Joshua Jacques Adds Name To Lyman History At Foot Locker Nationals

(Photo by Travis Miller)

Lyman High School has produced some of the state's fastest distance runners for over two decades. Names like Teddy Mitchell, Nick Radkewich, Robert Saltman, Rob Evans, and the latest in line Joshua Jacques. Jacques added himself to the state championship list after winning the 4A Cross Country Finals in 2014.

The 2015 season started out with three third place finishes in the UF Mt. Dew Invitational, flrunners.com Invitational, and FSU Invitational/Pre-State. Ironically enough his Foot Locker Nationals teammate Steven Cross won two out of three of those races, and finished second at FLR16.

In his quest for a repeat state championship, Jacques was with the lead group at the beginning of the race, but felt fatigue during the second mile and slipped back to 9th in his only time over 16 minutes this season. Coach Fred Finke told the youngster not to let it get to his head, and the pair along with training partner Jordan Armstrong, went right back to work with their eyes set on the Foot Locker South Regional. Jacques said afterwards that the race played out better than in year's past.

"I got out strong and with the leaders. Having all those fantastic runner to my side just makes me feel good because no matter what happens, at that point, I knew I was in the race and I was in for a good time. I wanted that plane ticket and that's what was driving me. I felt like I had to prove something to myself and I have now so it feels great."

What a difference a year makes. Jacques placed 50th as a junior in 15:44. Three weeks ago he cracked the top ten (8th) and shaved 20 seconds off his time from 2014 to advance to Foot Locker Nationals in San Diego, where he will compete against the nation's best on Saturday. An excited Jaques, said he couldn't wait for the experience.

"I get one more big race to finish strong and I'm eager to see what's in store!"

(Photo by Mary Ann Magnant)

By qualifying, the Lyman senior joined Mitchell and Radkewich as the third Greyhound to make the trek to San Diego. Mitchell, is the lone Floridian to make the meet three times doing so in 1987,1988, and 1989 while Radkewich also went in 87' and 88'. Coach Fred Finke, who coached both Mitchell and Radkewich, says he sees a lot of those same qualities in Jacques and adds that its an honor for the program to have yet another Foot Locker Finalist.

"He is a lot like the others. He LOVES to race. As for the program, I have to give the credit to the kids, the parents, the school, and Lyman's tradition. The tradition was there before I got there and will be there after I leave."

Before he toes the line on Saturday, Finke says he will tell his star pupil to just relax and enjoy the moment.

"This race will not define him, just as the state meet did not define him. Lyman grad, Nick Radkewich, finished 4th from last at Foot Locker, but yet made the 2000 Olympic team. He needs to just go out there and have fun."

Jacques, who has a season best of 15:17, the third fastest time of the year, remains uncommitted to any school at this point. After Saturday's performances, he could have new suitors for his services!

Season Stats