Oakville's Jake Bast Running Toward Success

Meet Jake Bast, a track star with scholarships lined up so he can run on a college team.

Name: Jake Bast

Age: 18

School:

Year in School: Senior

Accomplishment: Jake is joining the track team at Seton Hall University in New Jersey next year.

Key to Awesomeness: His car. Well, it’s not his car…yet. Jake said his parents promised to give him a car if he earns enough scholarships to cover his tuition at Seton Hall, so he's applying for whatever he thinks will help.

Jake has a passion for running. He's qualified for the state track meet all throughout high school in both cross country and track and field.

“It’s become such a big part of me,” Jake said about running. “When I take time off, I’m not me. People will ask me what is wrong.”

Jake is also a leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is responsible for the Facebook group, letting other members know about meetings and sometimes, for leading prayers. He credits his religious upbringing for making him a valuable member of the FCA. 

When he’s not running, working with the FCA, listening to music (he likes all types) or working on his car, Jake dreams of his future at college, where he will run for a coach who trained Olympians and study either business or medicine.

(Editors note: This story has been edited since publishing to reflect Jake's efforts at applying for scholarships.)