While everyone was losing their minds, Coach Jaekle was playing it cool. He started rounding up his stunned yet excited players, and prepared for overtime. I thought to myself in the midst of pandemonium, “How can this guy stay in the zone with all this craziness and excitement?"
Then It became clear to me.
Not only has Coach Jaekle’s ability to keep calm under pressure brought Mariposa its first basketball Section Championship in school history, it has also allowed him to be a successful teacher in one of our county's most essential, yet challenging programs. Coach Jaekle, or “Mr. Jaekle,” works with students in our County Behavioral Intervention Class (also known as BIC). It’s a highly demanding assignment for a teacher, one that Director of Special Services Marcia Miller says Mr. Jaekle has handled with compassion and sincerity:
“Mr. Jaekle has stepped up and provided an environment for our students who feel supported, engaged, and most of all, safe. He has stepped up into teaching position that requires patience, empathy, heart, and kindness, and done a fantastic job.”
Veteran coaches also speak highly of Coach Jaekle’s skill set as a mentor and coach. I was fortunate enough to watch Friday night’s game with two of Mariposa’s greats, Coach Lloyd Hobby and Coach Trace Desandres (Desandres Grizzly Spell Out). Desandres spoke of Coach Jaekle’s influence on his athletes:
“Bob is an exceptional coach and a positive leader. There is no doubt that his team will be remembered as one of the greatest. His players will look back at this moment for as long as they live, and remember everything Bob has taught them. I am very proud.”
So as we celebrate bringing the Division V Championship banner to Mariposa, I would like to say on behalf of our students, staff, and community, THANK YOU COACH JAEKLE! (Celebration Time)
Jeff Aranguena
Director of Human Resources and Student Services
