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Athlete Interview - Adoree' Jackson of Serra Gardena

Published by
DyeStatCAL.com   Apr 7th 2014, 1:25pm
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Adoreé Jackson is a star among stars on the Serra Gardena Track and Field team. He was the state champion in the Long Jump as a sophomore in 2012, and was close second in 2013 after a slow start following a basketball injury. This season he has already put up the top jump in the country, registering a 25-05.25 at the Chandler Rotary Invitational in Arizona last month. That jump is a foot farther than his closest competition in the nation - fellow Californians Nate Moore (24-05) and Joey Souza (24-04.5). This early 25 foot jump is fueling speculation that the State and National records could be in jeopardy by season’s end (the CA State HS Record is 26-04.5 by James Stallworth of Tulare, and the National HS Record is held by Marquise Goodwin at 26-10). That seems like just a natural progression for Adoreé, who was the Illinois State Runner-up as a freshman before moving west to California.

 

But Adoreé is much more than a Long Jumper. In addition to his premier event, Jackson is a top competitor in the 100, 200, and competes on Serra’s 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams. His leadership has a lot to do with Serra’s State Championship in 2013.  “Adoreé Jackson is my GO TO guy. When the team needs a boost of confidence, I can call on him to step in and it makes a huge difference….his will to win rubs off on the team”, says Coach Chris Faulknor.

 

In addition to his dominance on the track and in the field, Adoreé is one of the top football recruits in the nation, playing both ways for the Serra team (defensive back and wide receiver). Though he could easily have given up track and field in college, he made it clear that finding a home where he could compete in both sports was a priority for him.  He ended up choosing USC, which has a premier program in both sports.

 

I caught up with Adoreé last week after his big jump in Arizona.

 

Scott Joerger (SJ): Congratulations on your nation-leading Long Jump of 25-05.25 in Arizona last weekend. What has your training been like leading up to this month to prepare you for such a huge early performance?

 

Adoreé Jackson (AJ): Coming out straight from football and not playing basketball. Staying focused on the goals I had set for myself.  Knowing it's no days off and training is the same just being dedicated and focused

 

SJ: What sports did you participate in growing up, and how did that lead you to track and field? 
  

AJ: I played football, basketball, soccer, and baseball  - and I just ran track because I wanted to be active my 8th grade year, wanted to hang out with my friends one last time.

  

SJ: Congratulations on signing with USC to play Football and complete in Track and Field. You were one of the nation’s top football recruits, but you make it very clear that continuing with Track and Field at the college level was important to you. Tell us why you feel so strongly about that.

Adoreé Jackson of Serra Gardena

AJ: Once I first started track I decided I wanted to go to the Olympics. I want to live up to that goal and go and compete and win a medal.  Also I just love jumping  - jumping brings joy to me when I jump.

 

SJ: How do you balance the demands of football in the fall and track and field in the spring?

 

AJ: Whatever season I'm in I'm dedicated and focused.  In track I can get my mental reps for football and study film and other things as much as I can, so when it's time to get back on the field it's like I never left

 

SJ: What are your goals for this track season?  What are your long-term goals in track and field?

 

AJ: This year [my goal is to] break the national high school long jump record and help my team get another state ring.  For long term, my goal is to compete in the Olympics, break the long jump record, and come out with a gold medal.

 

SJ: The Serra boys have been dominant in both relays.  Does being a top athlete in the 100, 200, and Long Jump, plus participating in both relays stretch you kind of thin? What sacrifices do you have to make for the team?

 

AJ: No, I don't feel like that stretches me thin at all. I feel it sets a new standard for others to want to surpass me. If they see me doing it then they will want to do it as well. I have fun and enjoy competing so I'm ready to go.  I don't feel like I sacrifice for my team because I love doing what I'm doing.

   

SJ: What is a typical training week like for you?

 

AJ: Wake up, school, practice, homework, sleep and repeat it all over again.

 

SJ: What big meets do you have on your schedule this season besides CIF ? Arcadia, Mt. Sac, or others?

 

AJ: Every meet is a big meet. I get to work on things and better myself for the next meet

 

SJ: Who has had the most influence on your track and field career so far?

 

AJ: Me - just wanting to live up to the goals I set for myself as a young child.  That little fire in me to always want to succeed and do great things

 

SJ: What do you like to do outside of track and field and football?

 

AJ: Chill, hang out with friends, eat, sleep and play videogames. Watch my fav cartoons, anything that makes me feel like a kid all over again - just want to enjoy life

 

SJ: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

 

AJ: Thank God for my abilities to jump and my accolades so far in track and football. Special shout out to my Mom, Dad, sister and brother. Also to my track coaches - Coach Biggs and Coach Chris - and my teammates for making everything more fun for me. Love all you guys.

 

 

Personal Bests

  • 100 – 10.68
  • 200 – 21.59
  • Long Jump – 25-05.25

 

Quick Stats:  

  • Nickname:  Sweet Pea
  • Performance you are most proud of: Winning a state title for my seniors for football and track  my junior year
  • Last thing you read:  Bible Psalms 23( read before every jump and football game) 
  • Favorite Subject in School:  Math 
  • What you'd like to study in collegeJournalism 
  • Favorite food:  rice and bacon with sugar 
  • Favorite movie:  SpaceJam 
  • Favorite music:  Drake 
  • What bugs you:  Failure

 



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