Fayette Co. Record’s Athlete of the Week
Flatonia high school track star Jessica Pope has dominated for the Lady Bulldogs this season. Pope recently competed in a meet held in Columbus and snagged first place honors in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and the 4x100 relay team event.
She also finished second in the triple jump and grasped more individual points than any of the hundreds of other female competitors at the meet. “She’s a hard worker,” said Flatonia head track coach Steve Pope. “Her class coming in as freshman, they were pretty much the varsity team. We didn’t have much upper classmen.
“All those girls have done a great job leading the program these last four years. They’ve been a real good influence on all the younger ones coming up. Our track program continues to grow.” Steve Pope is also the father of Jessica Pope and they share a strong bond on the track. “We’ve gotten used to it”, Pope said. “She’s been running since she was five years old, so she’s kind of gotten used to me being her coach. I’m the only track coach she’s had so far, so she’s probably getting ready for someone else to coach for a little bit. But it’s worked out pretty good. It’s been good for us. We get to spend a lot of time together, so it’s been very enjoyable for both of us.”
Jessica Pope’s speed and willingness for the top spot has landed her the go-ahead for this edition’s Player of the Week.
Question: If you could race anyone in the world, who would you race?
Answer: “That’s a tough one because most of the people I admire I know would probably beat me by a long shot, but my favorite athlete at the moment is Jennifer Andini. She ran for the University of Oregon. I’d like to at least get some tips from her, but she’d probably have me on that one.”
Question: What’s your favorite event to participate in?
Answer: Lately, my favorite event has been long jump. I’ve been having some recent success in it. I just started it when I was a junior and then it got cut off because of COVID. But I enjoy going out there and jumping. It’s been one of my favorite things to do lately.”
Question: What would you say is the biggest reason for your most recent success?
Answer: “Probably just getting back into the swing of things. With the loss of my junior year season, I didn’t really have the chance to compete. I never really got the chance to go to the meets where I could see some real competition. So I would say getting back into the swing of things at my third meet. I finally got to have some people to really race against. I would say that probably contributed to my recent success.”
Question: Can you describe what it means to be a student-athlete at Flatonia?
Answer: “The culture of athletics is really big here, considering it’s such a small school. Having a lot of pride in your school and what you do. Being able to represent Flatonia to the best of your ability every single time you go out and compete.”
Question: What are some advantages of having your dad as a coach?
Answer: “Definitely just the extra time. I know he’s willing to put in work with me. If it’s a Sunday afternoon, I know I can ask my dad ‘hey, want to go long jump practice or get some extra triple jump practice in?’ and I know he’ll be willing to do it since he’s my coach and obviously he’s my dad as well.”
Question: Do you play any other sports besides track?
Answer: “I do. I play volleyball, but track season is definitely my favorite when it comes around.”
Question: How do you normally prepare for a meet?
Answer: “The day before, we always carb up on pasta. But then as far as mentally the day of, I try not to get too set into the mind of it because then I’ll overthink things. Just being in the right headspace and knowing that I practice enough, so I’ll be able to compete at the best of my ability.”
Question: If your teammates were asked to describe you, what do you think they would say?
Answer: “I’m kind of a jokester, so they’d probably crack some jokes about me. But they know I’m dedicated and hard working as well. So I’m pretty sure they’d mention that.”
Question: What’s your favorite movie?
Answer: “My favorite movie would probably have to be Back to the Future.”
Question: Is there a certain moment that has stood out to you this season?
Answer: “Probably the last meet. After finishing first in both the 100 and the 200, and that Columbus is usually a pretty highly competitive meet, having those close victories are definitely one to remember.”
Pope’s determination and drive to succeed has opened up many avenues for her as we may see her talents on display at the next level.
A Weekly Feature by BRIAN PIERSON
Recent FCR’s Athlete of the Week
Jan. 29: Emma Jurecka, Fayetteville Basketball
Feb. 5: Hector Orona, La Grange Soccer
Feb. 12: Morgan Marburger, Schulenburg Basketball
Feb. 26: La Grange boys and girls basketball teams
March 5: Bryce Wilson, Schulenburg Basketball
March 12: Alex Lozano, Schulenburg Basketball
March 19: Missy Zoch, Texas Tech Softball
March 29: Jessica Pope, Flatonia Track
* Read about the new honorees in our Friday editions and then watch their interviews on our Facebook page a few days later.