Jackson Sparks '19 Recruiting Profile

I began my running career as a freshman. Not not only has my passion for the sport grown, but also my improvement. This can be seen in my marks and the accolades that I have garnered this year. I am a three time letter winner, and was voted a team captain by the out going senior class as a junior for both the cross country and track teams. I finished my junior year in cross country by being named second team all region and helping lead my team to a second place finish in the state.

This year’s track campaign was extremely successful and one that I will use to build upon to hopefully win a state title in both the 800 meter relay and open 800 in my senior year. I was the anchor leg of my team’s 800 meter relay that finished 6th in the state meet and received all-state honors. My split for this event was just over 2:01. A little over two hours later, I finished 4th in the open 800 with a time of 2:03.22. Again, receiving all-state honors. I was the only athlete in the top 5 that had run an event earlier in the day. I was invited to run in the Tony Parrilla Thrilla’, a select 800 event the week following the state meet. I ran a 2:01.10 in this event and finished 6th out of 14. This race was made up of the top competitors in the region.

I currently train with Bobby Holcombe from the Webb School of Knoxville and Knoxville Endurance. We have a plan for this off season in the weight room and on the track to get me in the low 1:50 range for the 800. In July, I will be attending middle distance camp at the University of Virginia.

Outside of running, I am active in my church and participate in extra curricular activities at my school. I currently have 3.4 GPA with several AP courses and am awaiting my latest scores on the ACT. This summer I am working in the foodservice department at the Knoxville Zoo.