WEST POINT, Ala. – West Point High School’s Jakob Salter collected his diploma in May, and in this interview, he shares some of his memories competing on the track, starting with his experience running in Gulf Shores for the first time in his career.
“My favorite memory is from my junior year, when me and my 4×8 relay team went to state for track. We were in a really competitive section, but everything came together. I got to go run in Gulf Shores for track for the first time. It was my first time I’ve ever gotten to travel for a sport, so it was pretty cool. It ended up being a great experience for me and my team. It really helped me get some experience to develop as a runner,” Salter said. “It’s what really makes cross-country and track-and-field what it is. You get to have a family that will stand beside you, whether you win or lose. They’ll pick you up and encourage you to do better. I learned what it meant to be a leader and to be a part of something bigger than me. I’ve seen many guys, throughout the years, take up that leader’s position, and I believe that has shaped me into the person I am today.”
Jakob’s coach introduced him to track and had a massive influence on his life. He mentioned a couple of his favorite events that he participated in, and he will deeply miss competing at West Point.
“I had my coach Matt Heaton, who followed me from my time at Harmony, all the way until the point where I graduated from West Point. He had a massive influence on my life, he taught me the values of hard work, and he really made the team feel like a family. I felt like I could go to him for any issues, personal or track related. He taught me how to love running. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know that I would’ve joined cross-country. He introduced me to this sport, and I fell in love with it,” Salter said. “I loved the 1600m race and the 4×800. In the 1600m, I got to really challenge my speed and endurance. In the relay, I got to build a family. The three guys and I got really close during that time. We struggled, won, and lost together, which really made us depend on each other, making us naturally closer. I will definitely miss my teammates. Over my four-year stay, I made some friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Graduation was Jakob’s favorite high school memory and being around so many great staff members made his high school experience one that he never forget.
“Graduation was definitely my favorite high school memory. You don’t ever experience something quite like it ever again, walking across that stage and saying goodbye to the people you had come so close to, to walk into your future, and the rest of your life,” he said. “What made West Point a special place to go to was definitely the faculty and staff. Everyone you run into there are so sweet. If you ever need something, I can guarantee there will be someone there who can help you.”
Jakob will miss being a Warrior in August. He talked about a role model that he looks up to, and gave advice to the students that will start high school in August.
“I will miss seeing my friends every day. I’d wake up in the mornings excited for school, because I knew they would be there to greet me at the doors,” he said. “I looked up to Gabriel Laney, a guy two years older than me. I saw him succeed and win medals, and it made me want to do the same. My advice to them is you aren’t ‘too cool’ for anything. Get out there, be yourself, and don’t let the moments pass you by, because it really is over before you know it.”
Jakob will continue his running career at Shelton State Community College. He gave some advice to anyone that wants to compete in track at the college level.
“What drew me to Shelton State was definitely the campus and the people on staff that I met. The campus is absolutely beautiful, and the people I met there are just the best,” he said. “Be consistent. That’s the only way you can succeed. You have to be the person who shows up every day, no matter what. That’s what separates you from everyone else. God is everything. He’s the whole reason we are here, and it’s such a blessing that He allows me to get out there and run every day.”
Jakob shared a couple of his favorite Bible verses and being a role model for the younger kids watching him in and outside of sports is important to him.
“Philippians 4:13 and John 3:16 are two very important verses to me. Philippians 4:13 reminds me that I can do whatever I put my mind to, because I have God by my side. John 3:16 reminds me what great sacrifice Jesus made so that we could go to heaven,” he said. “It’s very important to me. I’d love for kids to develop the same love for running and life that I’ve experienced so far. Everyone should have the ability to just love life. I want people to remember how I love to make people happy. That’s what really brings light to my life: seeing other people smile.”
