Jill Nguyen, Mother of Jackson Nguyen, Class of 2021
Jackson Nguyen is a military child, and moved to Huntsville in 2015 from South Korea, where his Dad was stationed with the United States Army. Jackson entered the Huntsville City School System as a 7th grader, attending Hampton Cove Middle School. As a “new kid” in the Hampton Cove area, it was a challenge to break into the teen age crowd. Jackson adjusted to his surrounding, but living in the still developing McMullen Cove community, he did not have a variety or choice of school age friends with whom to “hang out.”
In 2017, Jackson entered his Freshman year at Huntsville High School. In the midst of class registration, we discovered that Freshman were required to sign up for Physical Education or play a sport. Prior to his Freshman year, Jackson played soccer with the community recreational teams. As summer break came to a close, Jackson developed an interest in track, and inquired more and more about this sport activity. I contacted the school to ask for information, and was connected with a Huntsville High School Cross Country (XC) parent who provided me additional data pertaining to the XC program. After discussing the XC information that I received with Jackson, he decided to seize the opportunity to join the program. It was a typical Alabama summer day when he started with XC late July 2017. Prior to this, Jackson was very content with playing online games and a sedentary lifestyle. I picked Jackson up from his first day of practice, and Jackson quickly jumped in the car. At that time, I noticed that the coaches and runners were still on the practice course. After some coaxing, and a little “tough love,” Jackson exited the vehicle and was greeted by Coach Borden who “influenced” him to get back out on the course. Although an eye-opening experience for Jackson, this first day of practice was Jackson’s introduction and started his XC crucible. From that day forward, XC had a profound impact in all areas of Jackson’s life.
As a member of the XC team, Jackson was part of something special in the vast ocean of Huntsville High. He was no longer the “new” kid. He was blessed with an instant group of peers, and upper classmen with similar interests and goals. I truly believe that XC has made a positive impact in Jackson’s continued formative years at Huntsville High. The confidence and maturity that blossomed in my son was something that brought joy to my heart and peace and serenity to my soul. Coach Borden not only trained the team for success on the Huntsville trails and tracks, but more importantly, he mentors these young adults in lifelong lessons. Hard work, honesty, integrity, perseverance and determination are a few adjectives that come to mind when I reflect back to the values and traits which Coach imparted to the team each and every day. Blake Borden coaches, teaches and mentors with a resolute stance and a caring ear. Make no mistake about it, he does not coach by way of a velvet glove. However, the athletes respond to his leadership style, because they know he truly cares about their well-being. He is a standard setter and knows each and every athlete in his fold.
Jackson started his freshman year running an 18:00 minute plus two mile. He ended the season as most improved boy running an 11:36 minute 2 mile! Going into his senior year, he now runs a 9:50 two mile. He ended his freshman year in the 5K at 20:01, while finishing his junior year this past season at 16:27 and a member of the 2019 7A State Championship team. Along with much-improved run times he has an improved diet and sleep habits, which I truly believe will accompany him throughout his adult years. I no longer have to pry him out of bed, instead he now wakes himself before the crack of dawn in anticipation of morning practice. Improved grades, need I say more? My son who was struggling the year before is now on the A honor roll!
As Jackson goes into his senior year, I reflect on both his success and the challenges in which he has overcome. I am proud of the challenges in which he has displayed determination and grit to overcome. Jackson has suffered physical set backs during the XC season in both his sophomore and junior seasons, which kept him out of the majority of the season’s races due primarily to growth. He could have easily given up and walked away, but he didn’t. Coach encouraged and demanded that Jackson stay focused on recovery and maintain a positive mindset. He did not give him any other option but to remain positive. He showed care and concern with his physical rehabilitation and constantly check in with Jackson and me on his progress.
I am incredibly proud to be a part of this program. Jackson continues to push himself not only on the track and trails, but also in the classroom, and in his daily life. Jackson’s passion and dedication to running transformed a quiet and inner focused boy into the self-confident and caring young man that he is today.