Salute to Seniors: Jackson Bostick

Salute to Seniors


Next up in our Salute to Seniors series is Grace Christian Academy hurdler Jackson Bostick.

With the upcoming track season hanging in the balance, this senior class needs our support now more than ever.

If you wanted to be featured, get all of the information here on how we can honor you in your senior season.

Here's what Jackson had to say.

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What made you get into track and field in the first place and what does this sport mean to you?

My parents signed me up for a KYA summer program when I was in fifth grade because they thought I was fast.My eighth grade year my best friend encouraged me to come out for high school track, so I did.Those were the beginnings. This sport has given me a way to express myself through new friendships, competition, and as an outlet for when life wasn't always the best.

What was your most memorable race/competition?

My most memorable meet from high school was last year at the Austin-East Roadrunner Invitational. I felt no pressure and was able to go out and run without worrying about winning or losing. I was able to laugh and joke around with my teammates and friends from other schools.Being able to win at the school where my Grand Dad, who passed away this past summer, and is in the East High School (now A-E) Hall of Fame was pretty cool, too.To me that is the most memorable track meet of my high school career.

Where did you face your biggest competition?

The 2019 KIL.There were four of us who broke 40 in the 300 hurdles. (Kiyontae Warren - 37.43, Gabel Fulford - 38.48, Jackson Bostick -38.83 & Braden Gaston - 39.75 )It was one of the fastest 300 hurdle races in the country last season.That was a race for the ages in Knoxville!

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

To be able to help build our Track & Field program at Grace Christian Academy and to hold multiple school records.However, the biggest accomplishment for me is being able to help and encourage my younger teammates, allowing them to love the sport that I am so passionate about.

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

As a three-sport letterman, I would have played football and basketball all four years of high school and not just one year in basketball and football.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

Other than learning the art of hurdling, overcoming injuries during my sophomore year and learning I had a hairline fracture in one of my vertebrae this past season.

What will you miss the most?

This is a tough question because there are many things I will miss.However, the thing I will miss the most are the friendships I have made over the past five years. They mean more to me than any medal in the world.To not see and compete against my friends from other schools will be what I miss the most.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes?

Find what you are passionate about, what motivates you, and chase after it.Be willing to put in the extra work when no one else is willing to. Don't be afraid to try new things and never, ever give up on your dreams, both in track as well as in life. 

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

I have had many coaches throughout high school and the encouragement I received from each one of them was critical. They helped me understand how to believe in myself and that I truly can do what I set out to do. Each one of my coaches helped me learn something new about myself and I would not be the man I am today without them.

What are your post-high school plans?

I will be running track at Carson-Newman University and am excited to be a part of a team that will compete for conference and national titles.

Any shoutouts?

I have to give a shoutout to my Momma and Dad.They have always been there for me during the highs and lows in my life.They have sacrificed so much for me.And to all of the teammates who came before me, have encouraged me, and who continue to be a part of my life outside of track.

Telling the stories of track and field seniors in the state of Tennessee as they say goodbye to teammates, coaches and high school competition.