Athlete Name: Jake Konig

College: UCONN

Sport: Distance Running

Why did you choose to go to this college?

UCONN was the perfect fit for me, everything fell into place. The academic as well as the athletic program there was exactly what I wanted and I knew after visiting that UCONN was where I wanted to be.

Why do you think you’ve been so successful?

Many factors have led to my success thus far in my sport. I believe in order to be a successful distance runner, you must have obsessive dedication, integrity to do the right thing when nobody is watching and a strong mind. I believe I have always had a very strong mind and pain tolerance, however everything was instilled in me by the biggest factor in my success: Coach Briggs. He taught me about dedication and commitment. He taught me it’s ok to dream big, and to get everything you can get out of everything you do. Most importantly, he taught me two phrases that I will always remember:  everything happens for a reason, and that good things happen to good people

What are the biggest highlights of your running career at FTHS?

I have definitely had some great moments rung for FTHS, however I try not to dwell on the past as the most important race is always the next one.

What will you miss most about running at FTHS?  

The thing I will definitely miss most about FTHS is without a doubt my teammates. We have literally run thousands of miles together through snow, rain, hail and wind. We have run the courses around Freehold more times than I could possibly count, or would want to. We have inside jokes that nobody else would get, and have made it through “crazy Briggs workouts” with the stadium lights on and music full blast. They are truly my best friends and I wouldn’t trade a single mile for the World.

Who has had the biggest influence on your running career?

Like I mentioned earlier, the support of my friends and family, my coach and my teammates have all gotten me to where I am today.

What advice would you give to younger teammates who are just starting out?

Starting out, I was below average to average at best. Through the years however, I trust the system and did what I was supposed to do when nobody was looking and my body started to catch up. Don’t quit on yourself, running is a metaphor for life in that talent won’t get you as far as hard work and toughness. Remember:  everything happens for a reason, and that good things happen to good people, and “The real purpose of running isn’t to win a race, it’s to test the limits of the human heart.”

Coach Briggs on Jake Konig and his commitment to UCONN: 

“UCONN is getting a steal by signing Jake Konig.  This guy is going to be a competitive monster at the next level. With his ‘can do’ attitude and an even greater level of coaching and training, there is no telling what he can accomplish.”