LOUISBURG, N.C. — Louisburg College Director of Athletics Mike Holloman has announced the hiring of Kent H. Baker as the new Head Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field Coach.

Baker brings more than three decades of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate levels, including extensive Division I leadership experience and a proven track record of building championship programs.

A former student-athlete at the University of Michigan, Baker previously served as the Head Men's Track and Cross Country Coach at the University of Toledo for 14 seasons. During his tenure, the Rockets produced 50 Mid-American Conference (MAC) champions, six conference record holders, seven conference Athletes of the Year, five NCAA Division I All-Americans, four Olympic Trials qualifiers, and the program's first Olympian in 110-meter hurdler Paul Sehzue. Toledo also captured two MAC runner-up finishes and two All-Ohio team championships under Baker's leadership.

Baker's career has been marked by program building and sustained success. At Northwood University in Florida, he launched the varsity men's and women's track and cross country programs, producing multiple conference champions and 10 NAIA All-Americans in just three seasons. He later served as Head Track and Cross Country Coach at Alfred State College and has continued to lead successful programs at the high school level, including recent championships at Cass Tech High School in Detroit.

Throughout his career, Baker has been recognized for both competitive excellence and athlete development. He has coached numerous state champions and record holders, including athletes who still hold longstanding state and conference records. His work in sports performance has also extended beyond track and field, helping develop high-level athletes across multiple sports.

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to lead the men's and women's cross country and track programs at Louisburg College," Baker said. "This is a beautiful campus and a strong community. I look forward to building a competitive culture, developing student-athletes on and off the track, and representing the college with pride."

Baker holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Michigan and has completed post-baccalaureate studies in Athletic Administration at Central Michigan University. He has also earned recognition as Florida High School "Coach of the Year" and Broward County "Coach of the Year."

At Louisburg College, Baker will oversee all aspects of the Hurricanes' men's and women's cross country and track & field programs, including recruiting, training, academic accountability, and program development.

Louisburg College Athletics welcomes Coach Baker and his family to the Hurricane community.