On the football field, baseball field, basketball court, and track, Montezuma-Cortez High School senior Coby Baer has become known for his size and speed. What truly defines the four-sport senior is a rare drive, however, that has allowed him to excel in multiple walks of life and leave a lasting mark on the local community that he loves.
To appreciate what Baer means to Cortez, one must start on Little League fields half a decade after the turn of the 21st century, when the now prep sports star was roughly 5 years old. A talented athlete even at a young age, Baer was guided by his father, Alfred Baer, who stressed the importance of hard work and accountability while always reminding his son to have fun.
“My dad has always led me in the right direction,” Coby said. “He coached me in basketball and baseball throughout all my childhood until probably high school. “I’ve always looked up to him.”
By the time Baer arrived at Cortez Middle School, he was known as one of the area’s best young athletes. After three years of accomplishments, his reputation had grown.
Faced with some difficult decisions regarding the sports he should pursue in high school, Baer elected to play as many sports as possible, which led him to earn jerseys for football, basketball, baseball and track.
“Sports kept me out of trouble and filled my time,” Baer said. “Up until this year, sports was the only reason that I wanted to be in high school.”
After playing sparingly as a sophomore on M-CHS’s first playoff football team since 1994, Baer emerged as a team leader during his junior season and earned first team all-conference honors. He continued to rack up accolades during a senior season that saw him amass 488 passing yards, 316 rushing yards and 180 receiving yards, 65 tackles and two interceptions.
As a result of his accomplishments during his final season, Baer again earned first team all-conference honors, as well as a roster spot as a punter at Adams State University in Alamosa next season.
“We didn’t win as many games as we would have liked to, but I brought leadership in whatever position I was thrown into,” Baer said. “I started off at running back, and then they moved me to quarterback, and I was all over the place.”
After the end of each of his four high school football seasons, Baer seamlessly transitioned to the basketball court where he consistently provided stout defense and leadership to his Panthers team.
The senior is now kicking off his fourth season of baseball following a junior season during which he batted .352 and racked up 11 doubles and 12 runs batted in. As the team’s catcher, Baer also managed the team’s young pitching staff and provided guidance to many of the team’s younger players.
“I try to bring leadership and a strong arm,” said Baer, who also plans to play baseball at Adams State University. “I try to be loud and get everyone on my side and everyone on the same page. We’d like to win some games and make the playoffs.”
Baer will also suit up for the Panthers track team for the fourth straight season this spring and look to qualify for state in the long jump after qualifying for state last year with a jump of 21 feet.
Asked about what he does in the brief moments when he is not playing sports, Baer said that he focuses on maintaining his 3.7 cumulative GPA and spot in the National Honors Society. He also spends a great deal of time with his brother, Cordell, who is a talented athlete in M-CHS’s sophomore class.
Describing what drives him to excel in so many facets of life, Baer said that at the end of the day, he just wants to be the best.
“I want to get my college paid for, and I don’t want to go busting into my parents’ bank accounts,” the senior said. “I want to do something special and put Cortez on the map.”
As for what it’s been like to grow up in a small town, Baer explained that he would not trade the experience for anything despite the fact that rural life has presented some challenges.
“It’s tough getting your name out when you live in a small town, but you see the same faces and you love everyone that comes by,” Baer said. “Everyone knows you, and you know everybody. It’s awesome.”