Wilson Hall senior Jordan Thornton talks with scrunners about the past season, Shrine Bowl Run experience and future.
Name: Jordan Thornton
Hobbies: ceramics and painting
Academic interest: I plan to major in elementary education and minor in art.
Personal bests - 5K: 19:38, 3200m: 12:47, 1600m: 5:45.78, 800m: 2:37
What does it mean to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team and help the hospital?
It is an honor to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team and help the hospital.
What did you hear about the Shrine Bowl Run before this year?
I had never heard about the Shrine Bowl prior to this year.
What do you hope to experience during the event?
I hope to get to know some amazing young people who share my love of running as well as learning about the Shriners Hospital and meeting with a patient and their family.
How are you preparing to run with a football?
I typically run with my phone on my runs so I'm hoping that it will be somewhat similar to running with a football.
How would you rate your senior season?
Nine out of 10.
What future goals do you have?
My goal for the upcoming track season is to set a new school record in the mile as well as setting new personal bests in the 800m, 1600m, and the 3200m.
Have you made the decision to compete at the next level? Please explain.
I have committed to USC Upstate to run cross country, indoor track and outdoor track.
How did you get involved with the sport and when?
I started running in the fourth grade but I did not run competitively until sixth grade.
"I would love to travel to other countries and experience other cultures. As a child with parents in the military, I have moved around my whole life and I have seen many parts of the United States, however, I have never left the United States and I would love to experience what other parts of the world have to offer." - Jordan Thornton
Do you have any relation or know someone that has attended the Shriners Hospital?
I do not have any relation to anyone at the Shriners Hospital.
How have you seen the sport change in the state? Please explain.
I have been competing in SCISA since I was in sixth grade and it has been amazing watching my competitors grow up with me and develop as athletes. I have several friends that have committed or are currently running at the collegiate level and I am so fortunate to know so many people who share my love of running.
What was your motivation for your final XC season?
Running at the collegiate level has always been a dream of mine. After dealing with several injuries during my junior year and the summer before my senior year, I was worried that that dream could not become a reality. So during my senior year, I worked harder than I have before and worked closely with my coaches to make sure I was following the workout plan they had created so I could avoid further injury. Then as my senior season was winding to an end, I committed to continue my athletic career at USC Upstate. My dream is what pushed me to work harder in order for it to become a reality.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
I would love to travel to other countries and experience other cultures. As a child with parents in the military, I have moved around my whole life and I have seen many parts of the United States, however, I have never left the United States and I would love to experience what other parts of the world have to offer.
