User:Squish78

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Jacob Andrew Reed (born September 22, 1981), nicknamed "Squish" and "Squishy Bear", is currently a Business Development Specialist with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, North Carolina.

[edit] Early Life

Jacob was born in Sylva, North Carolina, located in the western portion of the state. He grew up in nearby Whittier, North Carolina, a small town about one hour west of Asheville, North Carolina. He is the son of Joan Elizabeth Bailey (nee Everhart) and Norman Leroy Reed, Sr.

Jacob Reed expressed an early interest in sports, and it was his grandmother, Ruby Payne Everhart, who first taught him the game of baseball. His grandmother was an excellent athlete during her high school days. Basball soon turned Jacob's interest into other sports, such as basketball and football, and eventually golf and wrestling.

Jacob received his primary education at Bryson City Elementary School and Swain County East Elementary School, which was formed after a realignment of the Swain County School System. He then attended Swain Middle School and Swain County High School.

While at Swain High, Jacob played junior varsity football, was a junior varsity basketball manager, track and field, golf, and participated in wrestling. Jacob was an average athlete, never excelling in one sport, but performing at a consistent level throughout his career.

Jacob graduated from Swain County High School in May of 1999, and accepted an undergraduate position at Western Carolina University, turning down the chance to attend several universities, including Brown University.

[edit] College Life

In August of 1999, Jacob began enrollment at Western Carolina University. He resided in Harrill Residence Hall with his friend Joseph Lakey, living on the 4th floor, affectionately known as "D-Block", in reference to prison cell blocks. Living on the second floor were friends John Ayers, Charles Lawson, and Trent Winchester.