Jake Ogden '16 Recruiting Profile

Driven is the word that describes what kind of person I am. Whether it be in my workouts and races or in the classroom, I always strive to be the best that I can be. I am constantly trying to figure out different things that I can try in order to improve on what I'm attempting to do. I started running in the sixth grade to try to improve my endurance for soccer, although it soon became apparent that running was my true forte. As I continued running and eventually came to be in high school, there was a huge jump between the training in my old Wildcats Track Club to the training as a Dana Hills athlete that included runs once thought to be long runs to regular, every day routines. Though it was a tough transition, my focus, persistence, and patience carried me through, just as they have continued to carry me through tough obstacles since then.

This season is my fourth season (track and cross country) being a captain. I've been able to learn from many people that have inspired me in the past couple years and who continue to inspire me like my fellow junior, (a babe) Mason Coppi. From those people I've learned more of how to connect with others, how to help encourage teammates and really just trying the best to be what the team needs, which have all helped improve my leadership skills that I know are very important for the success of a team. I know I am no where close to where I want to be in regards to the skills I want to possess as a leader, but I am working to improve those desired skills each day and seeing how far that I've already come, I know that I'll be able to achieve what I set my mind to do.