The force behind the Oktaha Tigers reaching the Class 2A state baseball tournament was empowered by the skills of Jakob Blackwell. Working from the mound as the ace of the Tigers pitching rotation, Blackwell totaled 96 strikeouts while allowing only four walks in 67 innings of work. Altogether, the left-handed pitcher produced a 0.731 ERA while finishing his spring campaign with a 10-2 win-loss record. Having played baseball since he was four years old, the now calm and collected junior, who maintains confidence in locating his fastball reaching speeds of 85mph, Blackwell was instrumental in Oktaha reaching the Class A state tournament last fall.

“Jake’s composure is his biggest advantage. You’d never know by looking at him if he’s up 10 or down 10 on the scoreboard,” said head coach Kevin Rodden. “He’s one of the most driven athletes to succeed I’ve ever been around. His example sets the standard in our program. And, he does with a smile on his face everyday.” 

The Tigers leader is just as successful off the diamond having scored a 31 on the ACT exam and plans to pursue a career in Agricultural Engineering.