ROSS TWP. — Senior Jake Richards leaves Ross High School with an amazing legacy of athletic and academic excellence.

        The Butler County teen participated in three varsity sports simultaneously last fall — football, soccer and cross country — while maintaining a perfect grade point average that will earn him the valedictorian's spot at graduation this June.

        His varied high school career included everything from track to theater to tuba player in the Ross marching band. But in many ways, school officials say, his most profound impact may not be as Ross' “Renaissance Man,” but as role model for other students.

        “We have never had somebody attempt the number of sports he played and also maintain a perfect grade point average,” said Ross Principal Greg Young. “Jake is as good a role model as we've ever had.”

        The senior's high school resume includes four years on soccer, cross country and track teams and last year as kicker for the football Ross Rams. He has won numerous Fort Ancient Valley Conference honors for various sports as well as an Ohio Division II district championship last year in cross country, and a fifth place track finish in the state finals of the 800 meters.

        Earlier this week at the 7th Annual Ross Relays, Mr. Richards won two track events.

        Off the playing field his activities have included student government, a volunteer advisory board and drama club. Last fall his classmates elected him homecoming king.

        He jokes about “wearing down fast” but leaves Ross with few regrets. “High school has definitely been a rich experience. It kept me on my feet,” he said.

        The University of Cincinnati is his next challenge and he'll begin classes in the fall with a full academic scholarship. He plans to narrow his athletic endeavors to track and perhaps football, which he plans try out for as a kicker.

        Having successfully competed in so many sports helps him now focus on those two that he enjoys most.

        “Because of all I've done, I feel I can make those choices,” he said.

        “If I had eight to 10 more like him we'd win the state championship every year,” said Ross track coach Eldon Steiner. “He is one of a kind.”

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