Iola High senior Jake Skahan committed to play college football at the University of Saint Mary beginning next fall.
The inevitable loss of the graduating senior will be a big hit to Iola’s football program. Skahan played as linebacker and defensive lineman for the Mustangs and was one of the key pieces for it reaching its sixth ever playoff appearance.
Skahan signed Monday afternoon surrounded by family, friends, coaches and teammates.
Skahan made nine total tackles as well as a tackle for a loss in his senior year of high school. He played three full years of varsity football after working his way up from the JV team his freshman year.
Skahan credits his meteoric rise to his work ethic.
“My freshman year I didn’t get to suit up on varsity the first two games. I asked what I needed to work on and they met with me before and after practice to get extra work in,” said Skahan. “They started noticing my work and I started gaining more time.”
The process of being recruited by the University of Saint Mary has been an enjoyable one. Skahan said he started receiving texts from head coach Lance Hinson early in the process.
“I got a text from Coach Hinson and he said he wanted me to come up for a game day visit,” said Skahan. “Once I got there, it just kind of took off from there. It’s been a steady incline, getting more attention, I’ve been in contact more and I fell in love with the program instantly.”
Tre Howard, Iola assistant football coach, has been instrumental in advancing Skahan’s college career and in fielding his college prospects, Skahan said.
“Coach Tre has really pushed me when I told him I wanted to play college football,” Skahan said. “He’s had college experience and has seen what works and what doesn’t work. He’s really pushed me to be a better player. He’s worked with me in the offseason as well. I’ve also received help from my teammates to get better too.”
The senior said he will miss the strong ties that have developed over the last four years with his IHS classmates and teammates.
He will also miss playing with his brother, junior Gage Skahan.
“I would hope my teammates think of me as level-headed and committed, I’m not going to quit on anything,” Skahan added. “If I have one tiny mishap I can overcome it and I’m not going to get in my head too much. That’s probably my biggest trait.”
The Iolan hopes that he can inspire a future generation of Mustangs to follow their dreams and to enjoy all kinds of sports.
“I’m excited to be a Spiro,” Skahan said of the school’s mascot, Spire the Dragon.
“And I hope I can inspire some of the younger kids to strive for college sports. I want to show that you can reach your goals and extend your possibilities.”
