Lakewood alum Rife becomes first Cougar drafted by MLB

Lakewood alum Jake Rife was drafted in the 48th round of the Major League Baseball draft, possibly the first former Cougar to be selected in school history.

Lakewood alum Jake Rife was drafted in the 48th round of the Major League Baseball draft, possibly the first former Cougar to be selected in school history.

The 2005 graduate was selected with the 1,461st pick by the Los Angeles Angels. A senior at the University of Washington, Rife played outfield and led the Huskies in batting in 2009 with a .328 average.

Rife’s senior year at Lakewood, the Cougars played in the 2A state championship game.

“Jake was the 2A all-state MVP his senior year at Lakewood,” said Lakewood baseball coach Larry Delaney. “He was also named honorable mention All-Pac 10 outfielder this year. It will be fun to track his progress through the minor leagues.”