Jared Leake is a genial fellow, but don’t let that fool you. He can be one of the most competitive teenagers in the country when he steps on an athletic field. The Huntington High School senior is headed to Hobart College in Upstate New York. He plans to play on the football team there.
Leake has won varsity letters with the Blue Devil football, wrestling, indoor track and field and lacrosse teams. Coaches value him for his durability and reliability. He’s been a great teammate in all four sports and his quiet determination and strong work ethic has made him a key component in all ever sport.
“I picked Hobart because it’s a very good academic school and it’s going to set me up for a good future,” Leake said. “They have always been a good football school and on top of that the academics are great.”
Huntington senior Jared Leake.
Hobart and William Smith Colleges share the same 320 acre campus in the Finger Lakes region, but while the two schools collaborate on their faculty, administration and curriculum, they continue to maintain their own traditions, deans, student government and athletic programs. Hobart was originally a men’s college while William Smith admitted only female students.
The campus includes 2,262 undergraduate students. Average class size is 16. Students come from 40 states and 35 countries. The school is located in Geneva, New York.
“I am currently undecided on an academic major, but I would like to study law,” Leake said. “My experience in Huntington has been good. I’ve really learned a lot and grew a lot as well.”
Last fall’s Hobart football team compiled a 9-2 record and reached the NCAA Division III playoffs. It has a long tradition and is annually ranked among the top small college teams in the country.
“Coaches [Steve] Muller, [Todd] Jamison and [Ron] Wilson have influenced me a lot during my four years at Huntington High School,”Leake said. “They showed me that you have to actually do the work to get better.”
Leake captured first team All-Division honors in football after a sensational season on both sides of the ball. He was named the recipient of the John Paci Award as Huntington’s Most Outstanding Offensive Back.
“One of the highlights of my four years of high school has been participating in Relay For Life, where everyone gets together for a really great cause,” Leake said. “I’ve also enjoyed just being with my friends while getting an education and playing sports. I have become better friends with people that I barely knew during my freshman year.”
A well-liked young man who has always displayed class while representing Huntington High School, Leake will graduate with the respect and affection of faculty and staff members.
“Some advice I would give to incoming freshmen is that you have to focus on your school work,” Leake said. “Every year counts; some more than others, but they still count when colleges are looking at your transcript debating whether or not they should accept you.”
