Future Stars: St. Andrew's Jackson Jumper

Jumper is entering the final portion of his middle school career as an eighth-grade track athlete. This premier junior high distance athlete has spread his wings over everything from the 800m to the 5000m. He spent the entirety of his cross country season competing in the varsity division and secured a personal best of 17:47 for the 5000m race. This time earned him a 4th place finish at the MHSAA 2A State Cross Country Championships.

RESULTS: MHSAA 2A Boys State Cross Country Championships

During the 2023 track season, Jumper excelled in the 1600m distance and left his mark on the Mississippi record books. With a scorching time of 4:53 through 1600m, Jumper was ranked top of his class for that event. Furthermore, he now sits as the fourth-fastest Mississippi seventh-grader to ever race the 1600m. 

RANKINGS: All-Time 7th Grade Boys 1600m Standings

Based on his recent performances during the 2023 cross-country season, Jumper is on pace to shatter his old track season bests. Over one year, he managed to cut more than two minutes off of his 5000m time(20:01 to 17:47). If he can shave off that much time on the grass, who knows what this young athlete can do on the track? 

This runner has a bright future ahead of himself and is already another testament to the talent that resides in Mississippi running. Keep an eye out for him in the coming weeks and months as he continues to prove himself as one of the top junior high athletes in the state.