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Jones: Leader On, Off Field

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By CLIFF GILL

Tribune correspondent

Published: June 22, 2008

DADE CITY - In the two previous football seasons, the Pasco High Pirates had a combined record of 5-15. Despite the losses, Coach Tom McHugh was optimistic as he headed into the recently ended season.

"This year, the difference was the senior leadership. They helped start a new tradition at Pasco. As a result, we were fortunate enough to win the district championship," McHugh said.

One of the seniors who stepped up into the leadership role was offensive lineman Josh Jones. It's clear to see why his Pirate teammates look up to the 6-foot-4, 240-pound tackle. But, his leadership was based on more than his size.

"Josh had a tremendously positive impact on the younger players on the field, in the weight room and with his work ethic. He helped me teach the others how I wanted them to behave on and off the football field," said McHugh.

At practice, for example, Jones and the other captains were the first ones on the field, the last ones to leave, and verified that everyone completed their drills.

"It starts with attitude," Jones said. "There was a lot of coming together at practices and during games. This year, after a loss, the captains made sure that there was no finger pointing. Even after losing two consecutive games, we kept everyone positive and came back to win all of our remaining conference games."

To help the team stay positive, the coaches and captains developed a number of motivators. One motivator was called "Boiling Point."

"At 211 degrees, water is still just hot water. At 212 degrees, it turns to steam and can power a locomotive. Just give an extra degree," explained Jones.

Leadership on the field was also important.

"Josh is a naturally strong kid. He moved really well and was a relentless blocker," added McHugh.

The opposing coaches agreed, selecting Jones as second team all-conference for the second consecutive year.

The offensive line, anchored by Jones, became known as "The Stone Wall."

"We weren't the biggest, but we were strong and able to get off the line of scrimmage with a quick first step. Plus, we did it as a unit. Having five linemen acting as one helped protect our quarterback and made our running game more effective," said Jones.

In addition to football, Jones was a three-year varsity member of Pasco's weightlifting team.

An honor student in the classroom, Jones qualified for honors English classes all four years and had taken accelerated math classes, including algebra in eighth grade, honors geometry his freshman year, honors algebra II his sophomore year and pre-calculus his junior year. Jones' tenacity on the football field and weight room carried over to academics.

"Josh stuck with his assignments until he solved them. He never quit," math teacher Karen Jeter said.

In the fall, Jones will attend Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Ala. He plans to major in sports medicine while continuing to play football.

"Sports medicine will allow me to stay involved in sports. One of my goals is to be on the sideline at college football games. If a player is injured, I want to rush over and help. It's important to have someone who knows what's wrong and knows what needs to be done," he said.

Jones is familiar with injuries, suffering a broken ankle his junior year and a broken thumb this year.

"We are excited about having Josh join our program," Huntingdon coach Charlie Goodyear said. "His demeanor in person, coupled with his aggression on the field, is what I have liked about him the most. Josh also played at a solid program, which makes him attractive. He seems to be a fit as far as the type kid we want in our program."

Jones is also familiar with helping others. He has been on two missions to help the less fortunate. The first was in Arizona to reach out to 6- to 12-year-old Native Americans.

"We played games and sports with them. More importantly, we kept them involved and gave them hope in a safe environment. Kids need to be taught values. I was fortunate to have a great mom who set boundaries, made school a priority and taught me right from wrong," Jones said.

Jones' second mission was in Mexico to build houses. To offset the travel expenses, his church sponsored various fundraisers, such as car washes and yard sales. In addition, Jones received contributions by doing various handyman chores in the community.

"Helping others makes you feel good. Plus, it gives you respect for all we have been given," he said.

Teachers, coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In The Community article, contact Cliff Gill at reportercliffgill@yahoo.com or (727) 860-4903.

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