#395 - We Are Jackson Ferguson Hitting the Trails to Setup…

About this episode

Send us Fan MailColorado is known as a hotbed for running talent, and here’s an emerging star who accomplished something pretty extraordinary this summer. With cross country season upon us – my team’s first meet is this weekend – I want to introduce you to Golden High School’s Jackson Ferguson. Jackson had a very, very solid year as a sophomore, including finishing fourth at the State 5A Cross Country Championships, notching a 5K PR of 14:49.33 while finishing 12th at the Nike Southwest Regional cross country meet, and lowering his time in the 3200 meters by 30 seconds from his freshman year to 9:11.09 and placing second at the State track meet. Jackson parlayed all of that to be chosen for a spot on the USA team at the International U18 Mountain Racing Cup, a 4.6K competition in Gagliano del Capo in southern Italy on a rugged course with 191 meters of vertical gain that had many others at times hiking with their hands on their thighs. Competing against teams from 16 other countries, and despite getting knocked down in the first 100 meters, 16-year-old Jackson came away with the victory. Oh, did I mention that this was Jackson’s very first trail race? Jackson then parlayed that into another big win, notching the gold medal at the National High School Trail Championships in Salida, CO by 28 seconds in a very strong 31:39 for 5.4 miles. Jackson is a super nice guy who does a great job talking about this rather unique first international racing experience, as well as what it was like to duke it out this year with some of the big names in Colorado high school running, and what his hopes are for his next couple of years of high school and beyond. Jackson FergusonInstagram @jackson_fergyBill Stahl silly_billy@msn.com Facebook and LinkedIn Bill Stahl Instagram and Threads @stahlor and @coachstahl YouTube We Are Superman PodcastSubscribe to our Substack for my archive of articles of coaching tips developed from my more than three decades of experience, wild and funny stories from my long coaching career, the wit and wisdom of David, and highlights of some of the best WASP episodes from the past that I feel are worthwhile giving another listen.Search either We Are Superman Podcast or @billstahl8Register for the American Heroes Run: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133138