Leaps and bounds

Track and field jumper breaking Liberty records

HOPS — Junior jumper Darrel Jones won the triple jump Big South title in 2016.
Photo Credit: Caroline Cummings

Seldom does one come across a skill by accident.

Even more seldom does one use that skill to land themself in a record book.

Darrel Jones is the exception, having been recognized as the Big South Men’s Indoor Field Athlete of the Week for the fourth time for his performance on the triple jump.

According to libertyflames.edu, Jones broke the school record for the triple jump Jan. 22 during the first official meet at Liberty’s new track and field complex.

Jones is currently ranked second in Big South history for the event.

Jones happened upon his aptitude for the triple jump on accident as he was a track runner for the New Jersey Striders during his sophomore year of
high school.

“One of my teammates actually quit, and they needed another triple jumper, so I said, ‘Okay, I’ll try it,’” Jones said.

“I was a little apprehensive about it, but it ended up sticking.”

Jones has devoted himself to the sport and is constantly pushing himself to do even better.

Team member and roommate Aklesso Agama elaborated on Jones’ drive.

“He’s very meticulous when it comes to warming up and cooling down, lifting, training,” Agama said.

“He takes it very seriously. He makes sure he always gets the right amount of sleep. He never stays up too late. He’s always on top of his school work too. Track is a very big thing for him.”

Jones has kept this determination through high school as he dedicated himself in the triple jump, sweeping the New York indoor and outdoor state triple jump titles his senior year of high school.

Head track and field coach Brant Tolsma was not set on recruiting Jones, but changed his mind when Jones reached his goal of jumping 50 feet in the event.

“I think his mindset is his strongest attribute,” Tolsma said.

“Even in high school when he was an average-level athlete, he set some big goals and worked for them hard and was able to accomplish them. In the process of his senior year, he set a goal to jump 50 feet, and he was only at 47-something in his junior year, and then he ended up doing it.”

Jones was not initially sure about coming to Liberty.

He had plans for a bigger Division I school such as LSU or Penn State for his athletics, but his perspective changed when he came to Liberty.

“I was actually going to cancel my visit to Liberty University because I heard about the Liberty Way and stuff, and I was like, ‘I’m not a rule breaker,’ but the Liberty Way written down in text sounds so much worse than it actually is,” Jones said.

“On my visit, I felt like the coach here was just right and I could fit in right away.”

Jones has big plans for this season, pushing himself even harder.

“I want to go to nationals,” Jones said.

“I want to place, and I want to do well there. I want to do well in my performances as well, but I also want to use track to bring people to Christ and inspire people outside of the track, and people I come into contact with at different meets and I just want to encourage them. Whatever it looks like, I just want to help people around me as well — use it as a platform.”

Jones’ drive is not limited to college though, as he has plans to pursue the triple jump beyond college.

“I want to keep jumping post-collegiately, so that’s my drive,” Jones said.

“I’m not at the point I want to be right now, so that keeps me pushing, so I won’t be complacent in my accomplishments. I want more out of this sport, so I want to get there and I want to keep pushing.”

Jones’ coaches, including assistant track and field coach Shawn Venable, recognize this.

“From my perspective, he’s very coachable,” Venable said.

“That’s something you don’t see often in high-level athletes. He’s really willing to listen. Darrel has everything that it will take to be really successful.”

Jones broke a school record, but he also had an advantage students before him did not — the new indoor track complex.

“Liberty gives you so much to achieve and do well in your sport, so I just want to take advantage of it (during) my years here,” Jones said.

“Coach Tolsma always says, ‘Where much is given, much is required,’ so everyone’s on their A-game to stay on the track team. I know big cuts are coming up, so everyone’s just trying to work hard and push each other. It (has) definitely been competitive at practice and at meets.”

Jones expressed his thankfulness for his situation and the team he is with.

“This is the best group I’ve been a part of as a team,” Jones said.

“They’re just fun to hang out with — especially the freshmen. It’s just a fun atmosphere to be around.”

Panyard is a sports reporter.