Since his freshman year, Jack Driggs (Sr., York H.S., IL) has positioned himself to become one of the best runners in York High School history. Leading the Dukes to numerous state titles, racking up a slew of all-state performances, and proving time and again that he's one of the best distance runners in the nation, Driggs has shown he's a great runner and a great team leader.

This fall, Driggs once again led the Dukes to a state title, followed by a trip to Nike Cross Nationals and a 13th place finish at Foot Locker Nationals. With one last track season before he heads off to the University of North Carolina, Driggs is focused on winning his first state title, along with putting up some impressive marks.

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Distance Gala (DG): You've had a relatively quiet start to your track season. How has training been going? What type of work have you been putting in?

Jack Driggs (JD): My track season so far this year has been really good actually. Indoors I ran a 9:13(for 3,200m) and a 4:14 (for 1,600m) double to win my conference in both events. Each of those marks are big indoor pr's so I am really happy with that.

Outdoors I've been lying low for the time being just getting in some good mileage. We did our first speed session last Monday and I am starting to get that third gear that you need when it comes to the championship season.

DG: Being your final high school track season, what are your goals for this spring? Are you planning to focus on an event or two specifically?

JD: My two big goals are to win the two mile and the mile at the IHSA state meet. I haven't won a state championship and that's the main goal right now. But I know it's not going to be easy because there are a lot of good guys in Illinois right now, so it should make for a very exciting state meet.

Other than that, I am hoping to get invited to the Dream Mile out in New York and then on to New Balance Outdoor Nationals. After state I’ll probably just focus in on the mile, but I really don't know as of right now.

DG: You had a busy cross country post-season, running at both NXN and Foot Locker Championships. What did you take away from those events that will help you this season?

JD: From both national cross country meets I took away just how good everyone is around the nation and that the future looks incredibly bright for American distance running. I also learned that there is always work to be done and even though I didn't run my best races at either of the meets I focused on the positives and it just made me more excited for track this year.

DG: At the vast majority of schools, you'd be the best runner in school history, yet at York you're surrounded in the record books by quite a few big names. What's it been like being part of such a powerful program and adding your name right up front of the ‘Long Green Line’?

JD: It's huge, with all those great names coming out of York it makes me feel honored to even be considered with the likes of some of the all-time greats. It's also a big motivator because Mr. Newton keeps all of the times from previous years so we can see how we stack up against prior teams. This really helps me personally because even though they aren't on the track with me I know what they ran and it just pushes me to another level, kind of like chasing ghosts in a sense.

DG: Where are you headed to college this next fall?

JD: I will actually be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It was a big decision and I am really glad that I choose UNC because of the potential the team has. Thy are so young down there and it just makes me excited of what they could do.

I chose UNC because of how well I clicked with both Coach Watson and the rest of the team. From the moment I got there they treated me like I was already a part of the team and that was big. I also wanted to go out and experience new things and I think UNC is the perfect place for me to do that. 

Quick Six (six quick questions, six quick responses)

DG: Favorite movie?

JD: The Departed

DG: Favorite non-running activity?

JD: Hanging out with friends

DG: Favorite professional runner?

JD: Chris Solinsky

DG: Spikes you race in?

JD: Nike Zoom Victory

DG: Favorite band?

JD: Foo Fighters

DG: Favorite Chicago sports team?

JD: Chicago Cubs