Jeremiah Nubbe has added another accolade to his long resume of athletic achievements. Following his senior year at Rainier High School, Nubbe was named the Gatorade Washington Track and Field Player of the Year.
The recent graduate is now a two-time recipient of the award, as he took the same prize home following the 2020-21 school year.
“It means quite a lot to me,” Nubbe told the Nisqually Valley News. “It came down to consistent training throughout the year. Working hard when no one is around and putting the work in on my own. In the end, actions speak louder than words.”
This past track season, Nubbe brought home two national championships to Rainier and the Mountaineer track and field program. He captured the titles with a throw of 60.99 meters in discus and 72.03 meters in hammer.
Following his national championship victories, Nubbe placed third in hammer and fourth in discus at the USA Track and Field Under-20 national competition.
As he grew up, Nubbe said he was inspired by former Ridgefield track athlete Trey Knight. Knight, like Nubbe, is a multiple time winner of the Gatorade Washington Track and Field Player of the Year. Knight won the honor three separate times in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Nubbe has gone to great lengths and distances to practice his craft. He believes the work he has put in over the years will help propel him during his time at the University of Texas.
“Getting used to high levels of competition will always serve you well,” Nubbe said. “My experiences training and competing with great athletes will propel me to be a better athlete as well.”
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound thrower will report to the University of Texas on Aug. 16. He expects his workouts to begin shortly after his freshman orientation.
“I am going to miss the small town feel, the smaller class sizes, and just simply knowing everyone in town,” Nubbe said. “I’ll miss those deeper and personal connections that I’ve been able to make here in Rainier. Those relationships aren’t like anything else.”
Nubbe sees his opportunity to compete in Austin, Texas as a chance for personal growth.
“I’m excited for the change, going to a big and massive school. It’ll be expanding horizons for me and it’ll allow me to grow,” he said.
After he received his most recent honor, Nubbe will have the opportunity to award a $1,000 grant to a local or national organization through Gatorade’s “Play it Forward” program. He is also able to submit a short video that explains why he chose that organization to potentially earn them one of twelve $10,000 grants.
Nubbe is also a finalist for the National Gatorade Player of the Year award, which will be announced in July.
