Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Salukis go Local in Signing Marion's Eli Baker
03/15/2001 | 12:00:00 | Cross Country
October 28, 2000
Southern Illinois University Carbondale men's track & field coach Cameron Wright announced the addition of Marion High School standout Elijah "Eli" Baker to the Saluki men's cross country and track & field teams Tuesday.
"It makes me feel real good to sign Eli. He's a good kid and a good runner, who will help us in cross country and track & field," said Wright. "I think he's an athlete who has his best days are ahead of him. As he gets older, more mature, and grows into his body he'll be a much better and stronger athlete. We're really looking forward to him making some noise when he arrives. He's already a great runner."
Baker has been named all-state in cross country and is a two-time state qualifier in track, in addition to earning numerous all-conference, all-section, and all-regional championships. He will run on the Saluki cross country team as well as the 5,000 and 10,000 meter runs during the track season.
The signing is special for Wright, a former Marion High School standout, who has made signing local athletes a top priority as the new Saluki men?s track & field coach.
"It makes me feel good, we want to sign local kids, not just from Marion, but the surrounding area and last year we signed a Marion kid as well. There is good local talent that can help us win championships," stated Wright.
"The key is that we have to get the best kids to come here. In the past I?ve seen a lot of the best area athletes go elsewhere. It's hurt us. I enjoyed my time at SIU as an athlete. Now we're getting a connection over at Marion High and we hope to do that all over Southern Illinois."
