Team Baker Reports

Read the blog featuring race analysis and insights about Iditarod 2013.

Record-Breaker

Team Baker took 1st place in the 2011 Iditarod Sled Dog Race. They set a new record by completing the race in 8 days; 18 hours; 46 minutes; and 39 seconds – smashing the record by 4 hours.

Baker is Bib #13

Tahayla drew her father’s bib number and picked the lucky number 13! Mushers draw their starting number at the banquet and John’s daughter Tahayla did the honors. Go Team Baker . . . #13 in 2013!

2012 Iditarod Finish

Team Baker placed 9th in the 2012 Iditarod Sled Dog Race with an official finish of 9 days 13 hours 25 minutes 47 seconds. Once again a top ten finish making thirteen out of seventeen Iditarod's with Team Baker at the top.

Myron’s Analysis

Myron Angstman, lawyer, pilot, and dog musher, applies his razor sharp wit to describe how the race is unfolding. His ability to see all the variables combined with first-hand knowledge and his inimitable manner make for a compelling interpretation of the race intricacies. Read Myron’s take on Iditarod41 at:

http://teamjohnbaker.blogspot.com/

Catch the Iditarod Spirit

Get ready Iditarod race fans! Sam Towarak, Sr. will share his knowledgeable insights and great sense of humor during Iditarod40. Sam knows about dog mushing and is very familiar with the trail. His insights are spot-on and he has a sense of humor that is unmatched. Watch for Sam's Analysis and Spirit of the Iditarod at: http://teamjohnbaker.blogspot.com/

Team Baker Blog

Yes we’re blogging! In addition to the website, Facebook, and Twitter, we’ve introduced a blog to provide updated information, photos and videos about John and the dogs as they run in the 2012 Iditarod Sled Dog Race.
Check out the Team Baker Reports blog at: http://teamjohnbaker.blogspot.com/

Teamwork that Delivers

Team Baker is used to long journeys running on speedy dog power. This time the trail toughened dogs traveled to Anchorage by airplane for the Iditarod race start and were treated to first class care by Northern Air Cargo. Go to: http://www.nacargo.com/

Anchorage Daily News - www.adn.com

Inspiring Role Model

The Baker family pulled together in March to support Marge Baker as she fought a courageous battle with cancer. John paid tribute to his mother and was “humbled by her strength.” She passed on December 24, 2011, and the family extends heartfelt thanks for all the kindness, prayers, and condolences.

Go to: www.alaskapublic.org/2012/01/03/-marge-baker-obituary

Photos by Jeff Schultz
www.schultzphoto.com

Endless Possibilities

A team from the North Slope Borough, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation and Team Baker visited the North Slope schools. They motivated students with their collective success stories and conveyed a message about endless possibilities through hard work and dedication.

Go to: Arctic Sounder Dec. 2011, PDF

Strength in Unity

Baker kicked off the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention with a keynote for 4,000 attendees. He said, “If we are to learn anything from a dog team it is the need to pull together.” He described how one leader can influence the entire team and suggested everyone is needed “for the team to move forward.”

Support Each Other

At the First Alaskans Elders and Youth Conference Baker shared his story, a journey with ups and downs, and spoke about learning from mistakes. He attributed his success to support provided to him and suggested, “When we help each other, there’s no stopping any of us from being the best we can be.”

Photo by Donna Bach
www.ykhc.org/2190.cfm

Real Heroes

At the National Indian Health Board convention Baker, recognized as a ‘hero’, acknowledged his mother, Marge Baker, and health care providers as the “real heroes.” He thanked those who cared for his mother at the Alaska Native Medical Center where he said she was getting “top notch medical attention.”

Photo by Bill Hess

Humble Hero

The First Alaskans Magazine featured a story about John Baker entitled The Humble Hero. The story suggests Inupiat values such as humility, cooperation, sharing, family, humor, and respect are the foundation of Baker’s success. The article highlights Baker’s commitment to training in the Arctic and describes him as a community advocate. Get the magazine at:

Motivational Messages

Television ads with Baker's messages about perseverance, leadership and community support were broadcast across Alaska. John suggests, “Too often we see ourselves as victims and the easiest thing to do is give up.” He hopes his story will inspire people to Dream Try Win.

View Videos at www.bradley-reid.com

Sled Dog History

Qipmigaq (pronounced kip-mi-gak translates to traveling with dogs), operated by Team Baker Tours, promoted the Alaska Native peoples history with sled dogs during the summer months at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Photo by Heather Aronno
See article in The Arctic Sounder

Youth Leaders Win Big

Teck awarded $1.25 million to the Northwest Arctic Borough School District in Baker’s name. Peer support for youth at risk of suicide is an important aspect of the ‘Teck John Baker Youth Leaders Program.’ Baker is proud of the young leaders for positively addressing a complex and difficult issue.

Help One Another

Baker, a past high-kick competitor, spoke to the 2011 competitors of the Native Youth Olympics and said “winning is about trying and never giving up.” He encouraged the athletes to “Believe in yourself, believe in each other, and help one another be successful.”
Go to: www.thearcticsounder.com/article