In his senior and last year of track for Topeka High, Jaxon Cowdin reflects on his junior year where he had a diverse track season, participating in high jump, 4×100 and 4×400 relay, and the 110m and 300m hurdles. When asked about his biggest inspiration for track, Cowdin said the team atmosphere that was created throughout his time running and the friendships he made.
“Just the experience itself that keeps me motivated,” Cowdin explained. “I’m most proud of my hurdle marks and growing our 4×400. We made a ton of progress last year and flipped the mindset for that relay which makes me super happy.”
They’ve made great progress with their relays that Topeka High junior, Malachi Murph, helped create a new best time and Shawnee County’s third best overall time in the 4×100.
However, due to injuries Cowdin hadn’t been able to participate in many meets but had the support of his coach Canacari throughout his track career.
“He has just always been super supportive and willing to help,” Cowdin said. He is never going to turn down working with you on something. He has a very enjoyable presence too. In past seasons he has been a great coach to me.”
As Cowdin goes through his last track season as a Trojan, his coach Canacari also announced his retirement as a coach for Topeka High. Cowdin and his teammates were sad to hear about his retirement, and wondered about the future track seasons without him.
“I think he left a great impact on us and I am super happy that I got to expect him as my coach,” Cowdin said. I really hope he enjoys retirement.”
With Cowdin’s final season with Topeka High, he’s been committed to Nebraska Wesleyan University to study communications and run for their Track and Field team.
He decided to commit the day after he visited, talking about how great the school was and what it had to offer, as well as liking the coaching staff.
“It just felt like something I could see myself being a part of,” Cowdin said. Not just as an athlete but as a student and as a person.”