PITTSFORD — Sometimes at the high school level, a dual-sport athlete is forced into an impossible choice.
For Pittsford senior standout Jacob (Jake) Drawe, that choice came down to competing at the MHSAA Division 4 track and field state finals or taking the mound with his baseball team in a district playoff — a decision that underscored both his value and versatility during his final spring season with the Wildcats.
Drawe, an all-area performer in football and basketball, has spent each spring balancing baseball and track. Now a graduate, he is closing out his final high school season before heading to Trine University to continue his football career.
“It was a really hard decision,” Drawe said. “I wish there was a way for me to do both. … It’s kind of a lose-lose in a way because I have to let one team down.”
His final spring has featured strong production on the diamond, helping Pittsford to a 10-5 regular-season record. On the mound, the left-hander leads the Wildcats with at least five wins and 73 strikeouts, posting a 3.87 ERA. At the plate, he has added 10 RBIs and 14 runs scored.
On the track, Drawe has been equally impactful. He is part of Pittsford’s state-qualifying 4×100 and 4×200 relay teams alongside Mondale Knepfler, Gavin Leggett and Brendon Nave, while also qualifying individually in the long jump with a personal best of 19 feet, 11 3/4 inches.
The 4×200 relay has produced one of the top times in the Hillsdale County area this season, consistently running in the 1:35 range and positioning itself as a contender for an all-state finish. Drawe said the group’s goal is simple heading into Hudsonville.
“Top eight — that’s the main goal for the relay,” he said.
Individually, Drawe is chasing a milestone mark in the long jump.
“I just want to break 20 feet,” he said. “I keep jumping 19-11, and getting to 20 would be a really fun thing to do.”
While Drawe and his relay team head to the state finals this Saturday, Pittsford’s baseball team will compete the same day in the District 118 tournament at Hudson. Teammates Knepfler and Nave have also contributed significant game time for the Wildcats this season.
Drawe said he hopes the baseball team can extend its postseason run and give him a chance to return after the state meet.
“Good luck, and I hope they win it so I can continue playing baseball after state,” he said.
After the season ends, Drawe will shift his full attention to preparing for college football. An all-state quarterback in 8-player football, he helped lead Pittsford to three straight playoff appearances and back-to-back SCAA-B titles, earning Daily News 8-player MVP and offensive player of the year honors.
He said the opportunity to continue his career at the next level is something he always hoped for.
“I’ve always loved football,” Drawe said. “I kind of had my mind set on Trine once I went there. Once I started doing good, I just knew I wanted to keep playing.”
Looking ahead, Drawe embraces the challenge of transitioning from the 8-player game to the 11-player level.
“I’m excited,” he said. “It’s going to be challenging, definitely at first, but I feel like I can take on anything.”
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Pittsford senior Jacob Drawe narrows focus on track state finals
Reporting by Joseph Flaherty, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
