Former Ferndale standout honored as Husky Legend at Apple Cup Friday
By Kevin Doucette
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SEATTLE — I remembering recalling a story I once heard about a ten-year old baseball player out of Ferndale who was striking out everyone he faced, and could hit for power, and pretty much could do it all. And he did this against the best 12-year old baseball players in the state.
Well, now 17 years later this same outstanding athlete has led his High School to a state title in football, had a terrific college career at the University of Washington, was drafted eighth overall in the 2011 NFL draft, was also drafted into the MLB, is married and raising two children, has retired from the NFL and is the co-owner of the Locker Room in Ferndale.
If you haven’t figured it out by now I am of course talking about Ferndale’s Jake Locker. Even after retirement Locker is still being honored, and his most recent came between the third and fourth quarters of the Apple Cup at the University of Washington Friday.
It is a Husky tradition to honor a Husky Legend in between the third and fourth quarter of every home game, and Friday that Husky Legend was Locker.
In the rivalry game against the then No. 20 ranked Washington State Cougars, the Huskies came out strong and gave the packed Husky Stadium several reasons to cheer. Around the stadium several fans were wearing the No. 10 jersey (Locker’s number at UW).
The Huskies won the game 45-10 and the crowd was loud throughout the game, but even at the Apple Cup, the loudest cheer was when Locker, his wife Lauren, daughter Colbie and son Cooper came out after the third quarter.
The announcer mentioned a few of Locker’s many outstanding achievements and highlights of during his illustrious four-year career at UW, and when Locker’s name was announced the capacity crowd erupted.
Locker holds the record at UW for rushing in a season by a quarter back (986 in 2007) and career rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,939. Locker is No. 3 all- time in rushing touchdowns with 29 at any position. He is ranked No. 2 all-time in passing yards, career attempts, competitions and touchdown passes.
Locker was also recently honored for his baseball talents as well. On Nov. 14 Locker was inducted into the American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame.
Now retired from football, Locker is back home in Ferndale spending time with his family, is the co-owner of the Locker Room gym off Main Street, and helped coach the Golden Eagles this season.
Locker may be done with his professional sports career, but he is still being honored, and likely will continue to be honored for years to come.
