« Lacrosse 2012

Jake Ziegler

School
Jacksonville
Position
Defenseman
Major
Communications
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Jake Ziegler

Classroom

Ziegler maintains a 3.7 GPA in Communications and this past fall he had a 4.0 GPA. Last season, he was named to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic team.

Character

Ziegler is a captain for the third time. When he came to JU, the program was brand new and his responsibility as captain of the youngest team in Division I had him leading teammates his same age and just a year younger. He worked hard to find the middle ground between friend and captain and has earned the respect of teammates because of his efforts. This season, he has adjusted well to a new coaching staff and the philosophical changes that brings. Ziegler also has taken leadership roles off the field. For example, he is on the media board for the JU communications department, which, among other duties, oversees the various student groups (radio, newspaper, televsion, etc.) and makes certain they stay within tight departmental budgets. He attempts to be a role model each time he is in the spotlight and he feels he has a responsibility to set a good example for children. Not surprisingly, as witnessed by both his academic and athletic prowess, Ziegler’s work ethic is among the strongest on campus. This past summer, he had an unpaid internship and coached junior lacrosse at night. This meant work days of at least 12 hours regularly and he coached in tournaments on the weekends. He believes it is important to “see first to understand, then be understood,’’ one of Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits. Ziegler does a very good job of listneing to everyone’s views and ideas, expresses his own and finds ways to apply each to any situation. He is selfless and consistently helps others before taking care of himself. Finally, he is very proud to be an active older brother to his younger sister. He stays updated in her life and attempts to steer her in a positive direction based on his experiences and knowledge.

Community

Ziegler has been involved in a variety of community projects, which help benefit people of all ages. For example, he has been a volunteer at senior living community centers and has been a long-time volunteer coach to youngsters. He also takes his time to play host to lacrosse clinics throughout the year. Ziegler also takes part in a variety of community activities sponsored by the team in addition to those he undertakes on an indivdual basis.

Competition

The program is entering its third year and Ziegler is the only player to start every game in its short history. He started 13 games his first year and 15 games last year. During the 2011 season, he was third on the team with 44 ground balls and second in caused turnovers with 18. For his efforts he was named to the MAAC first-team.