Obituary: Tristin Baker

The first sport Tristin excelled in was Wrestling, where he was coached by his Father, Scott, and his Uncle Sean Baker at Elite Edge Academy from ages 5-8. His record was 121 wins, and 2 losses. Tristin's leadership skills were beginning to emerge as he encouraged his teammates by setting a good example. In his first year of competition, he took 2nd at the State Tourney. In his 2nd year, he took 1st at State, and then Tristin won all four tournaments statewide in the Tour of Oregon, pinning his way through.  During 6th grade, he placed 4th at Regionals and was the only 6th grader from both HR Middle School and Wy'East Middle School to qualify for State. He continued to compete through 8th grade for Wy'East Middle School, where he won 2nd in Regionals and 3rd in State.

Tristin was a true natural for playing Football...working hard, staying focused, determined to do well and encouraging his teammates to do the same. From age 5 through sixth grade, Tristin was coached by his father. He was an excellent Quarterback, and could read Defenses very well as a young player.  He loved staying outside past dark while he and his Dad practiced passing the ball. While in the eighth grade, he was the first player ever from HRVHS to be selected to play in the Oregon All-Stars Game in Corvallis. As a Freshman on the HRVHS team, he stood out among all Freshmen from all schools as a player with passion and talent to go with it.  In his position as Outside Linebacker on Defense, he was sometimes played as a Defensive End and was able to excel there despite being undersized for the position. In his Sophomore year, Tristin played on the Varsity team as  a "2-way Starter" at Free Safety on Defense, and a Receiver on Offense. He also turned out to be a great Kicker.

Baseball playing filled in many summers for Tristin. He started at age 5 with the Hood River Little League Coach Pitch team, playing until age 12. At the age of 10, Tristin's All-Stars team won the District Championship, then went on to play in the State Playoffs, coming in 3rd in the State of Oregon.  From the age of 9 to age 14, Tristin played Travel Ball and Whitecaps Ball.  As a Freshman at HRVHS, Tristin lettered in Varsity Baseball. He started in left field for 17 games, including the State Playoff game, where he went 2-3 with an RBI. He was an outstanding Defense Outfield with excellent speed and a strong throwing arm, as well as an encourager to all his teammates.

Basketball was Tristin's winter sport. Through each stage of his Basketball career playing Youth Basketball, Middle School Basketball and HRVHS Basketball, Tristin earned the Nickname of  "Buzzer Beater Kid" because of the many times he attempted and made a shot just as the buzzer went off.  Tristin was currently on the HRVHS Varsity Basketball team when he passed. During his Freshman year, he was selected as the MVP of the team.

The passion with which he played in every sport is an inspiration to all the teammates he considered great friends, and the love he shared with his family and friends in his daily life will be treasured. Tristin, you are missed but we will hold your memories close in our hearts and keep your spirit alive always... Fly High No. 1.