Jake Frias returns as LU official opens new school year
Two-time Lakeland graduate Jake Frias was the featured speaker Thursday as LU officially opened the 2023-24 academic year during Opening Convocation in the Bradley Theatre.
Frias, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2010 and a master of arts in counseling in 2013, told students that a combination of grit, determination, drive and tenacity would help them overcome adversity to accomplish their goals.
He recalled the excitement of his own arrival at Lakeland from Oak Lawn, Ill., and the eventual arrival of his two brothers, Joel ’13 and Robby ’13 MBA ’14.
“It’s your turn, it’s your call, to make it happen,” said Frias, who is entering his second year as a counselor at Random Lake High School. “It’s always going to be you versus you. The faculty sitting behind me have all the tools you need to succeed, so use them.”
Before becoming a counselor, Frias, who was recently also named Random Lake’s Fitness Center coordinator, worked as a certified personal trainer for 15-plus years, including over a decade at the Sports Core in Kohler where he served as personal training manager and fitness manager.
During his time at Lakeland, Frias wrestled all four years earning 103 career wins and NCAA Academic All-American honors. Today, he serves as an NCAA and USA Wrestling Official. He was also a member of the Mu Lambda Sigma fraternity. Following Thursday’s event, he had lunch with the LU wrestling team.
Lakeland President Beth Borgen gave students the traditional charge for the academic year – take care of yourself, take care of each other and take care of this place.
