FINISH WHAT WE STARTED.
This can be seen on the back of every Cowboys’ practice jersey, below their name, as they wear it before the start of every game. A perfect motto to their nearly perfect season it is. Finishing the season 18-3, the Cowboys have achieved success unlike anyone in CGD has seen for years. What a time we are in to witness this greatness from the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Cowboys.
]For the first time in 60 years, the Cowboys have placed first in the North Central Conference. The Cowboys this season have broken barriers and dispelled the doubts of anyone who thought they could never make it this far. Of course the level of skill, chemistry, and quality in the players have brought them where they are now, but perhaps something else has helped push the Cowboys atop. Something spiritual.
“Finish What We Started” wasn’t the only message printed on the Cowboys’ practice jerseys. In the picture above, “JJ” can be seen on the sleeve of the player’s jersey. This was added in memory of Mr. Jay Richard “JJ” Jackson. Mr. Jackson was a teacher at the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School, and a coach of many sports such as football, basketball, track, and baseball. Mr. Jackson battled cancer, and passed away on April 4, 2020. He was 48 years old.
Senior Landon Olson spoke about Mr. Jackson as a coach, as he explained, “He was a great coach and mentor to all of us players for many years and we just want to carry his legacy on with us.” The entire CGD basketball team dedicates this season in his memory, and how perfect is it that these Cowboys have been the first hometown team to reach first place in their conference since 1962.
Mr. Jackson not only helped and watched the Cowboys during their high school years, but was part of their lives years before. “He was always helping out before our 3rd grade basketball tournaments and was either always in the stands cheering us on or on the sideline helping us,” Olson explained. Olson further described Mr. Jackson outside of the court and how he was as a person, stating, “He always wanted to get his kids involved and wanted everyone to have fun doing whatever it was we were doing. We would always have many fun projects in his science class and watch many fun movies, too! He was always there for someone when they needed his help, too, and he just wanted everyone to succeed.”
This 2021/2022 season has been a success story never seen before in Clarion-Goldfield-Dows. Driven and motivated for success in memory of Mr. Jackson, the CGD players have dedicated their season to him. “If it wasn’t for him, I know this season and team wouldn’t be possible,” Olson stated. A season dedicated for Mr. Jackson, the CGD Cowboys will be seeking continued success as they begin their road to make it to state starting tonight (Thursday) at 7 PM right in the home of Clarion-Goldfield-Dows.
As Olson stated, on behalf of everyone part of the CGD basketball team, “This season has been all for him!”
