High school athletes can have a number of reasons why they chose to play sports. For some, it could be just because they enjoy the sport, and others do it just because they want something to do. But there are other athletes, like Jakob Johns, that have higher aspirations. He says that he has worked hard because he has hopes of playing at the next level.
“I think the highlight of my career so far would have to be getting my first college scholarship to play baseball,” Johns recalled. “It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get to this point. Things like going to the gym after a long day or going to get work in during the summer when it’s 100 degrees out. But in the end all the hours making myself better is paying off.”
Jakob is in his senior year at Hennessey High School. He is a pitcher and outfielder for the Eagles’ baseball team. He also plays football at Hennessey.
In 2023, Jakob lost a really close friend in Jarrett Smith. While he still misses his friend, he has memories that he will always remember.
“I have so many great memories of Jarrett I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” he said. “But if I had to choose one I would say when he told Regan Sturgill he wasn’t in his weight class after I told them they should box and then Regan chased him around the locker room. It was probably the hardest I’ve ever laughed.”
When he steps on the field to compete, Jakob says that he is proud to be able to wear the Hennessey uniform.
“It means a lot to me to be able to represent my school and community,” he stated. “The people of Hennessey love sports so they always come and support. I wouldn’t trade this town or the people in it for the world.”
Johns and his teammates face a number of teams throughout the season. And out of all of them, there is one team that he enjoys beating the most.
“It has to be Chisholm,” said. “It’s just a rivalry and it’s always fun playing against them guys.”
As a student-athlete, it takes more than just putting in the time on the practice field. It also takes a lot of work in the classroom to stay eligible to compete.
“I have always told myself that school is always first,” Jakob said. “So I’ve gotten good at locking in and getting my school work done so I can practice and not have to worry about finishing an assignment.”
