Arbor View’s Ian Jackson wins first high school invitational at Labor Day Classic

Arbor View cross-country coach Sheina Torres expected big things from junior Ian Jackson during the 2016 season.

During the Labor Day Invitational Saturday at Palo Verde High School, Jackson delivered.

Jackson, an honorable-mention all-state selection last season, was part of the lead pack from the start before accelerating through the final mile to win the junior-senior boys race in 16:44.4 – more than 18 seconds ahead of Green Valley’s Omar Rubio who finished second in 17:02.8. Palo Verde’s Daniel Ziems finished third in 17:04.3.

Jackson’s victory was his first in a high school invitational.

“He holds with the lead pack, and then he’ll take off and finish strong, no matter what,” Torres said. “He was first overall at cluster meet (Wednesday), and of course today. I’m so proud of him.

“He did really well last year. It really started for him in ninth-grade track and he has taken off. His legs are so strong. He’s such a great kid and a role model. I’m proud to be his coach.”

Jackson also opened eyes with his behavior after the race. After he crossed the finish line first, he stuck around and shook the hand of every one of his fellow competitors, congratulating them on their run. He turned down numerous photo requests until the race was over.

He also declined to take any credit for himself, only saying, “it’s a nice feeling” when asked how he felt after winning the first major race of the cross-country season.

“Honestly, I do it for the team,” he said. “Team is always at the forefront of what I do. It’s never about me, and when I want to do well, it’s for the team and never for myself.

“I want to show everybody that good sportsmanship is a key component of what we do. You should never try to intimidate others. We are all doing this together, and there is no reason we cannot all be friends.”

Jackson’s effort helped the Aggies junior-senior team to a second-place finish in the team event. Green Valley was first as the Gators placed four runners in the top nine finishers.

If you ask Torres, Saturday was just the start of what Jackson and the Aggies can do.

“I expected that from Ian, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he keeps doing that,” Torres said. “I also expect big things from them. They are tight group, work together and train hard. You’ll be seeing more from Arbor View.”

Jackson seems ready to fulfill that promise.

“I just try and work hard everyday,” he said. “Just because you are good, doesn’t mean you cannot get better. My freshman year I wasn’t that good, but I kept working hard, and I just want to keep doing that and see where we can go.”

In the junior-senior girls race, Centennial’s Alexis Gourrier dominated the field, finishing in 19:37.5. Palo Verde’s Emma Wahlenmaier (20:07.5) was second and Centennial’s Kayla Roberts was third (20:14.4).

Centennial won the team title as it had four runners finish in top five. Palo Verde finished second in the team competition.

In the freshman-sophomore boys race, Palo Verde’s Evelio Vergara (17:42.0) rallied to edge Centennial’s Alexander Miller (17:41.1) at the wire. Arbor View’s Noah Ayala (17:45.8) was third.

Palo Verde won the boys team title, while Centennial was second.

In the freshman-sophomore girls race, Sierra Vista’s Sarriah Brown finished in 20:49.5, while Centennial’s Kennedy Brace (20:51.3) and Mckenzie Morgan (20:51.4) were second and third.

Centennial was first in the team competition, while Palo Verde finished second.