Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Justin Jaeckel

The setter on a volleyball team is similar to a quarterback on the football team. They are responsible for making calls, setting up teammates, and being a leader. Senior Justin Jaeckel is a shining example of the volleyball's three core values of character, power, and drive, and his emergence as a vocal leader this season has helped position the Wolves for a strong post-season run, which is why he is this week Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Justin decided his freshman year to give organized volleyball a try, saying, "I tried out for the team, figuring it was something fun to do, and ended up falling in love with it." It was then Justin decided to take his love for the sport and put in the work to reach his full potential. "After playing for OE his freshman year, he really enjoyed the experience and chose to play club volleyball, which he has done the past three years," says Justin's mother, Karla Jaeckel.

Committing to play the sport almost all year round has given Justin an opportunity to improve his game. However, technique is only one of the reasons Justin has been an integral part of the volleyball team and program. His commitment to giving everything he has on each play, regardless of a game or practice, is what allows Justin to serve as a model for his teammates.

"Justin is a workhorse," says head coach Brian Zerfas. He goes on to add, "He has no slow speed, just fast and hard working. He is often one of the guys diving and laying out for a ball that aren't even his responsibility. He leads by example and has continued to grow and earn the respect of his teammates and younger players."

The Wolves are currently 15-16 on the year and are hopeful to finish the season above .500 before the playoffs begin. On the season, Justin has 495 assists, 25 aces, and 90 digs. More important than individual statistics, Justin, "is a role model for our younger guys and sets the tone for practices across all levels," says Zerfas.

In addition to being a captain for the volleyball team, Justin also plays the french horn and is a member of the Wind Symphony band at Oswego East. As a student, Justin excels in the classroom, having earned a 1290 on the SAT and a cumulative grade point average of 3.73. This fall, Justin will attend Iowa State University, majoring in Engineering, and is hopeful to continue playing club volleyball and french horn in one of the university's bands.

Matt Guerrieri, Justin's former Physics teacher, and current assistant volleyball coach, says, "Justin is an excellent student who has an easygoing personality but remains focused on his goals." He goes on to add, "I see Justin being successful in engineering because he not only has a great mind for science/math/engineering, but he also has a great work ethic. Justin is resilient when faced with challenges, which I have been lucky to see both in the classroom and as his volleyball coach."

Set to graduate a week from Saturday, Justin's mother says, "We are proud of the fact that he worked really hard to accomplish his goals, and we think he has become a well-rounded individual," says Karla Jaeckel. After four years, Justin is well-suited to offer advice to future Wolves, saying, "Don't be afraid to try new things." Although Justin is looking forward to and will have plenty of opportunities for, new things to try this fall at Iowa State, he and the Wolves are hoping to make some new and lasting memories in the next few weeks with a deep run in the playoffs.