Southeast Missourian Athlete of the Week: Jackson's Jack Jeffers

Jackson senior Jack Jeffers literally ran out of his shoes in completing his high school cross country career with the distinction of Class 4 all-state on Saturday in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Jeffers lost his right shoe about 800 meters into the 3.1-mile course at Oak Hills Golf Center when his foot was clipped as runners jockeyed to avoid fallen competitors, and he made do without through the remainder of the race. He finished in a time of 16 minutes, 22.49 seconds -- good for 22nd place.

"I figured I'd have a better time running without it, so I kept going," said Jeffers, who crossed the finishing line wearing one shoe and two socks.

He did in fact have a 31-second improvement over his junior trip to the state meet and finished 38 spots higher in the standings.

"It was a pretty tough race under the circumstances," Jeffers said. "I was hoping for a little higher. ... It was a great way to get sent off, much better than last year."

His senior season also included the title of Class 4 District 1 champion and SEMO Large Schools Conference Meet champion.