For a lot of high school athletes running is something they HAVE to do to help build their endurance and stay in shape. For Jackson Aydelott running is a passion and the Vernon High School senior has turned that passion into a way to go to college.
On the fall National Signing Day two weeks ago, Jackson signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Wyoming on a track scholarship. Several Division 1 schools recruited Jackson and he took trips to look at several universities. He was confident he was going to sign with Texas State University, but decided to take one more trip, and felt at home the moment he stepped off the plane in Wyoming.
“This was the only out-of-state recruiting trip I took, and it was just like they’re paying for everything, let’s go look,” he said after his signing ceremony. “But, it was definitely a God thing because I fell in love with it right away. I was drawn there for a reason.”
Jackson’s family, teammates, classmates and coaches were on hand to watch him sign his letter of intent. So far during his high school track career, Jackson has two state gold medals and a silver medal. He is the defending Class 3A 400-Meter Dash champion, winning gold last year after taking second as a sophomore in 2023. His other gold medal came in 2023 as he ran the anchor leg of the Lions’ 4x400 relay.
“Congratulations to Jackson on his signing today and for all he has done in his VHS track career,” said Vernon Athletic Director Kevin Sherrill as he spoke at the ceremony. “Jackson is the most impressive track athlete I’ve ever coached. He has an impressive work ethic, is dedicated to what he does, and he likes to compete.”
Jackson’s love for running really began the summer between his eighth grade and ninth grade year. “I ran every day, but I was just running to run,” the senior said. “Then I did some research and started doing things that were supposed to make you faster. When I saw that I was getting faster, I thought I might have some potential.”
All of his hard work starting paying off his sophomore year as he racked up first place finish after first place finish in the 400-meter dash. Jackson continued to collect those blue ribbons last year, when he began to catch the eye of even casual track fans.
“You know at high school track meets the fans there are parents and grandparents who are there to watch their kid, but you can tell that everybody is ready to watch Jackson when he runs,” Sherrill said. “Other coaches always come up to me and ask about Jackson.”
There is a little bit of a showman in the senior, who can also dunk a basketball and is a member of the Lions basketball team. “I love running and competing, and putting a show for people,” Jackson said with a smile.
During the summer of 2023 Jackson competed in some Junior Olympic Track Meets and traveled around the country quite a bit. He believes that experience will help him compete at the collegiate level.
“I’m goal oriented and I know at the college level it is dog-eat-dog,” Jackson said. “Focusing on just one sport and with the training I’ll get in college will just help me get better. My goal is to run a 45-second quarter by the end of my freshman year. I’m ready to put the work in to get there.”