Vanguard University

The athlete: Jacob returns to the Vanguard baseball program for his second season as a Lion, his fourth year in collegiate athletics?played in 45 games for VU in 2009, starting 40 of those contests?hit .272 with 12 extra-base hits, including four bombs?drew a team-high 23 walks with patience at the plate?solid in the field, with a .992 fielding percentage?came to Costa Mesa and VUSC after spending two seasons at Antelope Valley Junior College in Lancaster with Head Coach John Livermont?a First Team Foothill Conference selection leading the Marauders in hitting .349 with 26 runs, 22 RBIs and 17 steals? spent 2005 at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah?graduated in 2005 from Quartz Hill High School in Quartz Hill, California where he played for Head Coach Lance Pierson?was a Golden League champion baseball and basketball?played two years of club ball?has played baseball for 19 years?bats left and throws right?good speed in the outfield and on the base paths?could surprise as a senior in 2010.

The person: Jacob was born in Palmdale, California to parents Tom and Melissa on August, 7, 1987?has one brother and one sister?people call him "Jake" or "Woody"?a History/Political Science major?likes eating Mexican food and sushi?favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13?roots for the Angels?favorite movie is "The Sandlot" and TV show is "Grey's Anatomy"?likes the color blue and the number ten?sports hero is Kobe Bryant?hobbies include playing guitar and recording music?most respects his dad because he wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for all the things he did for Jake?baseball has taught him that you must learn from your mistakes and be humble?has learned in life that every day is a new day, and to never give up?career goal is to get drafted.

His thoughts: I came to Vanguard because of the baseball, location and people.

Coach Grajeda's comments: "Woody is player that loves everything about the game of baseball. He is a gifted defender and puts pressure on the defense with his left-handed swing and speed. I feel Jake will come out on fire in 2010."