Jacobson named NDAPSSA Male Athlete of the Year
By Olivia Sundeen
Farmer Staff Writer
Around these parts the name Trey Jacobson means something. Trey stands for talent. It is that talent that has earned him the award of the 2010-2011 Male Athlete of the Year by the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NDAPSSA.)
Jacobson is the son of Todd and Terrille Jacobson of Alexander, N.D.
As a senior, Jacobson was named to three All State teams.
“A kid with Trey’s potential is hard to come by,” stated Fred Fridley, Watford City’s head football coach. “His presence on the field is going to be missed.”
In addition to being named to the First Team All State football and baseball teams and Second Team in basketball, Jacobson was also this region’s Senior Athlete of the Year in football, basketball, and baseball.
“My success is not only because I’m good,” stated Jacobson, “but because I was lucky enough to have the teammates and coaches that I had. We all know there is no I in team. I played with kids that worked hard and knew what it took to be successful. That is what I attribute to my success.”
Jacobson’s last achievement as a Watford City Wolf was being named Class B Senior Athlete of the Year in baseball.
“It was a great career,” stated Jacobson. “I am sad to see it end, but it was one great ride.”
His coaches hate to see him go as well.
“He had a great head on his shoulders,” stated Fridley. “He could do it all and was very reliable.”
Jacobson threw for 2,764 yards and 35 touchdowns, leading the Wolves to a 21-2 record his junior and senior years.
Jacobson was also a factor that helped the Wolves take home the 2008 Class AA state championship in football.
“That was the highlight of my career,” stated Jacobson. “I was fortunate enough to play in a state tournament in every sport I was in, but that win was so sweet.”
Jacobson was a huge threat on the basketball court as well. As a three-year starter, Jacobson was the Wolves’ top offensive threat.
“He could score from anywhere,” stated Randy Cranston, Watford City’s head basketball coach. “Not only could he score, but he had hands like a cat. He averaged 5.7 steals a game, with a few games where he reached double digits in steals.”
As a guard, Jacobson averaged 16.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.2, assists and 5.7 steals his senior year.
Unfortunately, the Wolves lost the Region 8 championship game in overtime to New Town, 78-74.
“Losing that game was really hard,” stated Jacobson. “But as any athlete knows you can look back and say, ‘geez, I wish I could have done this or that,’ but for me I have learned over the years to live with no regrets. There is nothing that I would go back and change. Things happen for a reason.”
As if being starting quarterback and guard were not enough, Jacobson was also shortstop and pitcher for the Watford City Wolves baseball team.
With a home run, four doubles, two triples, 18 runs scored and 15 runs batted in, Jacobson had a batting average of .470. As a pitcher, he had a 3-2 win-loss record with a 0.65 ERA in 31.1 innings.
“I’m planning on playing baseball in my collegiate life,” stated Jacobson. “It kills me to have to just pick one sport. This reason alone is why I’m going to miss high school.”
As Jacobson’s reign at Watford City High School comes to an end he thanks his teammates, coaches, and parents for making sports the highlight of his high school career.
“I have many inspirations,” stated Jacobson, “but I would say that my family’s love and drive for sports motivated me more than anything. I wanted to fit in so I thought why not try to be as good as I can be.”
“The athlete I became and still am today, I credit to my parents,” stated Jacobson. “They got me into sports as a kid and kept me interested throughout the years. They helped me grow from there and taught me to work hard to get better.”
Jacobson’s talent doesn’t end with his high school career. As Jacobson enters the next chapter of his sports career in collegiate baseball, he will already have former teammates, coaches, friends, family, and of course, the community of Watford City rooting for him. Jacobson’s talent, positive attitude and work ethic will be missed.