Sumter High runners Sanders, Jefferson sign for college track

Two senior track and field athletes from Sumter High had the chance to continue their running careers on Thursday as Jakarriez Sanders and Nick Jefferson each made their next stop official.

Sanders is heading to Claflin to run for former Gamecock Garon Jackson, while Jefferson is headed to Erskine.

"This is something that you always dream about since you were a little kid and you saw your older peers or your older family members doing the same thing," Sanders said. "It means a lot."

Jefferson is newer to the sport, picking up track and field as a junior. His friends pulled him out to give track a try and now it's taking him to college.

"I've only been running track for two years, so I didn't expect this," Jefferson said. "If you would've told me this two years ago, I probably wouldn't have believed it. It's all good though, I'm excited. I'm ready to see how I do in college."

Sumter High head coach Mironda Scott was thrilled to see her two seniors share the stage and sign on Thursday.

"That's always one of the goals. Outside of a state championship, being able to allow students to excel at the next level and be able to have that opportunity is exciting," Scott said. "It was great for me and I want to give them that experience, as well."

Sanders will head to Claflin, where he'll have the chance to run for another Gamecock alumnus. His connection with Jackson made the decision to go to Claflin a lot easier.

"It's been a long decision-making process but what got me to my final decision was coach knowing coach Jackson," Sanders said. "He actually went to Sumter High and he ran the same event that I run (the 800m run). He came to my house, talked to me and my family. Everything about it just seemed like I made the right decision."

Scott sees Sanders as a rare track athlete. She particularly appreciated his 3-sport background. As a football player for the Gamecocks, he developed a winning mindset and wrestling boosts his 1-on-1 competitive edge, according to the head coach. That led to him running a personal record of 2:00.78 in the 800m run and a 5:14.84 in the 1,600m run. She's excited to see what he accomplishes at Claflin.

"He came in with a winning mindset. He wanted to do the work, he didn't run from work. He was always one to want to hone his craft. That's always a great athlete to coach," Scott said. "I have a great relationship with (Jackson) and he saw something special in Jakarriez, just like I did. I think he's going to a great program. Since Garon took over that program, it's just excelling."

Jefferson is heading to Erskine, where he will take part in both indoor and outdoor track. He landed at Erskine because the school made him feel welcome.

"It felt like home," Jefferson said. "The teammates all welcomed me in, and they were the most consistent in recruiting me."

Scott knew the moment she meant Jefferson that he would do whatever was necessary to thrive in the sport. That work ethic allowed him to trim his 400m dash time down to a personal best 51.65. Scott is glad to see that he'll continue that journey at Erskine.

"As soon as I took this job, Nick made it a point to talk to me and say that he wanted to do everything he could to get better," Scott said. "That first impression told me that he's not going to be afraid to take constructive criticism. He's a student of the sport and did everything for the team and himself to get better. He's just bought into the process, bought into the journey and it paid off for him."

Both athletes are looking forward to the new level of competition that comes with running in college.

"Just the different practice environment and the college environment in general," Sanders said about what he's most anticipating. "Being on your own and having to work a bit on your own."

Jefferson is also looking forward to having the indoor season during the winter, so he can continue to work on his craft for another season.

"That's going to be real fun," Jefferson said. "I only had one meet to compete in over the winter and I really liked it. I think it's going to be a great way to stay in shape for the outdoor season."