Whether he is teaching algebra or coaching cross country, Jake Iverson is determined to help his students go the extra mile to succeed.  

Iverson, a math teacher and cross country/track coach at South, grew up in Clearlake, Iowa. “It’s a small town with a big lake that isn’t that clear,” said Iverson.  

“I started running in middle school because the cross country coach thought it would be something I would be good at,” said Iverson. Iverson also said that most people avoid cross country because they think that they are not able to do it, but everyone can do it if they are willing to put in the work. “It means a lot when you can do something most people cannot do,” said Iverson.  

Even though Iverson has been a coach for four years, his dream is to own his own business. “I don’t know what kind of business I want to own, but it’s always been my dream to own one,” he said.  

Outside of school, Iverson likes to play sand volleyball and hang out with his girlfriend and his cat Aggie. He also keeps statistics for the basketball games for South. “After a long stressful day, I like to take a run or have a nice nap,” he added.  

Iverson said that he wakes up at 6:30 a.m. every day to get ready for school. “I give my cat a treat, educate the youth of America, take a run, watch sports, then go to sleep,” said Iverson.  

Iverson said that he tries to keep his math classes laid back. “We have fun, and I make jokes to keep them engaged, and I also hit the Griddy to keep it entertaining,” said Iverson. “I bring a good attitude every day.”  

Additionally, “going to college at Iowa State University has pushed me to grow and be a better person,” he said. Iverson also said that choosing to teach in Omaha has opened a lot of opportunities that have helped shape him as a person.  

Iverson also wanted people to know that he knows 350 digits of pi.