ROSS — From the outside looking in, Jake Richards' hyperactive sporting life of simultaneously playing high school football, soccer and cross country might appear to be a grimly determined pursuit of perfection. But a closer look at the Ross High School senior, who also has a perfect 4.0 grade point average, reveals instead his driven pursuit of fun.

Jake Richards with mom Becky and dad Ted. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Of course, Jake's definition of fun might differ from other teens'.

        For the Butler County youth, it means vigilantly managing his time, studies and personal choices to excel both on the field and in the classroom. It's forgoing sleep and some social life to better indulge a playful competitiveness and a healthy appetite for all that the high school experience can offer.

        “The advantages of being this way are that I get to taste every aspect of high school. I don't have to wonder what it's like to be on the football or soccer team,” said the soft-spoken 17-year-old.

        Nor has Jake had to imagine what it's like to be in the marching band (he played tuba last year), or to act in the drama club, or be a member of student government, or be on the school volunteer advisory board. And he recently experienced what it is like to be elected Homecoming King by fellow students.

        That came after the Ross Rams' homecoming football game, in which he was 2-2 in field goals perfect on all his extra point kicks in a 27-6 win over Kings. And there is no mystery left about being a key player on a state playoff-bound football team since he and his fellow Ross teammates are headed to a Division II game at New Richmond on Friday.

Richards' kicking helped the football team make the playoffs. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        And he doesn't have to fantasize about being a cross country Division II district champion because he accomplished that two weeks ago during a meet in which he set a Ross High School record time while running to first place. He will be running for a state Division II championship in Columbus Saturday.

        But where other teens might see only exhaustion, he sees enjoyment.

        “I don't think of it as easy or hard — it's all enjoyable. There is so much variety. Everybody makes such a big deal about it but I just enjoy it,” Jake said.

        Ross Interim Athletic Director Sean VanWinkle described Jake as “a once-in-a-lifetime type of kid.”

        “He is the best athlete we've ever had here. He is a fine student and simply an extraordinary young man,” Mr. VanWinkle said of the 5-foot-11, 165-pound student athlete.

        His three-sport season also may be unique in the state, said Bob Goldring, spokesman for the Ohio High School Athletic Association. He said he has never heard of such a thing and said “to be playing three sports at the same time is pretty darn rare.”

Richards smiles after winning the district cross country race. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

        Ross Assistant Football coach Brian Butts said in 20 years of coaching, he has never seen anyone like Jake.

        “He is the perfect gentleman and teammate. To be so good at so many things and still be good in the classroom is unbelievable.”

        Soccer coach Bill Buelsing said Jake's exploits inspire other students.

        “Students look up to him as a role model as to what can be accomplished,” said Mr. Buelsing.

        “I don't know how he does it with playing three sports and all the academics,” said Ross junior Paul Reid, a soccer teammate. “He is so determined, but he is not arrogant, and he isn't selfish at all.”

        For Jake a typical school day begins at 6 a.m. when he studies during breakfast before starting classes at 7:20 a.m. Soccer practice from 2:30 to 5 p.m. then it's a short jog over to the football field to practice kicking. Back home for dinner, and by 6:30 p.m. he is again studying for at least a couple of hours before falling asleep before 10 p.m. His pace slows slightly on weekends with running in cross country meets on Saturdays — he rarely has time to practice with the squad — and then church and after-service activities on Sundays.

Richards in a soccer game. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        Jake eagerly credits everyone but himself for his many athletic and academic successes. His coaches, who often coordinate their practice schedules so he can attend as often as possible, his teachers, his many teammates, his older brother Rhys, whose own multi-sport career at Ross helped inspire his. And, of course, his parents.

        Ted and Becky Richards are both teachers in the nearby Lakota school district and are active themselves, with Mr. Richards an avid long-distance bicyclist while Ms. Richards jogs six days a week.

        Jake's mother attributes many of his academic successes to athletics.

        “Sports have been a real key. It requires a self-discipline and organization. But he has also demanded that the sports he plays remain fun for him,” explained Ms. Richards.

        Despite hectic schedules, the Richards always try to have dinner together to better foster that communication and family cohesiveness.

        While sometimes her son's energetic life and achievements leave Ms. Richards in awe, she nevertheless chuckles at the notion that Jake might be teen perfection personified.

        “His room is still a mess. He can do time management but not room management,” she said.

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