5,000 meters. 16 minutes flat. A new school record. It’s no question Jacob Green, jr., has had a memorable 2018 season that will leave its mark. 

“My individual goal is to break the school record which is only three seconds away,” Green said on Oct.11. Later that day he did just that. 

Even in the beginning, Green has been a standout to his coaches and teammates. 

“I remember in second or third grade he [Coach Pacc] told me I was gonna be something special,” Green said. “At the time I didn’t know what that meant, but now it’s starting to come full circle.”

Many of Green’s goals for his junior year season were realized walking in to State Cross Country 2018. From beating his own personal record to his team making it to state, most of his goals for the season had been accomplished. At State Cross Country 2018, Green placed sixth.

“My favorite part about running is just the experience of being free,” Green said. “Just being able to let everything loose for an hour.” Because he’s been running since elementary school, Green’s become a school record holder for a cross country race. 

Green is also thoroughly involved at Kennedy, participating in marching band, cross country, track, Mentors in Violence Prevention and concert band. 

In his sophomore year season, Green’s record was 16:10.6, which is 2:4.4 fast than his freshman year season record at 18:15.0. From sophomore year to junior year, Green has shaved off another 10.6 seconds. 

“I’m starting to realize what Coach Pacc really said to me,” Green said. “And it’s all coming together now.”

Green still has his senior season left, but is focused on this year first. However, it’s no doubt his work at Kennedy isn’t done and that next year, he will still be a runner to watch.