In the air, senior Jacob Schaack makes a free throw against the Titans, shifting the game’s momentum and leading the Wildcats to victory on Jan. 26th. It was a close game, but the Wildcats were up 57-52 by the fourth quarter.

Schaack, the first-ever boys varsity captain of the Wildcats, led his teammates through a successful first season, finishing second in the district. Though this is his first year as a Wildcat, he has been playing basketball for most of his life.

“I decided to play basketball from a very young age,” said Schaack. “I started playing competitively around the age of six but have been dribbling and shooting since I could pick up a ball.”

Immersed in basketball for practically his whole life, Schaack has truly grown to love the sport.

“I love the competitive nature of basketball,” Schaack said. “I love watching my hard work pay off as my skills improve, but most of all, I love the team aspect of the game.”

Schaack has discovered that some of his favorite aspects of basketball go beyond the court.

“The relationships and memories that I have been able to make with my teammates and coaches is something that I can take with me for the rest of my life,” Schaack said.

Connecting with teammates has been a big part of Schaack’s time playing on school teams. He has spent so much memory-filled time with teammates throughout the years.

“My favorite thing about being on a high school team is the memories with my teammates,” Schaack said. “I will be able to cherish the countless good times with them for the rest of my life.”

The team bonded easily through the good and bad times, but some memories stood out more than others.

“The senior night game was one of my favorite basketball memories ever,” Schaack said. Senior night is always a special night celebrated by the team’s seniors. However, it was extra special to me as it happened to fall on my birthday.”

Friends and family gathered in the stands with cardboard cutouts, all wearing birthday hats to celebrate Jacob.

“The support that I felt that night was very special, and I loved every second of it,” said Schaack. “To cap off a great night, we were able to secure a win and move closer to our goal of making the playoffs.”

Even though the team was brand new, it has been able to push itself to new limits and connect immensely in just one year.

“Not only has every player on the team grown their basketball skill level significantly, but we have all grown closer to each other with a family-tight bond as well,” Schaack said. 

Schaack’s role as captain of the newly established team has played a big part in setting the standard for Walnut Grove basketball.

“I have helped to build the foundation for what it means to be a part of Walnut Grove and how to handle all aspects of the process, both good and bad alike,” Schaack said. “I’ve loved helping to mentor many of the underclassmen early in their basketball journey and giving them my advice on what to do in certain situations.”

Schaack said he hopes to leave a legacy for all incoming players and future team captains.

“I hope to be a selfless leader,” Schaack said. “One who puts the team’s needs above their own and does what it takes to contribute to a winning team. I hope to have set a good example and helped build a foundation for the program’s future.”