Oct. 18, 2010

By: Robert Ivory

Cleveland State men's soccer captain Jeff Baker is no average student. When Baker graduates from CSU in May, he will finish with not one, not two, but three majors.

"It's definitely time consuming," Baker said. The senior from Vermillion will complete majors in sociology, psychology, and criminology.

"I thought this was going to be tough but I have been really lucky with school and soccer and having a successful time here," Baker said.

As ambitious as that may seem, Baker came into Cleveland State with just one major in mind.

"I came in just as a psychology major," he said. "I took a class in criminology and became really interested in it."

He has also spent plenty of time making sure that the three majors was a possibility.

"I have been in my advisor's office nonstop trying to figure everything out over the past couple of years," Baker said. "I am pretty sure that they are sick of seeing me.

"I have taken from 16 to 19 credits per semester. I have also taken summer classes all three years. That is what has helped me stay on track all four years."

His hard work in the classroom may have been the reason that he has earned the captain's armband as the leader of the Vikings.

"I think that is why I was made captain of the team," Baker said. "I think it shows that I can put a lot on my plate. I am good with my time, I am driven, hardworking, and I think that it carries onto the field."

Baker is also part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and has a 3.8 GPA, while juggling his time as the team's captain.

"The GPA is probably what I am more proud of, more than the three majors," Baker said.

Not only does Baker take his work seriously, but he also gets a good ribbing from his teammates about his three majors.

"I think it is comical when the three majors get brought up on the team." Baker said. "The guys say, `Oh, Baker, triple major, look at this guy.' Its all in good spirits when they joke around with me. Anytime academics come up with the team, they are quick to point out my majors."

The team may want to watch what they say to their captain as he has set an interesting goal as to what he wants to do after finishing school.

"The ultimate job is a government job," Baker said. "Being in the CIA or FBI has always been a dream on mine. If that does not work out right away, maybe law school."

Last summer, in exchange for six credit hours, Baker joined a program to work and study abroad.

"I ended up studying in South Africa this summer," Baker said. "I got to work with impoverished kids in the communities around Cape Town. I had such a great time."

Working in South Africa during the past summer? Could that have been any coincidence with the FIFA World Cup being held all around South Africa last summer?

"There may have been a little bit," Baker added with a smile.