This one is about the young academically, athletically and service gifted student that I have had the pleasure of coaching over the last 2 years. I stand at the top portion of bleachers during track and field meets to get a great scope of all of the events/ warmups and happenings of meet, observing my athletes as they trained for their upcoming competitions. Among them, there was one athlete who stood out not only for his exceptional athletic abilities but also for his remarkable achievements outside of the sports arena. His name was Jeff Wall Jr.

Jeff was a senior athlete in our track and field program, and he was truly a force to be reckoned with. Not only did he excel in his academics with a remarkable 3.5 grade point average, but he had also achieved great success in the field of martial arts. In fact, he was a member of the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame as a Black Belt. On top of that, he was the CEO of a Dayton Ohio Non-Profit organization called Golden Age Karate, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.

I couldn't help but admire Jeff's dedication and drive. In his lifetime, he had received numerous scholarships, accomplishments, and awards that spoke volumes about his remarkable talent and character. He was a Darwin T Turner Scholar for the University of Cincinnati, recognized as one of the Dayton 25 Under 25 innovators. He had also been honored with the Better Business Bureau of Integrity Award and had even won an award at the Tribeca Film Festival for a film in collaboration with Zendesk and produced by Even Odd Films. MSNBC, Films that will change the world

Jeff's achievements didn't stop there. He had been featured on prestigious platforms like Showtime at the Apollo, What's Next O magazine, CNN, The Doctors TV, Tamron Hall Show, and even had a special segment dedicated to him on Dayton Ohio Channel 7's "Making a Difference." It was clear that he was leaving an indelible mark on the world and inspiring those around him.

But amidst all his accolades, Jeff remained humble and dedicated to his passion for track and field. As a member of our Chaminade Julienne Track and Field Program, he had consistently pushed himself to new heights. His impressive 21.85-foot long jump was a testament to his hard work and determination. Recently, he had qualified for the OHSAA Division 2 Regional competition, a milestone that showcased his exceptional talent on a larger stage.

As I reflect on Jeff's journey, I can't help but feel an immense sense of pride. I am proud of the young man he is becoming, not only as an athlete but also as a community change agent. His career goals to become a feature film creator and continue making a positive impact align perfectly with the values we strive to instill in our athletes.

So, as we approach the State competition, I want to take a moment to thank Jeff for all his hard work and dedication over the past two years. He has been an inspiration to his teammates and a role model for all of us. Let's continue to support each other, push our limits, and strive for excellence. I have no doubt that with Jeff's talent, passion, and unwavering determination, he will achieve greatness both on and off the track. Together, let's continue to get better and make our mark on the State competition.