Jonas Rickert '24 Recruiting Profile

My first organized running experience was a Jogathon fundraiser in first grade. My parents thought I could run a few laps around the field, I ran 26…I fell in love with cross country and track when I was in 8th grade at Earl Warren Middle School and that passion has continued to grow. Running and my approach to running has helped me overcome life’s challenges, strengthened my work ethic and helped me balance academics, running and time with family and friends. Some of the challenges I’ve overcome are the COVID 19 pandemic, two abrupt changes in head and assistant coaches, taking my education to the next level with honors and advanced placement classes and maintaining a 4.63 GPA as a Junior, and plenty of extracurriculars. Inside and outside of running I am extremely dedicated and fuel my motivation with achievable goals. I am a student-athlete who seeks and is receptive to guidance from my coaches because I want to reach that next level. I can and will lead a team as I have acquired great leadership skills through team captains, volunteering in programs such as assistant lifeguarding, competing in national business organization competitions(DECA) church events, and an ocean safety club, as well as my parent’s encouragement and examples. I take great pride in the camaraderie, spirit, and shared goals of the team. Running may be viewed by some as a lonely sport, but it gives me a lot of joy and satisfaction from challenging and supporting my teammates. 

I am casting a wide net to find the right college match, where I can continue to challenge my athletic and academic capabilities. I do value an academically strong school over an athletically strong school as I have always prioritized my academics and running has also helped keep me mentally and emotionally strong. In viewing my profile, I hope you see my potential as a student athlete who would bring unwavering commitment, a great attitude and athletic accomplishment to your program.