By Reina Kempt

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Natchez native Jack Daly has had one of his best years as a cross country athlete to date winning two state titles—and he still has a year of high school left.

The 17-year-old Daly transferred from Trinity Episcopal Day School to St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in his seventh grade year in pursuit of a stronger academic challenge.

With the school sporting a strong cross country program, Daly was able to continue in his favorite sport while taking Advanced Placement courses.

He said taking upper-level classes along with being an athlete wasn’t too difficult; they actually worked hand in hand.

“I think all of the dedication and hard work I put into running kept me motivated in class,” Daly said. “And I also got to take my mind off school while running track.”

Daly said that St. Andrew’s having a bigger emphasis on cross country was just the icing on the cake to a sport that he has always loved.

“Running was always something I loved to do,” Daly said. “When I was 13, I ran a half-marathon. I run because I love it, and cross country is just a season that I can do it in.”

With his father, Dr. Edward Daly, having his medical practice in Natchez, moving to Jackson and not seeing his father every day was a bit of a challenge for Daly.

“It made me value family time more,” Daly said.

Edward Daly is an avid runner as well, and he’s part of the reason why Jack is in love with running.

“He ran the half-marathon with me, and it was his choice. I never pushed him,” Edward said. “He wanted to do it, and he enjoyed it just like I enjoy it.”

Edward said having his son share the same love as he did gives them some father-son bonding time.

“It is nice to have someone to train with,” Edward said. “I used to be able to beat him, but now he’s got the speed.”

This past season, Jack qualified for the Mississippi High State Activities Association 3A state championship in the 800-meter, 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter runs. He won both the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs and received his first two individual state titles.

“I was seeded first in both races. I knew all I had to do was be consistent and slow the race down so I can speed up at the end,” Jack said.

His kick is what he values most about his running game, and Daly said he used it to his advantage.

“I have a very strong kick; I can finish faster,” Jack said. “I ran the last lap (in the 1,600) in 62 seconds.”

Once crossing the finish line, Daly said he knew he was the new state champion.

“I knew I won,” Jack said. “I was excited to have been fortunate enough to win two races. I’m very thankful I had a good day.”

Edward said he couldn’t be more proud of Jack and his accomplishments.

“Just to have the opportunity to be a state champion is great,” Edward said. “He put in an awful lot of hard work, and it paid off.”

Now with two gold medals hanging around his neck, Daly said he’s anticipating his senior year.

All of Jack’s achievements have now been accompanied by greater responsibility. Jack said he has just been named the cross country captain of his team.

He said his goals for his senior year include improving his time to get ready for the next level.

“My main goal is to drop my mile time,” he said. “Right now it’s four minutes and 35 seconds. I’d like to take 15 seconds off of that.”

Jack said he would love to run in college if the opportunity presented itself.

“I’m more focused on academics, but I would like to run Division 1 cross country if possible,” Jack said. “It depends on if it’s the right fit for me academically.”

Jack said he already has one school in mind.

“I would love to go to the University of Colorado at Boulder,” he said. “I want to major in chemistry, and it is a good research school.”

Not only is the academic program right up his alley, the men’s cross country team was ranked seventh in the nation last season and placed third in the NCAA championships as well.

As Jack contemplates on the next step of his life, he is already training to finish his senior year at St. Andrew’s Episcopal on a high note.