*Jack Hewes winning the 2022 MHSAA 3A Cross Country title
An MHSAA 3A Cross Country title had been a long time coming for Saint Patrick junior Jack Hewes. After facing multiple adversities throughout his junior season, Hewes got to the starting line with one goal in mind.
In the 2021-22 school year, Hewes was one of the best distance runners in Mississippi, with PR's of 4:33 in the 1600m, 9:51 in the 3200m, and 15:54 in the 5K. However, he was in the same class as Keegan Leverett, who was hands down the best male distance runner in Mississippi last season.
However, Hewes created a new reign of terror over MHSAA 3A. After a 16:14 5K win of 72 seconds at the 2022 MHSAA 3A Super Regional, where he had already seen most of his competition, Hewes was poised as the massive favorite at the 2022 MHSAA 3A Cross Country Championships.
And he did not disappoint.
On paper, the time may not have looked like much, but on a day when multiple people in both fields were struggling with heat illness, Hewes ran 17:47.8 to secure his first-ever individual class title on the grass.
Hewes led a young squad of Tristan Davis, Fischer Winters, Joseph Ross, Luke Meyers, and Payton Taylor to All-MHSAA 3A finishes.
Davis, the 2021 middle school state champion and former 3K state record holder, finished runner-up in 18:20.4.
*Jack Hewes and Tristan Davis at the 2022 MHSAA 3A Track and Field Championships
Photo credits: Brock Kelly
From injury, sickness, and even blisters, Hewes had battled much adversity throughout the season. When asked on how he was able to bounce back through all of that adversity, Hewes replied, "it's been tough. However, it really comes down to how I don't base my identity in my running performances. Whenever I have a relationship with Jesus Christ, I know that whatever happens out there on or off the course, it's not going to kill me."