Jake Compton, an exercise physiology major from Mentor, Ohio, was presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher Award for November 2024 at West Virginia University Potomac State College, by Campus President Dr. Jerry Wallace.
Jake Compton, an exercise physiology major from Mentor, Ohio, was presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher Award for November 2024 at West Virginia University Potomac State College.
Compton serves and as a pitcher on the Catamounts Baseball team under the guidance of Head Baseball Coach Doug Little and Assistant Baseball Coach Don Schafer.
“I believe my success at Potomac State is because of my teammates, Coach Little and Coach Schafer, who have kept me accountable, enabling me to excel at baseball and academics,” Compton said. Adding, “Having had both coaches in the classroom, I’ve learned how to be responsible in the classroom and on the field. I’m also learning who I want to be later in life - especially when it’s my time to teach the younger generation.”
An untimely injury last year benched Compton most of the season. “Not being able to do everyday activities or play the sport I love for almost a year has made me appreciate everything a little bit more,” Compton said.
In addition to serving as a resident assistant in Memorial Hall, Compton also volunteered his time reading to students and helping with activities in elementary classrooms during the previous semester.
According to Coach Schafer, “Jake is an exception in the world today. He is a young man who is articulate, intelligent and compassionate. He makes his organization better by making those around him feel important. Jake’s enthusiasm and confidence are infectious, creating a better campus environment because of his presence.”
Compton admits that finding activities to enjoy on campus and surrounding himself with others, has made him feel more at home on campus. He plans to continue his athletic/college career, with the goal of eventually becoming a strength and conditioning coach for a NCAA Division 1 College program.