By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
On April 21, Pennsauken High School senior Marquan Jones made a commitment to further both his academic and athletic career in college, accepting a track and field scholarship at Division I Rider University. With his parents and coaches present, he signed his national letter of intent during a special media event at Pennsauken High School.
“Marquan makes everyone in the community and everyone one here supporting him extremely proud,” says Eric Mossop, athletic direct at Pennsauken High School, who took the opportunity to address those in attendance. “We’d like to thank his parents for being here for him throughout his life. Without your example, love, and support, Marquan would not be here today. We’d like to thank all his teachers who molded him into the successful student that he is today. We’d like to thank all of his coaches, especially Coach Billy Snyder and Coach Clinton Tabb, who never gave up on Marquan and always pushed him to reach his potential. We’d also like to thank the Board of Education and the school administration at Pennsauken for giving Marquan the avenues he’s so successfully navigated to the next step in his life.”
Marquan is a three-time conference champion; three-time sectional champion; three-time state champion; and is the current Pennsauken High School record holder for eight events (outdoor: 400m, 4x100m, 4x200m, and 4x400m; indoor: 200m, 400m, 4x200m, and 4x400m).
“The best part is he still has a whole outdoor track season left to add to those already impressive totals,” adds Mossop.
Marquan has also proven his worth in the classroom, earning a cumulative 3.1 GPA with a schedule that has included numerous honors and GT classes.
Jones is very appreciative of his teachers and coaches for pushing him towards success and preparing him for college.
“Academically, Pennsauken High School is not easy,” says Marquan, who is considering a degree in Health Science and hopes to compete in the NCAA Championships for track and field. “The teachers express that grades are definitely important and that you should study. Athletically, I came into freshman year average. Now I’m top in the state, thanks to my coaches.”
Jones joins fellow classmates Briana Roberts, this year’s NJSIAA sectional cross country champion, and Amanda Bakley, one of the top steeplechase runners in the country, as one of three Pennsauken High School student athletes to sign a Division I scholarship offer this year. And as Marquan signed his letter of intent, his parents, Nathaniel and Olivia Jones, were extremely proud of their son and his accomplishments.
“He’s worked very hard. He’s come through some growing pains. He’s turned into a very bright and successful young man. I am amazed to be his mother,” says Olivia. “Marq has always been driven, no matter what he’s done in life. I’m very proud of him.”
“I’m very excited for him to sign his letter,” adds Nathaniel. “I’m looking forward to him having a prosperous four years, to get his degree, and I hope to see him in the NCAA Championships.”
