Whenever anyone asks me about the greatest athlete I’ve ever seen, I don’t hesitate in naming Baker’s Houston McTear.
The 1976 Baker graduate, who ran track and played football, was a world-class sprinter — the co-world record holder in the 100-yard dash, turning a time of 9 seconds flat on May 9, 1975.
Houston is the only athlete in Florida history to win championships in the 100 and 220 or — as the case is now — 200 meters, all four of his high school years.
As a senior, he also won the state championship in the long jump, giving him nine individual championships. Just two other male athletes have won nine state championships in track and field.
When I gather with Gulf Breeze High School friends at class reunions, it seems that the conversation at one time or another gets to McTear's exploits. Men now in our mid- to late 50s talk about Houston in hushed tones of awe reserved for a greatness not likely to be seen again in high school track.
Houston's older brother, George, was a tremendous athlete in his own right, competing in the sprints as well as the shot put and discus. Other McTear brothers and cousins followed, and each possessed the family legacy of speed.
The McTear brothers weren’t the only attractions on Baker's 1970s track teams. Baker's David Swinston, a pole vaulter, won state championships in 1974 and 1975. Swinston’s vault of 14 feet, 6 1/4 inches in 1975 was the best vault at the state meet in any classification.
By the way, Baker won the track state championship in 1975.
And no other Okaloosa County school has won more state football championships than the Gators. Baker’s four state championships are equal to the combined number won by the other four public schools that play football.
I mention these things because the Crestview News Bulletin wants to help celebrate 100 years of Baker School. Part of the celebration is recognizing the school’s most accomplished teams and athletes.
We want to tell the forgotten stories of athletes and teams in days gone by or maybe a story that was never told.
Whether the sport is football, basketball, baseball, softball track or volleyball, we want to share the stories of Baker’s athletic history and greatness.
If you can help me get in touch with Houston McTear, I’d love to talk to him. I also want to hear other stories.
You can email those ideas to randyd@crestviewbulletin.com. Thanks for your help.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DICKSON: Help the Crestview News Bulletin celebrate the Gators' greatness