
ALTON - Jami Jones, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, is being recognized for her accomplishments in track and field in the shot put after earning two conference titles and a county title, along with ranking second in the school record and being among the top throwers in the River Bend area.
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Jones said she has competed in the sport for three years and has come to value the competitive nature of an individual event.
“This is my third year in track and field. I like the competition aspect of the sports,” Jones said. “Competing in individual sports compared to competing in team sports is a new experience for me with this sport, and I genuinely enjoy it so much.”
Jones is Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete Of The Month.
Jones credited her parents and coaches for their support, including head coach Billy Sprague and throwers coach Eric Dickerson.
“I want to thank my parents for supporting me in a sport they don’t really understand,” Jones said. “I want to thank my coaches for believing in me, especially Coach Sprague. From the beginning, he has always been in my corner, celebrating the little and big wins with me, and I am so appreciative of him.”
In addition to track, Jones plays basketball as a forward/center and serves as a football manager, a role she said she pursued.
“Besides basketball and track, becoming the football manager was something I have been passionate about,” Jones said. “Advocating for that position was cool.”
Jones said her high school sports experience has shaped her plans after graduation. She said she intends to attend Indiana State University and study sport management with a minor in legal studies. She said she does not plan to compete in college sports but hopes to manage them.
“It has given so many life experiences, including inspiring me to pick my major, sport management,” Jones said. “It has taught me discipline, perseverance, hard work, and time management.”
In the classroom, Jones said she has been on the high honor roll for the last two years.