Jon returns as one of the top sprinters in Missouri. Learn more about his experience and even his training as member of the Liberty North track and field team.
Q & A with Jon's Coaches
What were your first impressions of Jon when you first met him?
We were told that there was going to be a pretty fast Freshman coming in, but none of us met him until the first track practice his Freshman year. We spend the first few days doing stations where all the kids try all the different events. Jon scored some of the highest marks in every event, even though he was a Freshman. He was clearly a good athlete, but as soon as we saw him sprint we knew were seeing something special.
When did you know he could be truly great?
Jon was an impact athlete from the start. We focus on relays, and Jon was on our 4x100 & 4x200 State Champion relays in 2014. He had a great mentor in that group with Andrew Madison who was a Junior Jon's Freshman year, so in addition to having talent and opportunity, Jon had a truly great role model.
When did Jon make his biggest breakthrough?
He was always an impact runner, but his real breakthrough came his Junior year. Then the first race of his Junior year he ran 10.69, eventually getting down to a 10.52. His role on relays shifted to anchor when Madison graduated and he embraced that transition and it really changed who he was as an athlete and a leader for our team.
How does his weekly training look?
He does over distance on Mondays, speed on Wednesdays and recovery/relay/form work on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He trains with the 400/800 group at least once a week (usually Monday), but will often do one recovery day with them as well.
Is Jon a year-round track guy? Does he have other talents in addition to running incredibly fast?
Jon plays football for our team as the running back, and lifts weights all year, as well as Track and Field.
What do you think makes Jon great as an athlete?
He's clearly a gifted sprinter with incredible form. But Jon has 3 other gifts: He has more determination than anyone we've ever worked with. He will never give up (watch his anchor legs of the (State 2016 track meet). He is quite possibly the hardest worker we've ever had. He never complains, regardless of the workouts he does - even the 400/800 workouts. Finally, he always puts team. He wants to be in relays first - team before individual glory. Last year he opted to be in the 4x400 at State instead of the open 200 so that he could help his teammates get on the medal stand. Not a lot of kids would do that.
Q & A with Jon
What made you decide to do track and field?
I believe it is very interesting that the only piece of equipment you need is a pair of shoes and the rest is up to the individual to try their hardest to beat the person standing next to them.
When did you know you could do something special?
My freshman year when we won the highest achievement there is to earn in high school track and field, the state title. I was lucky enough to be a part of two relay teams that placed first, contributing 20 points to the team. I knew that I had three more years of my high school track career left, and that you can only grow as an athlete and student from then on.
How has your training been going in the off season both winter and summer?
Football kept me in great shape from August until October. After football season was over I gave myself two weeks for rest. I am now training and weightlifting until preseason starts for track in march.
What do you love about sprinting?
You only get a very short amount of time to do a list of things right, and if you don't it is anyone's race.
What are your goals for this upcoming season and future in the sport of track?
Everyone's goal is to get better than they were the previous year. Like all sports, that is a common focus for all athletes. Outside of getting a faster time, I would like to obtain a leadership role on the track team and make sure the underclassmen carry on the strong Liberty North tradition. Running at the next level is something I am very interested as well.
To learn more about the All Classes Preseason All State List for the 100 meter dash click below.