Klein High School Soccer coach Allen Baker never played soccer while growing up, but he learned all about it while stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War.

“When I came back I was surprised how much I knew as compared to the rest of the country, the U.S.,” coach Baker said.

Baker became head coach at Klein 26 years ago, but he was also heavily involved with the club soccer scene so it’s no wonder he’s considered the father of the sport there.

“He just brought soccer to Klein, to the Klein area. And I’m just really grateful for having him as a coach,” Klein senior Alan Cowthran said.

This year’s team has accomplished great things, but early on they had some adversity in their first 6 games. They were only 2-2 and 2.  But they haven’t lost since. That’s 17 straight wins.

“We had a really bad start losing to Cinco Ranch and Klein Oak, but after that we just turned it around and completely took over,” senior Andrew O’Brien said.

After 12 state tournament appearances and 3 state title teams, this year it really is a Baker’s dozen, as Baker takes Klein to state for the 13th and final time.

“I’ve heard some of the parents say when the kids get together they say ‘we really want it for coach’ and that makes me feel good,” said Baker.

“It would just be fittin’ to go out ya know, 26 years and to have one more state title under his belt,” Klein senior Cody Gibson said.

The Bearkats play San Antonio-Churchill in Thursday’s first semi-final game.