Mr. Stirley Jones, Yorba Linda High School’s head track and field coach and intervention teacher, will take his athletic talents to compete in track in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. Coach Jones took the helm of the track and field program last school year and is working hard to grow the program in a positive way for student-athletes in all running and field events.
Coach Jones’ road to the Paris Olympics is marked by significant achievements, having competed as a Paralympian for Team USA in various global competitions. This includes Berlin, Germany in 2018, where he earned a bronze medal in the 100-meter individual race. He also competed in the 2023 ParaPan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
Reflecting on his international experiences, Coach Jones expressed profound gratitude, stating, “The experience was amazing. It was an honor to represent the country and to meet people from different countries.”
The 2023 ParaPan American Games marked Coach Jones’ return to the international stage since 2018, where he clinched the bronze in the men’s 100-meter T13 competition, clocking in at 11.39.
“This is my first full season back, so I’m really pleased,” Coach Jones remarked. “To be able to come here, to not really know how I was going to do, and to come back with a medal is really special.”
Despite being diagnosed with Keratoconus, a corneal thinning disorder causing visual distortion, Coach Jones remains undeterred. His accolades extend beyond his personal athletic achievements; he has also left an indelible mark as a highly regarded high school and college coach. Beginning his coaching career at Marina High School in 2015-2016, Coach Jones led his athletes to break numerous school records and achieve remarkable successes in CIF competitions, marking a resurgence in the school’s track and field program. His tenure at Los Alamitos High School further solidified his reputation as a coach dedicated to excellence.
With track and field season is in full swing at Yorba Linda High School and surrounding high schools, Coach Jones stands as a pillar of leadership for the Mustangs.
“Thank you Coach Jones for your hard work and sacrifice and modeling to our young athletes to set goals and persevere to attain them,” Principal Dr. Richard Dinh shared.
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are scheduled from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, August 11. Here’s to wishing Coach Jones the very best of luck!
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