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Jones Keeps It Light

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By LARRY BUGG Tribune correspondent

Published: October 27, 2007

River Ridge boys cross country coach Dave Heywood believes humor can help keep his runners motivated.

Heywood is happy that he has a runner on the team who can deliver some Don Rickles-type zingers when the team needs a little stimulation.

At River Ridge, that comedian is junior Jason Jones.

Jones also happens to be the Royal Knights' top runner, and he finished seventh in the Oct. 19 Sunshine Athletic Conference boys race in a time of 18:16.

'He's a hard worker,' Heywood said. 'Jason is our team leader. He is our No. 1 runner. He gets people in line when we need him to. He also is on the wrestling and track team.

'He is pretty passionate about sports in general. He sticks to it.'

Jones is not one who runs just to get in shape for another sport, but it helps.

'I like running in general,' the 16-year-old said. 'I also like to stay in shape for the other sports.'

On the track team, he runs the 3,200 and 1,600 meters and is on the 4x800 relay team.

He said he would like to earn an athletic scholarship to college, and he would prefer to attend the University of Florida.

He also can deliver in the classroom, where he has a cumulative grade-point average of 3.6.

His future goals do not include opening a comedy club.

'I want to do something in the military,' he said. 'I think that would be really interesting. I would either join the Marines or Army. I think it is really interesting and would be fun.'

When he is not studying or playing sports, Jones enjoys listening to music and going to the beach.

His coach appreciates Jones' comedic ability.

'He is a comedian,' Heywood said. 'He keeps everybody on his toes. He will tease them in a positive way to get the team laughing and keep it light at practice. His teammates all get a kick out of him.'

When runners have to hit the pavement or dust for six hours in 90-degree heat, a comic such as Jones can be really helpful.

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