Jaquith (nicknamed Jake) began coaching at Wachusett in the winter of 1974, serving as an assistant boys’ track coach under the legendary Fred Warren. In 1975, he became the head girls’ cross country coach. In 1977, Jaquith took over as the head girls’ indoor and outdoor track coach, and served in this capacity until suffering a heart attack in 1988. He then stepped aside from track, but continued to serve as head girls’ cross country coach. His tenure as coach for the girls cross country team spans 38 years. Jaquith’s teams have produced winning seasons every year since 1975, compiling an overall record of 296-66. He guided the Wachusett program through a 10-year undefeated dual meet string, winning 79 straight meets. Jaquith’s teams have won the league championship 23 times, including the last 17 in a row. He has won 16 District Championships, including 10 of the last 12 years. His teams have qualified for states 23 times, and have had several top 5 finishes. Wachusett has been runner-up in the state 3 times. “Jake is one of the most successful coaches in the state,” said WRHS athletic director Jennifer Lynch. “His statistics, including 16 district championships, speak for themselves. But what makes him special is the way he has conducted his program for over 38 years. He is a class act; a retired educator who always puts the needs of his student-athletes first. “I’ve always been so impressed with the different ways in which he trains individual runners and the team as a whole. He always seems to get the kids to peak at just the right time, as they head into districts.” Jaquith’s own running career began in high school at Cambridge Latin and advanced to the college ranks at Harvard University, where he ran track and cross country. After a period of living in New York, he came to Wachusett to teach economics for many years before retiring from teaching eight years ago. “The most rewarding part of coaching is seeing kids realize they can run 3, 5, 8 and maybe 10 miles and watching them enjoy it,” said Jaquith. “Most of them never thought they could do it, so to see them be successful at it in high school and sometimes beyond is a great feeling.”
Inducted: 2013