Meet Jackson Horn, blazing a path in Hershey
Hi, I'm Jackson Horn, age 14 and am a freshman at Hershey High School.
Can you tell us about the sport or sports you're involved in? Are you part of a team?
I am heavily involved in track and field. Over the summer, fall, and winter I run for my club team, Hershey Blaze. During the winter and spring I also am on the Hershey High School team. My main events are the 400m and 100m hurdles; Now I am starting the 110m hurdles, 100m dash and long jump.
When did you start running? What inspired you to pursue this sport?
I first joined the Middle School track team in 7th grade but I have always loved to run. I was always the fastest on my prior baseball and basketball teams, so I thought it would be fun to try track and field. I also liked the idea of trying an individual sport after years of team sports. My local friend and track mentor, Jude Petersen, helped me love this sport and currently holds a track scholarship at St Thomas Aquinas College.
Tell us about your favorite moment, memory, or milestone thus far in your athletic journey.
There's several, actually so it's hard to pick! Qualifying and competing at the Junior Olympics, also competing at the New Balance Nationals Indoor and New Balance Nationals Outdoor competitions twice. Medaling in hurdles (2nd place) and long jump (5th place) at the USATF National Outdoor Championships is also a highlight. I was one of the top 25 hurdlers at the USATF Junior Olympics.
How do you balance schoolwork and sports commitments?
I try to do as much school work as I can during school, and I stay up late to study. I manage to get it done and keep my grades up! My mom is a big help with studying.
Coach Alan Paynter from my club team Hershey Blaze has taught me almost everything I know now. He not only is a coach but is a mentor too, and is invested in my personal growth. Jude Petersen started mentoring me specifically when I was on the Middle School team and he was a senior on the Varsity team. He really made me love the hurdles and always went out of his way to work with me. That mentorship grew into a close friendship and we still stay in touch while he's in college.
What are your future goals and aspirations, in sports and beyond?
I want to break my school hurdle, long jump, and 400 meter records! I also want to compete at the collegiate level. Georgia University, Texas A&M, and Florida University are my top choices.