Bob Baiz’s contributions to high school football are legendary, especially at San Dimas High School, where he laid the foundation for the Saints’ football program in 1970. During the 1970s, Baiz led San Dimas to six Smudge Pot victories, with four of those wins coming in consecutive years from 1972 to 1976. His influence on the San Dimas program extended well beyond wins and losses; Baiz instilled a culture of hard work, teamwork, and discipline, which has become a defining trait of Saints football. His leadership during the early Smudge Pot games established San Dimas as a competitive force and set the stage for one of Southern California’s most cherished high school football rivalries.
After his time at San Dimas, Baiz moved on to Claremont High School in 1979, where he continued his coaching success. He led Claremont to two CIF Southern Section titles in 1984 and 1985, cementing his legacy as one of the top coaches in the region. Beyond victories, Baiz’s time at Claremont was deeply personal, as he had the opportunity to coach all three of his sons—Lou, Bob, and Nick—who have gone on to establish successful coaching careers of their own. This family legacy has become a defining feature of the Baiz name in Southern California football.
Baiz’s coaching style was unique, blending a demanding work ethic with a sense of humor that endeared him to his players. His ability to inspire hard work while maintaining an enjoyable atmosphere helped him build strong relationships with his players. Even after retiring from varsity football, Baiz continued to coach at the freshman level, further extending his influence on younger athletes.
In addition to his sons’ success, Baiz’s legacy lives on through the Smudge Pot rivalry, which remains a highlight of the high school football season each year. His contributions to both San Dimas and Claremont football are celebrated by generations of players, coaches, and fans.
For more on Bob Baiz’s lasting impact, see: The Daily Bulletin*’s full article.
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Works Cited
1. *”The 1970’s: The Tradition Begins – Smudgepot Game”*. Smudgepot Game, https://smudgepotgame.com/1970s-the-tradition-begins/. Accessed 14 Sept. 2024.
2. Felschundneff, Steven. *”Wolfpack AD Leaves Job(s) He Loved for 40 Years.”* Claremont Courier, 6 Apr. 2017, https://claremont-courier.com/article/wolfpack-ad-leaves-job/. Accessed 14 Sept. 2024.
3. *”Comments after a Game from San Dimas’ Coach Bob Biaz”*. Smudgepot Game, https://smudgepotgame.com/quote/comments-after-a-game/. Accessed 14 Sept. 2024.
4. Scauzillo, Steve. *”Bob Baiz and Sons: A Proud Football Family.”* Daily Bulletin, 12 Sept. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20240913014017/https://www.dailybulletin.com/2024/09/12/bob-baiz-and-sons-a-proud-football-family/. Accessed 14 Sept. 2024.
