This Year’s Randall Jacob Football Medal and Trophy Goes To….

This year’s Randall Jacob Award will go to… Zachary Wiegele! 

Randall G. Jacob Football Trophy Awarded to Outstanding Student-Athlete

West Chicago – In a heartfelt ceremony held during halftime of the boy’s basketball game on February 13th, Zachary Wiegele will be honored with the prestigious Randall G. Jacob Football Trophy for his outstanding achievements in football, academics, and leadership.

This esteemed award, named after the late SP5 Randall G. Jacob, is presented annually to an exceptional student-athlete who embodies the spirit of dedication and perseverance.

The inspiring story of Randall G. Jacob serves as a constant reminder of the impact one individual can have on their community and nation. He was an exceptional football player and also the President of his class of 1964 at West Chicago Community High School. Known affectionately by his army buddies as “Jake,” Jacob joined the Army to finance his college education through the GI bill. His parents were poor farm workers and his father had suffered the loss of a leg. He joined the army to help out his family. Rising through the ranks swiftly, he displayed remarkable adaptability and resilience in military life.

However, tragedy struck on August 19, 1967, during a deployment to Vietnam. SP5 Jacob valiantly served as the flight engineer on U.S. Army helicopter CH-47A tail number 66-00122 when it was hit by hostile fire. Despite the immense danger, Jacob courageously set up a defense perimeter but tragically lost his life due to automatic weapons fire.

To commemorate the extraordinary legacy of SP5 Randall G. Jacob, the Randall G. Jacob Football Trophy was established. This annual award recognizes individuals like Zachary Wiegele who exemplify the virtues of football prowess, academic excellence, and exceptional leadership skills. Moreover, the recipient of this award also receives the esteemed Good Citizenship Award from the West Chicago VFW Post 6791, highlighting their commitment to serving the community.

Zachary Wiegele has proven himself to be a true role model, demonstrating remarkable talent both on and off the football field. His exceptional sportsmanship, tireless work ethic, and unwavering dedication have set him apart as a deserving candidate for this esteemed recognition.

Members of the community eagerly anticipate witnessing Wiegele receiving his well-deserved honor during the ceremony held at the Bishop Gym.

The event promises to be an emotional and proud moment for Wiegele, his family, coaches, teammates, and friends. The West Chicago VFW Post 6791 looks forward to presenting him with the Good Citizenship Award, highlighting his contributions to the community alongside his noteworthy athletic achievements.

Amidst the excitement surrounding the upcoming award presentation, it is essential to reflect on the enduring legacy of SP5 Randall G. Jacob. His selfless sacrifice will forever be remembered as an inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps. Through the Randall G. Jacob Football Trophy and the Good Citizenship Award, his memory lives on, ensuring that his story continues to motivate individuals like Zachary Wiegele to reach for greatness.

As the West Chicago community unites to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Zachary Wiegele we extend our heartfelt congratulations to him on this incredible accomplishment. The Randall G. Jacob Football Trophy serves not only as a testament to his hard work and dedication but also as a reminder of the tremendous impact one person can have on the lives of others.

Coach Adam Chavez said, “He is deserving of the award. He’s everything we look for in a Wildcat football player. He always comes to practice, he always works hard, does all the dirty work that’s required, and he never complains about playing time or getting the ball. He’s a true team player”

The Randall G. Jacob Football Trophy for Football, Academics, and Leadership is named in his honor- the recipient of the award will also be given a Good Citizenship Award from the West Chicago VFW Post 6791.