Cody Jones: Frontier Academy to Portland State


Cody Jones joins a small flood of Colorado athletes signing with Portland State this year.

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Cody Jones' Best Marks:

3200 Meters - 10:10.88 (at altitude)

5K Cross Country - 16:18 (at altitude)

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Tell us what made Portland State the winner in the Cody Jones Signing Derby.

There was a lot of colleges on my list, but I wanted to find a team where I felt like I was finding another "running family". I visited a few different colleges but Portland State was the one where I felt at home. I was really intrigued by being part of a program with guys and girls who are all about helping one another be successful as a collegiate runner.

What do you plan to study while at Portland State?

I plan to study Applied Health and Fitness while at Portland State.

Portland State has had a number of Colorado signings this year. Were you aware of any of the others as you were making this decision or did you find out like the rest of us?

For the most part I found out like the rest of Colorado with the exception of Jack from Rifle. We talked right after he committed and we are excited to be teammates.

What event or events do you hope to specialize in in college?

I hope to specialize in the 5k, 8k, and 10k in college. Middle distance isn't for me.

Can you pick out a personal highlight for us from your high school career?

A personal highlight from my high school career has to be finishing 8th at the State XC meet my junior year. This race was so memorable to me because I surprised myself with my performance. I had had a pretty rough season my sophomore track season so I was lacking confidence for most of the year. However, I let that doubt go away the last few meets of my junior season and it showed in my performance. Not only did I make the podium but the experience taught me to not let your doubts or a bad season get you down. Go out there and just run free, don't worry about the outcome. This is something I continually come back to to get me through bad workouts, meets, or setbacks.

What's left on the table to accomplish before you graduate from high school?

I hope to get through the end of school and compete for a podium position in the stacked 3200m field at the State meet.