Jake studied microbiology with a Bachelors of Science from Kansas State University, a Masters of Science from Texas Tech, and a PhD from Washington State University. Jake started doing CrossFit in 2009 doing the CrossFit.com workout in the university rec. After doing CrossFit for years at university recs and commercial gyms, Jake joined Pullman CrossFit in Pullman, WA, while working on his PhD. He received his CrossFit Level 1, coached CrossFit classes and ran the barbell club for training Olympic Weightlifting. Jake also received his USA Weightlifting Level 1 and 2 coaching certifications, and trained at Philadelphia Barbell club under Jim Rutter to compete in Olympic Weightlifting at the national level. In 2020, Jake moved to Durham and started coaching at BCCF in 2022.