By Derrick Smith

Success is what every athlete works hard to achieve. Whether they focus on one sport or play multiple sports, the goal is always to be as successful as possible. And Dylan Jones says it takes a lot in order to reach that level. 

“I have put in a lot to get where I am today,” he said. “There has been a lot of practice, hard work, and desire to play in every game I am able to.”

Jones is a junior at Waukomis High School, where he is a member of the Chiefs baseball team. He moves between third base, second base, and pitcher on the diamond and he has been playing the sport for about ten years. 

Dylan has had a lot of people that have helped him get to where he is today, both as an athlete and a person. But he says that there is one person that made the biggest impact on his life and he is forever grateful for him. 

“My dad is my biggest role model,” Jones said. “He has taught me so much over the years, like to never give up no matter what. He has also been a great example to me about what hard work really is.”

The head baseball coach at Waukomis, Derick Hodges, says that Dylan is a great kid and a hard worker, no matter what he is doing. 

“Dylan is a hard working young man,” the coach said. “And his work ethic shows on and off the field. When he is not practicing or playing in games, he is working on a farm or ranch. There’s not many coaches that I know of that do not want young men like that on their team. He will be our go to pitcher in big games during his senior year, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

Throughout his sports career, Jones has experienced a lot of memorable moments. But he says that one personal achievement would have to rank up there as his favorite. 

“I was pitching in a game against Union City this season,” he recalled. “I threw a one earned run game. It was a really great feeling to accomplish that, but I didn’t do it alone. It took the help of my teammates which I am grateful for.”