Salute to Seniors: Colin Jones

Salute to Seniors: Class of 2018
Will Boling


Colin Jones has been one of the most successful mid-distance runners in Tennessee over the past few seasons.

And next year, he'll be joining Southeast Missouri State's track and field team. But before he does, he took the time to chat with us about some of his greatest memories in Houston High School and has a member of the Memphis Jaguars.

(Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Email Will Boling (wboling@milesplit.com) and answer the questions below! If you can, attach a picture or two in your email as well. Make sure you have the right to use it, please. This series is open to any and all Tennessee seniors, so don't be shy!)

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What was your most memorable race/competition?

My most memorable race would have to be the summer of my sophomore year at the Junior Olympics in Humble, Texas. I ran a 1:55 in prelims, which was my first time running sub 2 minutes in the 800 meters.

Where did you face your biggest competition?

I've always faced my biggest competition at New Balance Nationals Indoor/Outdoor, racing some of the nation's top athletes.

Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?

Out of all my high school accomplishments, the one that stands out the most is becoming a 2x State champ in both the 800m and 4x800. 

If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?

If I could change one thing in my athletic career in high school I think I would've started running track year-round my freshman year instead of wrestling.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

Wow, I'd have to say the biggest obstacle I had to overcome during my high school career would be my sophomore year during AAU season I had really bad blisters on my feet and had to get them removed. I had to run on blistered feet for the majority of my summer season.

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What will you miss the most?

I think what I'll miss the most are all the friends I made across the country from the sport. We're all heading to different colleges and are going to be in different conferences. I hope to see them at a couple meets during the season.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes?

If there's one piece of advice I could give to younger runners it's that hard work always pays off. If you work as hard as you can each workout, then you're bound to see results. Also never settle for less, set a goal and chase it.

How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?

Coach Long has had a big impact on my life. He is more than just my coach he's basically my second dad. I trust and believe in anything he tells me to do. He always gives the best advice and pep talks. Also when I'm running and I hear him yell "You gotta go!" or "Move now!" I swear it makes me run faster. Whenever he can't make it to one of my races I feel like I forget how to run or I'll psych myself out, but when he's there I feel unstoppable.

What are your post-high school plans?

I plan to attend Southeast Missouri State University, where I will continue my academic and track career under the coaching of Ryan Lane.

 Any shoutouts?

I'd like to shout out the Memphis Jaguars and MileSplit for the awesome exposure with all the interviews and articles, FloTrack for the awesome feature, Terrell Jackson and Carlton Orange for all the advice, ButterFam (track group) for all the funny moments, my bro Keaton Jones for always being my crutch when I needed him ,and lastly my parents for supporting and taking me to all the meets I have attended across the span of my high school career.