Baker will bid farewell to the community at the end of this month, heading to  Dallas, Texas, for a new career opportunity for a corporate company.

“My college roommate lives there, my girlfriend’s family lives there, I spent some time there growing up,” Baker said. “Just for a different career opportunity, it’s just the right time.”

Baker started working at Channel 6 after graduating from the KU School of Journalism in 2007. He originally started in a part time position as a photographer and producer. From there, he transitioned into the sports department and has been there ever since.

“I got very fortunate in the situation and ended up really loving the community and the people,” he said. “It just kind of kept me here for a while.”

During his time at 6 News he has reported news at KU including the NCAA mens’ basketball championship, the six high schools in the area, the high school game of the week, has promoted athletes through social media and has interviewed student athletes on Varsity Showcase.

“It’s constantly changing, what we’re covering,” he said. “In retrospect, probably what I’ll miss the most is just the relationships with the athletes here on the high school level.”

Baker’s show on Channel 6, Varsity Showcase, has been popular among the students.

“He’s very funny when it comes to being on his show,” senior gymnast and cheerleader Ashley Ammann said. “Finding interesting pictures of you and showing them on the varsity showcase, that’s always my favorite part.”

Over the years not only has the community had an impact on him, but he has had a great impact on the community. He’s become a voice for athletes, supporting and keeping the community informed on their accomplishments.

“He did a lot for us because he was always here every week interviewing the athletes and getting them on TV,” senior football player and wrestler Alan Clothier said.

Baker’s work hasn’t gone unappreciated. When the football team found out he was leaving, they made sure to let him know how he has impacted them for the better.

“The kids would feel at ease with him, he built their trust,” head football coach Dirk Wedd said. “Monday at practice our team thanked him and gave him a warm send off. All high school teams will miss a strong friend of high school sports.”

His last day on the job was Oct. 28, and he will be moving to Dallas the first week of November to start a career at Travelers Insurance, but he stills plans to keep in touch when he’s gone.

“I will be back if Free State and or LHS are in that state championship football game, I’ll be back for that for sure,” he said.

While he’s is excited for the new opportunity he is also reluctant to leave the comfort of routine that he’s known here.

“It’s bittersweet, for sure,” he said. “You get attached to the area… It’s regular, it’s a routine, you kind of know what to expect and now I‘m going to an area that I haven’t ever lived in before. With that comes a little bit of nerves but I’m excited, it’s definitely a great opportunity.”

From the multiple aspects of his job he has been able to make connections, witness the great athletes that come through Kansas and find his spot among the supportive and loyal community that Lawrence is.

“I’ve learned, at least from Lawrence, that if you’re good to it it’ll have your back, always,” he said. “That’s what makes leaving this job so difficult, because you get attached to these people and you want to have them be apart of your life.”
Courtesy of Andrew Baker