For more than 16 years, Coach Jones J. Jones has dedicated his career to developing young athletes. Now, he is taking on a new challenge as the head coach of Kingston High School’s boys track and cross country programs, along with the junior high boys teams.
Jones said he is excited about the opportunity to lead the Kingston program and continue building a strong foundation for athletes both on and off the track.
“I’m in it for the kids,” Jones said. “Kingston has a great program, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
With a new season ahead, Jones said he believes the program has a lot of potential, including several athletes who could make a major impact. Jones said senior Logan Thompson and Cash Wilson are the two athletes who are poised for breakout seasons.
“Those guys have worked hard, and I believe they have the ability to have great seasons,” Jones said.
Jones also sees strength in several areas of the team, especially in relay events and distance races.
“Our relays should be a strength, especially the 4x100,” he said. “We also have some strong runners in the mile and two-mile relay events. We have some young athletes coming up in pole vault as well.”
The team will also look for leadership and strong performances from athletes such as Benjamin Maneiss, who Jones said he believes can compete near the top of the standings.
One of Jones’ coaching philosophies is allowing athletes to compete in multiple sports. Rather than discouraging athletes from participating in different activities, he believes being a multi-sport athlete helps them grow.
“I love multi-sport kids,” Jones said. “I never want to hold them back. Playing differentsportshelpsathletes become better competitors and better teammates.”
As the season progresses, Jones said success is not only measured by wins and losses but by improvement, commitment and the growth of the program.
“Last year we missed state by 11 points,” Jones said. “Our goal is to give them everything we have, compete at the highest level, stay healthy, and continue building our numbers. This is a building block.”
For Jones, track is about more than just competition. He said his favorite event, the long jump, represents one of the things he loves most about the sport.
“It’s you versus you, and there is something special about that,” he said. “You’re competing against yourself and trying to get better every time.”
When it comes to practice routines, Jones believes preparation is important bothphysicallyandmentally.
“Weliftinthemorningand practice in the afternoon,” he explained.
Jonessaidhisathleteswill quicklylearnthathisprogram is built around fairness, effort and accountability.
“Your last name doesn’t matter. Who your parents are doesn’t matter,” Jones said. “The stopwatch doesn’t lie. The best athletes get the opportunity to start.”
As Kingston begins a new chapter in boys track and cross country, Jones hopes athletes, parents and the community see a program focused on growth, hard work and opportunity.
“The biggest thing I want people to know is that I’m here for the kids,” Jones said. “I want to help them become the best athletes and people they can be.”