Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Jacob Baird

The Oswego East varsity football has a unique way of labeling their special teams. Rather than hear punt or kick return on a Friday night, you will hear coaches scream out, "seals," or "marines," and have aptly named these groupings, "Special Forces." Senior Jacob Baird embodies Special Forces players, and despite having been asked to play several roles on both defense and special teams, never once has Jacob shied away from an opportunity or responsibility, which is why he is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Despite being at a size disadvantage against most of his opponents, Jacob has never been reluctant to take on a role or do something that is asked of him. His former head sophomore coach and one of his current special team coaches, Connor Downs, says, "I remember during his sophomore year when he was primarily a scout team player, but eventually saw some time with the first-team defense at the end of the year." He goes on to add, "Now he is a vital asset to the varsity team. This speaks volumes to the hard work that this man puts into his craft. He may be a touch short in stature, but he will always put himself and others in the most successful position possible."

As a varsity player, Jacob has been asked to play both linebacker and defensive line, opportunities he has succeeded in fulfilling. "Jacob is completely selfless and willing to do whatever is necessary for team success," says special teams coach, and co-special education department chair, Erik Aister. Head coach Tyson LeBlanc echoes those statements, saying, "Jacob is a kid that has done everything we have asked of him." He goes on to add, "He is pound for pound the strongest player in the program. There is no doubt in my mind that Jacob will be very successful in life."

Going into homecoming week, the football team has amassed a 4-3 record, and with two weeks left in the season, the Wolves need 2 wins to guarantee they make the playoffs for the fifth straight year. Jacob has helped set a tone in practice for the week, despite any distractions that come from homecoming week.

Jacob's work ethic in the classroom is similar to that on the field, having helped him earn a 3.7 G.P.A. His English teacher, Tamara DiPrima, says, "Even though Jacob comes off initially as quiet and reserved, he can be an effective leader as well." She goes on to add, "He has a genuine desire to better himself academically, and his best qualities as a student are dedication and a desire to learn."

Being an integral part of the football team's Special Forces teams makes sense given his plans of enrolling in the army. As a current member of the army national guard, with plans to join the ROTC program once in college, Jacob has pledged an oath to join the army and has a long-term goal of becoming a member of the Special Forces.

"I've always wanted to serve my country," says Jacob. Jacob's mom, Kelly Baird, is proud of the person her son has become and his future in the army, saying, "Jacob's desire to serve the army at an elite level is driven by his appreciation for his birth mom and the opportunities she gave him while putting her interests second." Kelly goes on to add, "Also, he has a strong desire to make the world a better place where love triumphs."

As Jacob reflects on his four years in the football program he draws strength from a former sophomore coach, Myles Small, who passed away suddenly after Jacob's sophomore year. "I spoke to him right after our last game, and the impact he has had on me is always pushing me to work harder," says Jacob.

Jacob's willingness to do whatever it takes to make his team successful will be vital to the Wolves reaching their goal of making the playoffs and making a run deep into the playoffs. For those athletes who may feel like they do not measure up athletically in height and weight, Jacob offers advice, saying, "Don't let size deter you from playing sports and competing at a high level. Make sure you are always working hard because you can make-up against bigger opponents." His mother Kelly reinforces this by noting how Jacob throughout life has taken any adverse situations and turned them into assets for himself and others while maintaining integrity and compassion for others. Jacob's leadership and attitude will be irreplaceable next season when he moves on to the army, but the mark he has left on the underclassman will serve the Wolves well in the future.