Jake Landfried

Jake Landfried’s name is deeply connected to the tradition, pride, and competitive spirit of Manasquan High School athletics.

A member of the Class of 1964, Landfried arrived at Manasquan from Ambridge, Pennsylvania, a small steel town outside Pittsburgh. Coming from a football culture where Friday night games were the standard, he quickly adjusted to Manasquan’s Saturday afternoon schedule and became a major contributor for Bruce Lackey’s Blue and Gray football team.

As a speedy halfback, Landfried carried a heavy load during some challenging seasons on the gridiron. His ability to break into the open field made him one of Manasquan’s most dangerous offensive threats. As a senior, he was honored with the Peter Blocksom Roetzel Award as the school’s most outstanding football player.

After graduating from Manasquan, Landfried continued his athletic career at Montclair State College, where he played football and ran track. In 1968, he pursued a professional football opportunity by signing with Lou Saban’s Denver Broncos of the AFL. Following a series of events, he later suffered a knee injury during a tryout with the New York Jets.

Landfried eventually returned to his alma mater, where he wore

many hats — football coach, wrestling coach, baseball coach, and school leader. But it was through baseball that he built his most lasting legacy. He began humbly as a volunteer freshman baseball coach in 1970, became a paid freshman coach in 1972, then coached junior varsity before taking over as head coach.

Over 20 seasons as Manasquan’s head baseball coach, Landfried compiled 338 wins against 172 losses, good for a .663 winning percentage. His teams captured seven conference championships and, on a memorable June afternoon at Princeton University, won the NJSIAA Group II State Championship.

During his tenure, Landfried coached several players who were drafted and later played professional baseball. He also had the special honor of coaching his two sons, Jake, Class of 1992, and Jax, Class of 1998.

Landfried’s impact reached well beyond statistics and championships. Known for his class and character, he earned respect in every circle he entered. In 1998, alongside his son Jax, he was inducted into the Jersey Shore Athletic Hall of Fame. His number 22 is one of only two numbers ever retired at Manasquan High School.

Jake Landfried’s Hall of Fame recognition honors a remarkable life in athletics — as a player, coach, mentor, and one of the true gentlemen of Manasquan sports.