Sean C. Morgan
Isaiah Blake, a senior at East Linn Christian Academy, signed a letter of intent on May 11 to play soccer at Northwest Christian College in Eugene.
Blake played soccer at Sweet Home High School his sophomore and junior years. He played at East Linn his senior year after transferring to East Linn midway through his junior year of high school.
As a high school freshman he played at the International Christian School of Budapest in Hungary. He also played club soccer there, he said, and it helped his game.
He decided to attend Northwest because he likes its location, Blake said. “It’s a good school, and they’ve got an improving soccer program.”
He has played forward a lot, Blake said. “But I’ve played every position, a kind of utility player a year or two.”
He believes he’ll start in a utility role, he said, but he’s hoping to settle down to forward again. He enjoys all positions, but he most enjoys scoring goals.
“It’s been a lifelong sport, something I’ve always done,” Blake said. “I like the feel of it, the strategy and movement. It’s just a fun sport to play.”
In high school, he earned all-league honorable mention as a junior. As a senior, he was first-team all-league and most valuable player. He led the league in scoring, with 14 goals. His team carried a 5-7-2 record.
In college, he plans to study education, but he could change his mind, he said. He also is interested in religious studies.
Blake is the son of Dr. Alan and Zsuzsa Blake. His mother was born to a Hungarian family that immigrated to the United States. He has three brothers, Zachary, who is younger, and Nick and Nathaniel, who are older.
He and his family spent time in Hungary with Entrust, a mission organization, providing leadership and training for missionaries.