Today we salute Jacob Patton of Moniteau.
Patton was a two-time outdoor state qualifier in both the 110-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles as well as a one-time indoor state qualifier in the 60-meter hurdles. He closed out his high school career with PRs of 8.45 in the 60 hurdles, 14.73 in the 110 hurdles, and 39.27 in the 300 hurdles. At May's state meet in Shippensburg, Patton placed third in the 110 hurdles and sixth in the 300 hurdles, closing out his career on a very high note.
The Earlham College recruit reflected on his high school career below.
Throughout the end of June and through July we we be honoring our graduating seniors. To submit your own questionnaire to be posted on the front page of PennTrackXC, check out this page and email your responses to Dan Beck (daniel.beck@flosports.tv).
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What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race and competition was the 300 m hurdles but also the 110m hurdles. My biggest competition for the 110s and 300s was sam hartman.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I raced my biggest competition at indoor states and outdoor states.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
My biggest highschool accomplishment would have to be getting 3rd in the 110m hurdles and 6th in the 300m hurdles at states. Because that made me the highest placing athlete on the track in moniteau history.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
If i could of changed anything in my high school career it would have to be lifting. I didn't start lifting a lot for track till my junior year.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle i had to overcome is cystic fibrosis. Which is a genetic lung disease that affects the digestive system and tge respiratory system.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss all my friends, competition, and most of all my coaches
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
My best advice for younger athletes is don't stop and give everything you have at each practice and meet.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
My coaches have been there for me since 9th grade. They have always pushed me to be the best that i could be. They never treated me any different because of the lung disease i had. They helped me become a 2 time state medalists. They teach us not only to excel on the track but to excel in school and as a person.
What are your post-high school plans?
I am attending Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. I will be running hurdles for them. I will also be studying to become an engineer.
Any shoutouts?
I would like to shoutout to my coaches Ryan Protzman, Patrick Rumbaugh, and Mark Kosic. I wouldn't be where i am today with out them and i thank them for everything they have done.
I would also like to shout out to my parents Sherry Patton and Robert Patton for teaching me at a young age that because you have a lung diseases doesn't mean you cant do anything. They pushed me to embrace the biggest obstacle that i will always have in my life. I would not be the person that i am today and i would not have achieved everything i have without them. Thank you so much mom and dad.
