There are players that every team needs that I like to call the "glue guys". These are the guys who everyone on the team likes and rallies around. These are the guys who might not show up in the headlines but are willing to do things to help the team that others may not. These are the guys who when they step into the game they instantly provide the team with a boost. You can feel the fans and teammates getting behind those players because they know how hard they work and the effort they put in, and just want to see them succeed. Jake is one of those players.
I talked to Coach Otto at the beginning of the season, about the roster and the season outlook, and asked him about Jake. His words were, "You are going to love him." He told me how Jake had tried out last season but unfortunately did not get a spot on the roster. As disappointed as Jake may have been he did not complain or give up. Coach Otto told me how he came into this season determined to do whatever it took to earn a spot on the team. Jake's effort and attitude proved that he deserved to be on the team. Even after Coach Otto talked to him about how he may not see a lot of playing time, Jake immediately said he just wanted to be a part of the team and would do whatever he could to help the team be successful. Those are the type of players you want on a team. Those are the players you need on a team. Those are the glue guys.
So far this season Jake has done exactly what he had promised. Every time he has stepped on the court he has provided the team with a spark. Even when Jake is not in the game his energy on the bench carries over to the players on the court. Jake's effort in practice is not only improving his game, it is pushing his teammates to improve and work harder.
Jake has played sports his whole life, everything from t-ball to lacrosse and football. He was a part of the Lancaster football team that won the Sectional Championship in the spring as well as the team that fell just short of the championship this past fall. Linemen don't often get to be in the spotlight, but they are the reason other players are able to be in it. Jake was one of the reasons Micah Harry was able to break the Lancaster single season rushing record. Jake's play on the field earned him a spot on the All-Conference team. Jake's attitude earned him the Character Athlete Award during the Section 6 playoffs.
As this basketball season goes on I look forward to watching Jake improve. Each time he enters the game I, much like all the other fans, inch a little closer to the edge of my seat. You can't help but get excited and root for Jake. His personality, attitude and character are things that will carry with him in whatever avenue he chooses. They will be the reason people will want to support him and be a part of whatever he is doing. I wish you the best of luck in your future and remember, keep being the "glue guy".
Here are some questions Jake answered for me:
1) What are your plans after graduating?
Go to college
2) Where, what do you want to major in?
Undecided, something in business or journalism
3) What is your favorite sports memory that you were involved in?
Playing left tackle and scoring a 2-point conversion in the Depew game my senior year
4) What is your favorite sports memory that you were NOT involved in?
Definitely LeBron blocking Andre Iguodala in the 2016 NBA Finals
5) What is your favorite sports team?
Bills Mafia
6) Who is your favorite athlete?
LeBron James or Tyson Fury
7) What is your favorite movie?
Dazed and Confused
8) Who is your favorite band/artist?
J Cole
9) Do you have any pregame rituals?
I like to take a good nap and listen to the Rocky round 14 song
10) What is your favorite postgame meal?
I like to eat healthy during the week, but after a game McDonalds or chicken wings
11) What is your favorite memory of high school?
Senior year of football
12) What athletic event still leaves a bad taste in your mouth?
Easily losing on the Bills field for the Sectional Championship to Bennett this year 14-10. It's tough grinding for hours and hours for 4-5 months straight to come up that short.
13) What is the best advice you have received?
Jealousy stalks those who ponder
14) Who do you look up to the most?
My mom
15) What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I like to read about herpetology and zoology. I am also a big boxing/MMA fan.
This season I decided to ask the parents of the graduating players a few questions. These are the answers Jake's parents were kind enough to provide.
1) What is your favorite sports memory of Jake?
Our favorite sports memory of him was in the Homecoming Rivalry game against Depew when he picked up a fumble and was able to score on a 2-point conversion. Jake plays offensive line and it isn't often you get to see them score any points.
2) What is your favorite nonathletic memory?
We have many luckily, but this past summer we took Jake to NYC with his best friend Ryan Andolina. It was their first trip and they both loved it.
3) What is your proudest parent moment?
This one is easy! At the Buffalo Bills stadium this past season Jake received the Character Athlete Award in the Section 6 football playoffs. I still well up every time I talk about it. That award means more to us than any trophy.
4) Any words you want to say to Jake or about him?
It has been such a wonderful ride watching you work so hard in all the sports you played, from t-ball, basketball, to lacrosse and football. You always wanted to be in a sport and were able to maintain your grades throughout, even now adding a job into the mix. You never missed a practice and are probably the first one there every time. You certainly deserved that Character Athlete award as you always stay true to yourself. You are kind to others and have always had incredible integrity. It is bittersweet that all of that is coming to an end soon. While college is on the horizon, we are enjoying the rest of your Senior days. We know you will go far and are excited for your future!
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