Jake Riepma Named Recipient of the Jack H. McAvoy Award

MIDLAND, MICH. – Jake Riepma (Midland, Mich./Dow), a senior defensive back/linebacker for the Northwood University football team, has been named the winner of the Jack H. McAvoy Award by the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).

The award is presented annually to the GLIAC football player who best combines outstanding character and leadership on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Riepma is the third Northwood player to earn the award, joining Scott Stuible (2003) and Ryan Whittum (2012).

Riepma recently completed his five-year career and went from walk-on to a key player for the Northwood defense.  This season, the linebacker finished with 15 tackles and an interception while also playing on special teams. Off the field, Riepma sports a 3.83 grade point average as an Entertainment, Sport & Promotion Management.  He will end up earning the GLIAC Academic Excellence award at the end of the semester. He has been extremely active both within the athletic department and in the community. Riepma has been a camp leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as well as a part of the "Motor Citzens" volunteer initiative for World Medical Relief. Riepma also took part in a spring break mission trip to Atlanta, Georgia with ReNU Campus ministry. He has also been active in Special Olympics, Make-a-Wish, the Midland Pumpkin Festival and a variety of other event. Riepma has also become one of the main voices for the Northwood athletic department, spending time as the voice for Northwood basketball as well as serving as the emcee for a variety of events.  

Northwood tied for sixth overall in the GLIAC with a 5-6 overall record (5-5 GLIAC) this season.