Athletic Director

Warrensburg R-VI School District

Jake has ushered Warrensburg Athletics into a new era defined by academic excellence, equitable opportunity, vibrant community engagement, and unwavering student-centered leadership—embodying every quality the Gipper Hall of Fame exists to honor. Stepping into the role after a long-tenured predecessor, he immediately elevated expectations by strengthening both coaches and athletes: bringing in motivational speakers to enrich coaching practices, celebrating academic achievement through MSHSAA recognitions, and implementing systems that protect instructional time by keeping athletes in class as long as possible on game days. His introduction of Athlete of the Week and Activity Member of the Week honors has helped transform the culture of the school, inspiring students to excel not only in sports but in the classroom and among their peers, while parents and teachers have rallied around these celebrations, creating a community-wide sense of pride. Jake’s impact extends even further through a groundbreaking MOU with the University of Central Missouri, granting Warrensburg athletes access to collegiate-level facilities and expanded opportunities that deepen their connection to higher education. His commitment to equity and inclusion is evident through his leadership within the Missouri River Valley Conference, his dedication to ensuring all sports—big or small—receive equal resources, and his stewardship of Special Olympics events that welcome and empower every participant. Jake’s role in Rivals for a Reason, a student-led partnership with Smith-Cotton, has helped raise more than $24,000 for local nonprofits, demonstrating how athletics can strengthen entire communities. His creativity and innovation shine in initiatives like student-influenced game-day music, live radio broadcasts with commentary and interviews, and a dramatically expanded social media presence that celebrates every athlete and elevates school spirit. Now developing a student leadership program to further amplify student voices, Jake continues to show up—at games, events, and every corner of student life—with passion, humility, and a commitment to building something bigger than himself.