A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.

For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Track & Field Athletes of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Jake Scinto

THE BASICS

School: Cheshire (Conn.)

Grade: Senior

Event(s): Jumps

Height: 5-foot-8

Weight: 175 pounds

THE PILLARS

Athletic achievement: Scinto won three individual titles this spring and led the Rams to third place at the State Open Championships. The Field Athlete of the Year as named by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association, he won the long jump with a leap of 22 feet, 11 inches as well as the triple jump, launching himself 45 feet, 4.25 inches. He also captured the high jump, clearing six feet, four inches. Scinto went on to take first place in the high jump (6-11) and the long jump (22-9) at the New England Outdoor Track & Field Championships. His high jump effort at the New England championships ranked as the nation’s No. 13 performance among prep competitors in 2012 at the time of his selection.

Academic excellence: Also a football standout, Scinto has maintained a 3.65 GPA in the classroom.

Exemplary character: A devoted member of his church community, he has volunteered locally on behalf of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and Cheshire’s annual Vietnam Veterans Day services.

THE PRAISE

“He’s a competitor, to say the least,” said Ed McCarthy, head coach at rival West Haven (Conn.). “Whatever he’s had to do, he’s done it. He’s a tremendous student. He’s the whole package. I couldn’t be more thankful to have seen him compete. Coaching against him certainly wasn’t that much fun, but he’s been a lot of fun to watch.”

THE FUTURE: Scinto will attend Princeton University this fall, where he will continue his track and field career.