Jason started running in middle school, participating in cross country and track only to stay in shape for basketball. Despite finding early success with running, he still held high aspirations for the NBA. It was not until Jason entered High School that he realized that he had a little bit of running talent. It was then that he decided it was a better idea to focus on running than on a dead-end NBA career.

Jason‘s focus on running drove him to place as high as 4th at the National High School Footlocker Cross Country Championships. He fostered that little bit of running talent into becoming a 3-time All American. These achievements earned him a scholarship to the prestigious University of Oregon, where he garnered 6-time All-American accolades. In 2004 and again in 2008, Jason qualified for the Olympic Trials in the 10,000m, however; both times he was unable to compete due to injury.

As a professional runner, his successes included the following: 2nd at
The 2006 US half marathon championships, 3rd at the 2008 US 15k championships, 3rd at the 2008 US 8k championships, 10th at The 2008 US Olympic Marathon Trials.

Photo credit: Randy Lefko of www.Jacksonville.com