Ray Baca

CANYON, Texas (KFDA) - The National High School Athletic Coaches Association announced the advancement of Canyon High School’s Ray Baca as a finalist for the 2024 NHSACA’s Coach of the Year in the sport of Track & Field, according to a press release sent out Thursday by the association.

Coach Baca was nominated for this national honor by the Texas high school coaches association.

The association says that the selection of Coach Baca was based on longevity, service to high school athletics, honors, championship years, and winning percentage.

There are eight finalists for the award and they will be honored during the NHSACA’s national convention at the Bismarck Hotel and Convention Center in Bismarck, ND on June 26., the press release states. During the banquet, the NHSACA will name National Coach of the Year in 19 recognized sports categories.

The Canyon Lady Eagles track and field program is one of the most dominant programs around. Coach Baca has been with the Lady Eagles for 14 years. They are entering this spring season as back-to-back 4A state champions. The Lady Eagles have won three UIL state championships in the past five years and eight titles overall.