Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Jacob Ferry

Junior outfielder Jacob Ferry comes from a baseball and sports background. Jacob's older brother's, four uncles, and father all played high school and college athletics, allowing Jacob to take learn from a wealth of experience. This learning experience has allowed Jacob to mature into a well-rounded baseball player, but it is his work in the classroom and empathetic and driven nature that helps him stand apart from his classmates, which is why he is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Jacob's father, Christopher Ferry, played collegiate baseball at St. Francis for the second all-time winningest coach and icon Gordie Gillespie and spent 10 years helping as an assistant coach to Jacob in both youth football and baseball. Christopher has been able to pass on his love, not just for the sport, but for what sports can do for young people. "Sports in the proper context teach valuable life skills, and we were fortunate to be involved with good organizations in Jacob's youth years and had very positive experiences and many successful teams," says Christopher.

These life lessons have obviously taken hold in Jacob, as evidenced by the way in which he conducts and carries himself on the field, classroom, and as a person. When asked what he likes best about the sport, Jacob responded by saying, "I love being part of a team, being with other people who support each other, and being part of a family."

Recently, Jacob has begun heating up at the plate to help do all he can to help his team win. Last week Jacob was 8 for 15 with 2 doubles, 9 runs batted in, scored 6 runs, and hit two deep home runs vs. Bolingbrook, helping the Wolves go 4-1 during that streak. On the year, Jacob has a .345 batting average and is 4th on the team with an OPS of 1.131. The Wolves are 8-4 overall on the season and have amassed a conference record of 2-1.

In regards to Jacob's play, head coach Matt Engelhardt says, "Jacob can provide an offensive spark at any moment, as he doesn't' get cheated on any swing or at-bat." He goes on to add, "We know that when he puts the ball in play it will be hit hard. His speed and athleticism make him a threat on the base paths and allow him to track down balls that others wouldn't get to in the outfield."

Jacob's talent throughout his baseball career has helped him earn a ranking as the #14 outfielder for the class of 2020 by Illinois Prep Baseball Report, as well as Perfect Game's ranking of the #10 outfielder in the class of Illinois.

In the classroom, Jacob is as motivated as he is on the diamond, and has earned a cumulative G.P.A. over 4.0 and challenged himself by enrolling in rigorous courses such as advanced placement (AP) Physics and AP U.S. History. Jacob's mother, Jill Ferry, says, "Jacob is a very good student, has been an honor student since junior high school by making the high honor roll each semester, and has matured into a wonderful young man." Engelhardt has also taught Jacob in the classroom and has seen similar qualities, saying, "Jacob is a focused and driven person both in the classroom and on the diamond."

Jacob is hopeful his baseball career will continue into college but understands academics has top priority. His hope is to attend a college that has strong academics, as well as a strong baseball program, and major in mechanical engineering.

Jacob's Principles of Engineering teacher, Tony Holub, believes he requires all the necessary tools to succeed in the field. "Jacob has an exemplary work ethic and an amazing sincerity in all he does in class, which will serve well in a future career in engineering." He goes on to add, "Jacob is an outstanding collaborator and will make those around him better in all he does."

The OE baseball team is hopeful to capture their first regional championship in school history this season, despite playing in one of, if not the most, difficult sectionals in the state. Jacob is hopeful he continues his current hot streak and expand his role on the team, something that will be counted on for not only this season but next. Almost having completed his junior school year, Jacob advises future Wolves too, "Make the most of your opportunities because the time goes by faster than you think." Jacob's work ethic will help him continue to make the most of his opportunities, and the Wolves are hopeful they can seize the opportunity to make school history come playoff time.