Male Athlete of the Week-Jake Maakestad

WATERLOO–RedTails sports shooterJake Maakestad has been named Athlete of the Week for his performance on October 2.

Maakestad had an outstanding performance in the competition against Kirkwood Community College, Iowa Lakes Community College, and Northwest Iowa Community College on October 2. Maakestad shot a perfect 100-bird game, the third in RedTail history to accomplish that, and was the highest-placing male of the competition. He is also the team captain. 

"Jake is a gentle giant, who is consistently our best competitor every year," says coach Troy Emley. "He exemplifies what we strive to achieve; success in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He has faced many challenges during 2021, and during the 2021-2022 season a part on his shotgun broke. We used a part from another shotgun, it did not fit correctly, but made the shotgun functional. Jake ordered the correct part a week before the competition and  the part arrived just before Friday's practice. The new part was inserted into Jake's competition tool, he had one practice to feel confident with his shotgun. Evidently, he was able to focus on the target and not worry about his malfunction. We can count on Jake's calm spirit, focus, drive, and determination."

Maakestad is originally from Hubbard, Iowa, and is majoring in Automotive Technology.