Hamilton, MI. – Jacob “Jake” Nelson showed up to Hamilton High School with high hopes and great aspirations on Saturday, June 1 as he was set to compete in three running events at the Division 2 track and field state championships. With 4 state championships under his belt, his goal was to finish his high school track with 3 more championships. And through his hard work and in spite of some of the nastiest weather he ever had to face in his long track career he was able to achieve his goal.
Jake runs in the adaptive track category which the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has approved and is encouraged and supported by almost everyone who is a fan of sports and equality. He would participate in the 100, 200, and the 400.
The meet was a little behind so he had to wait a little longer for the event staff to catch up to some events but he stayed loose and hydrated and kept exercising his muscles for when his time to compete came. Sadly, a big rainstorm was predicted to show up also. But Jake was able to compete in his first event the 100 with no bad weather and did an outstanding job achieving a time of 28.99 a little over his personal record (pr) and his state championship time from 2023.
But then with more delays and waiting the rain came. And it hit hard! Anyone who has run track in the rain knows it’s not easy or comfortable but it’s especially harder in a wheelchair. Making adjustments is more difficult and keeping a good grip is harder plus the water on the track can really bog things down.
But that didn’t stop Jake. Because had a job to do and a goal to achieve. He rolled his way onto the track amidst the torrential rainstorm for his 400 and got off to a great start. As he kept going the crowd of thousands was all standing and cheering for him, including the competitors from other teams and of course his own team. As he raced down the straightaway kicking up lots of water and going through large puddles the crowd erupted with even more fanfare watching this brave young man compete as hard as he did. His time was a little off his PR which he said was inappropriate because he knew he could do better if the weather didn’t burden him.
It was the same in the 200, the final event of his track career. The rain had not let up at all and by this time he was soaked but he put his head down and competed his hardest finishing about 10 seconds off of his 51.6 PR from earlier in the season. He held his head high as he knew he achieved his goal of 3 more state championships!
“it feels good to set these records,” Jake said with a big smile on his face.
He proudly braved the weather for pictures for his supporters and family who are going to miss seeing him compete. His father and coach Dan and his mother Marijane, his biggest fan, have done such an excellent job keeping him active and helping him and other adaptive athletes achieve their dreams. Jake not only competed in track but was also on his High School bowling team.
Jake will be keeping busy as usual as he will have a job starting soon and will still be very active as he helps out umpiring and refereeing various sports around his area, mainly Chelsea sports and the Special Olympics. He knows all the rules of every sport and takes great pride in doing what he does. And he will be missed by all at the track as the legend he is!
