JaQuarius Wilson owns the school record in the indoor heptathlon with 5,068 points
Senior Spotlight - JaQuarius Wilson
May 01, 2017 | Track & Field
By Bridgette'Â Hudak
Not all role models have a fancy title, live in a mansion or wear capes. JaQuarius Wilson is proof of that. He is an inspiration to all students and aspiring athletes through his hard work and determination to make his dreams a reality.
The Olive Branch Native is not accustomed to sitting idle on the bench as his future draws near. In addition to being a DI track athlete, Wilson is currently pursuing a double major in communication and kinesiology. This academic success has landed him on the SEC Honor Roll for two semesters and the Bulldog Honor Roll multiple times throughout his educational career. Not to mention, the senior is a member of several organizations on campus and holds an officer position in three of them.
Â
In addition to his work in the classroom, Wilson has been quite a success on the track. He set the school record score in the indoor heptathlon with 5,068 points at this season's SEC Indoor Championships. Wilson was MSU's leader in the discus and shot put at the Battle of the Bayou during the 2016 outdoor season. He also placed third in the long jump at the Jace LaCoste Invitational with a leap of 24-00.25.
When asked what drives him in his successful endeavors and in his determination to be the best at every task he faces, he had just one answer.
"What keeps me going is seeing how hard my mother works," Wilson said with a smile.
For Wilson, family is everything. He grew up very close to his mother, grandmother and brothers. He loves them beyond compare and thrives off of their support. Wilson looks forward to seeing his mother in the stands during track meets she is able to make, and beams with pride to see his two younger brothers sitting in the stands next to her, cheering him on.
Wilson cherishes being a mentor to his two younger brothers. He even helped name his youngest brother. Wilson enjoys tutoring his brothers in both academics and sports. He wants to be present in everything they do.
This Bulldog believes that hard work and determination are two aspects of life that will get you anywhere you want to go. He has learned this from experience. Wilson always knew that he wanted to be a collegiate athlete, and he did everything he could to make that dream happen.
He started off his athletic career at age seven when he began to play football. He stuck with the sport throughout high school, and along the way he developed a love for tennis and track and field. His natural athletic ability and desire to remain active led him to become a three-sport athlete in high school. He played football, tennis and track every year. However, his true passion rested with track and field.
As if participating in three sports while also balancing class work wasn't hard enough, Wilson showed his true strength by holding down two jobs during his high school years. He worked at IHOP and in a grocery store. In addition, he took honors and AP (college level) classes while maintaining all A's. Wilson stopped at nothing to help his family and see his dreams become a reality.
Â
This senior has true grit. He stops at nothing to get the job done. Teammates often describe Wilson as humble and hard working. Wilson has goals for his life, and he plans to achieve them regardless of the hard work his dreams may require. He keeps his perspective optimistic and relentless in pursuit of his future.
"Focus on yourself and stay true to yourself," Wilson said. "Keep pushing forward, no matter what. There will always be a way." Â
Wilson's successful journey is far from over. After graduating in May 2017 from Mississippi State, Wilson plans to further pursue his dream of working in athletic administration.
Â
Not all role models have a fancy title, live in a mansion or wear capes. JaQuarius Wilson is proof of that. He is an inspiration to all students and aspiring athletes through his hard work and determination to make his dreams a reality.
The Olive Branch Native is not accustomed to sitting idle on the bench as his future draws near. In addition to being a DI track athlete, Wilson is currently pursuing a double major in communication and kinesiology. This academic success has landed him on the SEC Honor Roll for two semesters and the Bulldog Honor Roll multiple times throughout his educational career. Not to mention, the senior is a member of several organizations on campus and holds an officer position in three of them.
Â
In addition to his work in the classroom, Wilson has been quite a success on the track. He set the school record score in the indoor heptathlon with 5,068 points at this season's SEC Indoor Championships. Wilson was MSU's leader in the discus and shot put at the Battle of the Bayou during the 2016 outdoor season. He also placed third in the long jump at the Jace LaCoste Invitational with a leap of 24-00.25.
When asked what drives him in his successful endeavors and in his determination to be the best at every task he faces, he had just one answer.
"What keeps me going is seeing how hard my mother works," Wilson said with a smile.
For Wilson, family is everything. He grew up very close to his mother, grandmother and brothers. He loves them beyond compare and thrives off of their support. Wilson looks forward to seeing his mother in the stands during track meets she is able to make, and beams with pride to see his two younger brothers sitting in the stands next to her, cheering him on.
Wilson cherishes being a mentor to his two younger brothers. He even helped name his youngest brother. Wilson enjoys tutoring his brothers in both academics and sports. He wants to be present in everything they do.
This Bulldog believes that hard work and determination are two aspects of life that will get you anywhere you want to go. He has learned this from experience. Wilson always knew that he wanted to be a collegiate athlete, and he did everything he could to make that dream happen.
He started off his athletic career at age seven when he began to play football. He stuck with the sport throughout high school, and along the way he developed a love for tennis and track and field. His natural athletic ability and desire to remain active led him to become a three-sport athlete in high school. He played football, tennis and track every year. However, his true passion rested with track and field.
As if participating in three sports while also balancing class work wasn't hard enough, Wilson showed his true strength by holding down two jobs during his high school years. He worked at IHOP and in a grocery store. In addition, he took honors and AP (college level) classes while maintaining all A's. Wilson stopped at nothing to help his family and see his dreams become a reality.
Â
This senior has true grit. He stops at nothing to get the job done. Teammates often describe Wilson as humble and hard working. Wilson has goals for his life, and he plans to achieve them regardless of the hard work his dreams may require. He keeps his perspective optimistic and relentless in pursuit of his future.
"Focus on yourself and stay true to yourself," Wilson said. "Keep pushing forward, no matter what. There will always be a way." Â
Wilson's successful journey is far from over. After graduating in May 2017 from Mississippi State, Wilson plans to further pursue his dream of working in athletic administration.
Â
TRACK & FIELD | NCAA NATIONALS PLAYERS MEDIA SESSION 5/30/24
Thursday, May 30
TRACK & FIELD | NCAA NATIONALS COACHES MEDIA SESSION 5/30/24
Thursday, May 30
TRACK & FIELD | Chris Woods Media Session - 02/23/23
Friday, February 24
Track and Field Chris Woods Media Session 033122
Thursday, March 31