Jake Clifton Memorial Baseball Scholarship

This memorial scholarship celebrates Jake Clifton's life and missed potential. He passed away in the summer of 2011 at 18, two weeks before he was set to play on a baseball scholarship for NJC. 

Jake was a ranch kid who graduated from Pueblo County High School in 2011. When he wasn't helping his dad on the ranch, he played sports, rode his dirt bike, or spent time with friends and family. He was active in High School, playing football, basketball, and baseball. Baseball was Jake's passion. He was a versatile player as a left-handed pitcher, first baseman, and outfielder. Jake received a scholarship to play for NJC and looked forward to joining the Plainsmen baseball team. His family knew he had a passion for sports at a young age. His dad will tell you, "All you had to do was put a ball in front of him, and he was happy." 

Aside from sports, Jake had a passion for the outdoors. He had been an avid fisherman catching fish before he could say complete sentences. He also loved his truck, a 1978 Chevy painted John Deere Green and Yellow. He even had John Deere stickers, like the ones on a 4430 tractor. 

Jake was reserved but outgoing once you got to know him. He was hardworking and competitive, to the point he would make bailing hay a competition, much to the annoyance of his co-worker, aka his sister. The loss of Jake was immense, but through scholarships like this, we get to see parts of Jake through the recipients' enthusiasm and love of the game.