Otavious Baker graduated from Terrell High School in 1997. During his career at Terrell High School, Baker was a three-sport athlete, participating in football, track and field, and powerlifting. Baker’s football accolades include being named First Team All-District as a junior and senior, as well as the 1996 District Defensive Player of the Year. In track and field, he earned the title of District Champion for shot put and discus during his junior and senior year and placed second overall in the 1997 Regional Qualifier for powerlifting. Outside of athletics, Baker was the Student Council Parliamentarian and was voted Mr. THS.
Following graduation, Baker attended Kilgore College where he played football as a nose-guard and was named Pre-Season All-American. He went on to graduate from Texas A&M Commerce with his Bachelor of Healthcare Administration. After spending 10 years working in the healthcare industry, Baker went on to work in the oilfield and construction business before landing his current position working for DART in Dallas. Aside from his career, Baker invests much of his time and efforts into his local community. He is a board member and coach for the Terrell Youth Association Football League, in addition to co-founding a mentoring program in Terrell called Bigger, Stronger, Faster by Faith, which aims to mentor and build up young men in both athletics and spiritual endeavors. Last year, Baker took it upon himself to take Terrell athletes to tryouts throughout the surrounding area to help the young men get noticed by college scouts. Baker is married to fellow Terrell High School graduate, Chrystal Baker. The couple have two wonderful children, Khalid Johnson, a senior a Terrell High School, and Kalex Baker, third grade student at Dr. Bruce Wood Elementary.
Harold Jones graduated from Terrell High School in 1975 as a four-sport athlete. Jones was a member of the football, basketball, baseball, and track teams. He landed a spot on the varsity football team as a sophomore and was a starting wingback by his junior year. He was named Offensive First Team All-District and was only the second junior to win the Skull and Crossbones award that season. While under the leadership of Coach Herman Furlough, Jones set a record for touchdowns on punt returns during his junior and senior year. He was selected as Prep High School All-American, National Who’s Who Most Athletic, Class Favorite Most Athletic, Defensive First Team All-District, and voted Most Valuable Player by the Terrell Tribune. Jones relishes his most memorable high school experience, a game-winning touchdown against the Athens Hornets during his junior year. Jones also played point guard for the Tigers basketball team and was a First Team All-District first baseman for the Tigers baseball team.
Jones’ athletic career ended in high school, but he went on to attend DeVry Institute of Technology. In 1977, Jones enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he bravely served our country for five and half years. Following his time in the military, Jones began his 17-year tenure in law enforcement, which included a position as a Kaufman County Deputy and a Dallas County Community College police officer. Throughout his professional career, Jones immersed himself in ministry, which included pastoring several churches and serving as a missionary for two years with Campus Crusades for Christ. Jones is blessed by his loving and supportive family, including his parents, brothers, sisters, his three children, eight grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
Joseph Wilson is a graduate of the Terrell High School class of 1986. Wilson was a three-sport athlete participating in football, basketball, and track and field. As a three-year varsity football player, Wilson accumulated numerous awards including All-District and All-Area, and was named a Blue Chip Athlete, a prestigious national honor that recognizes elite athletes in their respective positions. During his senior year, he received letters from numerous professional athletes from teams including the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins, who were aiding their colleges and universities in the recruitment process. Over the course of three years, Wilson ran for nearly 2,500 rushing yards, scored 20 touchdowns, and was offered a full football scholarship to Kansas Wesleyan University. On the track, Wilson was just as impressive. Known for his speed, he earned a spot on the varsity track team as a freshman. He ran the 100, 200, sprint relay, and competed in the long jump. Currently, he is the only Terrell athlete to compete three consecutive years at the state track meet. Additionally, he played forward on the varsity basketball team his freshman through junior year and declined to play his senior year to focus on track. Wilson’s efforts and determination on the field and track were mirrored in the classroom. Wilson earned perfect attendance three out of his four years at Terrell High School, maintained passing grades throughout his high school career, was given the T-Award for being an outstanding student, and was a member of both the Culture and Choir Clubs. Wilson recalls his favorite memory from high school when he danced with Gilbert Willie and Eric Bishop to “Peanut Butter” at the THS talent show.
After graduation, Wilson accepted his scholarship offer at Kansas Wesleyan University and was a running back for the football team. Unfortunately an injury cut Wilson’s football career short, and he returned home to pursue a career in criminal justice from the University of Phoenix. Following several years of serving in law enforcement, Wilson traded in his badge to follow his passion in the culinary arts. Wilson obtained his degree from Le Cordon Bleu to become a certified chef and is now the current owner of Uncle Joe’s Catering & Tailgate Services. Wilson is married to the love of his life, Tammie Wilson; the couple has one daughter who recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Houston Baptist University.
Baker, Jones, and Wilson will be inducted into the Tiger Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, September 27, 2019. Our new inductees, along with all previously inducted members of the Tiger Athletic Hall of Fame, will be recognized during a pre-game ceremony at the Terrell vs. Ennis football game. Congratulations Otavious Baker, Harold Jones, and Joseph Wilson.