Judging by the turnout for an annual fundraiser in his honor, John “Doc” Baxter’s memory and spirit are still very strong in the local community.
According to organizers of the 13th annual John “Doc” Baxter taco feed Wednesday, more than 1,000 tacos were served to several hundred residents, many of whom were returning customers and some who were brand new. Baxter, whose career at Emporia State spanned 45 years, was the head athletic trainer and instructor for the university’s athletics department from 1966 to 2012.
Baxter passed away back in 2016, however, through both the taco feed and the new John “Doc” Baxter athletic training and human performance lab located inside of ESU’s Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) building, ESU Program Director for Athletic Training Matt Howe says he is still having a major impact on the lives of students and community members nearly a decade after his passing. Howe says the best evidence of this is the numerous people who stepped up to lend a hand, much like Baxter did for so many throughout his life.
All proceeds from the taco feed will go to support the John “Doc” Baxter Athletic Training Student Scholarship and the ESU Athletic Training Club, providing financial assistance and high-quality learning experiences to athletic training students. Fundraising totals from the fundraiser are currently pending.
