Although Jake Stark originally signed to pursue a career in baseball, his future changed with an offer from head coach Dale Vos he simply could not resist. Stark became a key puzzle piece for the SC4 basketball program from 2008-10. Playing college basketball was his childhood dream. The 6’ 5” forward helped lead the 2009-10 team to a 25-6 regular season record and their first appearance at the NJCAA National Tournament in Danville, Illinois.

The Skippers lost their opening game to Lewis and Clark but bounced back to defeat Bismarck State, North Dakota and Monroe, New York. A 59-52 loss to Pima, Arizona resulted in the Skippers finishing 8th in America. During the tournament Stark averaged a double-double and was selected to the NJCAA All-Tournament team. Stark finished the season as an honorable mention selection for the conference.  

Stark continued his playing career at Ashland University in Ohio. He shared that his experience at SC4 taught him “many life lessons through hard work, determination and perseverance,” which has gotten him through difficult times in his career. He added how being part of the team provided another important lesson regarding the value of “teamwork and friendship.”

“Jake was such a great teammate – his play was unselfish and certainly lifted other players, but he also was willing to challenge his teammates when it was needed,” recalled head coach Dale Vos.

Stark is very grateful for Coach Vos’s help in molding him into a college athlete and the person he is today. “I look back at my time at SC4 and I would not be where I am now if it was not for Coach Vos giving me that opportunity. I met my girlfriend at SC4, who is now my wife, and we have three wonderful children. I look back at the road trips where I would sit up front with Coach Vos to talk sports and life. I am very grateful for the opportunity that the SC4 coaching staff gave me. Getting Coach Vos, Groulx, and Cox a district title and taking 8th place at the National Tournament is my greatest memory!”

Jake lives in St. Clair with his wife Katie and their three children, Mackenzie, Jeremiah and Lucas. He is a Deputy with the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office and coaches with the St. Clair HS varsity boys basketball team.