Jonathan Jackson’s performance helped Lane Tech place first or second in 10 of 17 events to win the Public League’s city championship in track and field. The senior set a meet record (39.28) in his 300-meter hurdles win. Photos/Cassandra Geige
Lane Tech high school continued its dominance in Chicago Public League track and field by winning the CPL boys championship last weekend at Hansen Stadium for the fifth consecutive year. The Indians put up 109 points on a cold and blustery afternoon – almost doubling the output of Mather high school, which came in second place with 57 points.
Lane came in first or second place in 10 of the 17 events, displaying the all-important balance that is critical to win big meets. And they got an added boost from senior Jonathan Jackson who won the 300-meter hurdles and placed 2nd in the long jump and 110-meter hurdles.
Jackson set a meet record in his 300-meter win (39.28) and said he wasn’t at all fazed by the inclement weather that the athletes had to endure.
“We practice in weather like that all the time so it’s no excuse for us – not at all,” Jackson said. His comfort level was also evident in his 110-meter high hurdle performance (14.63), and his 21-4 long jump effort. Jackson has limited long jump experience and in the city meet was only the third time he competed in the event.
One reason Jackson’s able to compete so well is that he’s learned to accept the jitters that affect track athletes as they wait for their event to get started.
“I go into races always thinking the worst,” Jackson said. “I don’t know why, but then I’ll do better than I expected. I just want to finish the race…I just want to finish, finish, finish, and look back and say I did it.”
There is still a lot more to do for Lane Tech as they prepare for sectionals and then the state meet. Jackson thinks they’ll be ready to perform well, but it will take a lot of discipline and focus. “Everybody is going to have to pay attention to the smallest things, like baton exchanges, block starts, and chemistry. If we do that we’ll more than likely be successful at state,” Jackson said. To take it a step further, he adds that eating a sensible diet is also important to achieving peak performance at the right time.
“Don’t go out and eat McDonald’s or Wendy’s,” Jackson said. “Eat grilled food, not fried stuff. Don’t go out and eat chips and drink pop. That stuff weighs you down, which we as runners can’t have.” Jackson’s sensibility is one reason he is one of five team captains on the huge Lane Tech track team. But the head coach calls Jackson his “Grand Master,” captain.
“John is your prototype student-athlete,” Coach Roof said. “He leads by example and he’s very coachable. You don’t have to worry about school attendance or attending class – you just coach him.” Jackson didn’t start running track until his sophomore year, but he’s made big strides in his three years and will definitely continue with the sport in college. He’s looking closely at Michigan State, but wherever he goes he’s bound to succeed, said Roof.
“We’re excited for him to go to college because he’s gonna be a diamond in the rough. Someone’s gonna get him and he’s going to get the intensive coaching he needs. We want him to go to a competitive Division 1 school and really blossom,” Roof said.
As far as Chicago Public School’s go, Lane Tech puts a lot of emphasis on track and field. But even the Indians haven’t tapped into all of the athletic potential available at the school, and the fan base is still smaller than most other sports. That could change if people gave it more time Jackson said. “My friends come out and ask, ‘What’s taking so long for you to run?’ But there are so many events that people don’t have the patience for it,” he said.
“But if they actually sat down and watched and got into track they would like it,” he added. “It’s highly competitive and you can see the competition everywhere.”
Roof would like to see more student-athletes get into track and field as well. He thinks it’s a great sport for football and basketball players to play when those seasons are over. And it’s a good way to stay in shape and to keep busy.
If more of the talented athletes from city schools got involved in track , CPL track would be a force to be reckoned with said Roof.
“We have a track culture at Lane Tech,” he said. “If other city schools had a track culture CPS would dominate.”
Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender.
About Post Author
