VYPE Magazine editor Brad Heath caught up with Russell Baldwin before the start of a new school year to discuss his background and what the student-athletes at Derby can expect this year. 

VYPE: Where did you get your start coaching and where did you originally graduate from? 

Baldwin: Graduated from Lansing High School in Lansing, Kansas. Graduated from Kansas State University (Undergrad), Master’s from KU and Fort Hays State.

VYPE: This is an unusual time dealing with the circumstances around a pandemic. How do you feel the COVID response by your coaches and staff has been and how ready is everyone to get back into a more normal routine? 

Baldwin: Our students, coaches, and fans did outstanding last year. They really took the precautions and recommendations set forth by the Health Department and KSHSAA to heart, allowing us to be able to compete throughout the seasons. I can definitely say we are all ready to get back to normal.

VYPE: What is the message to the athletes at Derby under your guidance and leadership? 

Baldwin: I want the student-athletes of Derby to strive to be the best version of themselves, both on and off the field. Use this time in their life to find what works best for them to become successful in whatever they choose to do.

VYPE: Do you have a coaching/teaching mentor? Someone you have looked up to or call on for advice? Maybe it’s someone who has influenced you in the past. 

Baldwin: I have definitely looked up to my Dad and called for advice many times. He has helped me in so many ways and still does to this day. In the professional world, I learned a lot from Marc Haught (former Maize District AD). He is now retired but is working with the Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association KIAAA. There he continues to still help influence ADs throughout the state.

VYPE: Let’s have a few questions in this article for the Derby faithful to get to know you a little better. Where is your favorite place for lunch or dinner if you’re eating out? 

Baldwin: Casey’s Bar &Grill – Great Owners and Staff, Great Food

VYPE: Do you have any hobbies?  

Baldwin: Not really. Watching movies with the family, cooking…I don’t have a lot of down time.

VYPE: Favorite sports team? College or pro. 

Baldwin: KC Chiefs, KC Royals, Kansas State.

VYPE: Your favorite sports movie? 

Baldwin: Does Caddyshack count?

VYPE: Yes, it’s the only sports movie that matters. 

VYPE: First concert you attended? 

Baldwin: Barry Manilow, Frankfurt, Germany -1983….parents dragged me. First one I chose was Aerosmith/Guns-N-Roses, 1988 Sandstone Ampitheater, KCK

VYPE: Have you ever visited another country? If so, where? 

Baldwin: Lived in West Germany (kid-1980s), Northern Ireland (my 20s, 2001-02). Visited: Mexico, Canada, Ireland, France, Belgium, East Germany, Austria, Italy, England, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Vatican City.

VYPE: Tell me what you have come to love most about Derby, your athletes and where is the future of the program headed? 

Baldwin: The support and passion from the community for our student-athletes and programs. Twenty-five thousand people in Derby but still has that small town feel. The future of our programs are bright. While other schools are dropping programs and have shrinking numbers, we still have hundreds of students involved in activities.

VYPE: Something that is very important to you?  

Baldwin: My family is very important to me. With my job, I do miss out on a few of my kids things here and there, but my wife and them are very supportive and I couldn’t do this job without them being there for me. I rarely do anything without them in my down time.