Athlete Interview - Timauntay Jones, senior, Cedar Rapids Jefferson HS; 800 pr – 1:55.89
1. When & how did you get started in track & field?
I originally got started in track & field at the Marion intermediate school, Francis Marion Intermediate, in 4th grade. The school did a one day, sort of meet-between-the-classes ordeal, in which I took part, and liked very much.
2. Person/people most influential to your success in track & field?
There are many, many people who have been of influence to my success. First off my father, the rest of my family and friends, then the distance coach Brett Ranard, head coach Ron Tower, in which both the distance and head coach have been like fathers to me this past 4 years; and finally where it all began, a gym teacher from FMI (Francis Marion Intermediate) named Mr. Z (name unpronouncable and unspellable) who took me out of the 100 m dash and forced me to do the 800. In my adolescence, I was infuriated; but he told me I would be good, and I've stuck to it for roughly going on 9 years of track & field now.
3. Your favorite track & field event(s)?
My all time favorite track & field event is the open 800. I'm not a big 400 guy, but I love the 4x400 event and the intensity of it.
4. Your track & field event coach(es)?
My track & field event coaches are the head coach, Ron tower, and the distance coach, Brett Ranard.
5. Keys to your successful track & field training program?
The keys to my successful track & field training program are the knowledge of my head coach Ron Tower and distance coach Brett Ranard, and also the amount of accountability they expect from the team and I. Without them, and the things that they know, I, nor the team would know why we do what we do in practice; or the importance of the off season and/or how deep the meaning of responsibility really goes; from classes, to even just eating right and taking care of oneself.
6. Your favorite track & field meet(s)?
My favorite meets are the Drake Relays and the State meet.
7. Track & field athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against?
The athletes that I most enjoy competing against are Jabez Walker and Chase Grabau from Linn Marr. We're cross town rivals that love competing; but when we aren't lined up next to each other, some could mistake us as teammates. Another was Robert Hogg of Cedar Rapids Washington. For the last two years there was always subtle agreement that no matter the race or situation, beating each other was the goal and/or our motivation.
8. Most memorable experience in track & field so far?
The most memorable experience so far is when our 4x800 team of Joe Kelly, Peter Thullen, Matt Hildebrand and I qualified for the state meet in the 2011 season. It was the first moment any of us thought we could run at state; and it all clicked that day at districts.
9. Greatest accomplishment(s) in track & field so far?
My best accomplishments so far would be placing 3rd last year at State and 4th at the Drake relays.
10. Goals for the 2013 track & field season?
My 2 priority goals are to go 1:51-1:53 in the open 800, and then gold medal at the state meet.
11. If a senior, college/university you will attend, or schools you are considering?
I am signing with the University of Northern Iowa.
12. Long-term goals in track & field?
Run 4 years in college, and then if I'm not done after graduation, possibly join a club to further myself.