Lacrosse News

At the end of each school year, Servite Athletics presents four special awards to student-athletes who excel in the classroom (Scholar-Athlete of the Year), on the field of play (Athlete of the Year), in the community (Frank Ryan Service Award) and personally (Sherer Courage Award). These awards are given out at our annual Hall of Fame Dinner and All Sports Banquet held at the Orange Hill Restaurant. 

The Frank Ryan Memorial Service award is presented to a varsity letterman who has gone above and beyond in providing service to his communities while balancing his academic and athletic obligations. This award is named in honor of Frank Ryan who sent nine sons to Servite between 1972 and 1993 and worked diligently to support the Friar community in whatever way possible. He understood the need to serve and searched out opportunities to help, never having to be asked to do anything.

This year’s recipient is Jake Ratzlaff. Ratzlaff made community service a hallmark of his high school experience working with a variety of organizations while competing in cross country and track and field and carrying over a 4.0 GPA.

Off campus, he volunteered with TOP Soccer, teaching individuals with disabilities how to play soccer. Besides helping with the athletes, he also supported his fellow volunteers serving as a training guide. In addition, he was very active in the St. Norbert’s community serving as a confirmation sponsor and helping out with food distribution for those in need. He also served at Holy Family working with their vacation Bible School and Youth Jog-A-Thon.

On campus, he served as the President of the Red Cross Club his junior and senior year, helping to organize and execute Servite’s annual blood drive. He was also an active member of the We Rise Together Club all four years, helping to coordinate donation drives for a variety of causes. When injury struck his senior year, he added team manager to his list of service roles, assisting the varsity lacrosse team and coaching staff with various tasks during practices and games.

At Servite, he also served as an Admissions Ambassador hosting shadow days and volunteering at special events. In addition, he was involved with the Priory program, serving as an Assistant Prior his junior and senior year.

Academically, he earned High Honor Roll or better every semester while taking multiple HP and AP classes. Athletically, he’s graduating a 7-time letter winner advancing to the CIF Finals every year with the cross country team including his senior year when he captained the squad.

He is headed to Loyola University Chicago in the fall.

Congratulations Jake and thank you for your service!