Athlete of the Week: Jacob Finch, Horizon cross country

Horizon High long-distance runner Jacob Finch — the current school record-holder in the 5K, 3,200-, 1,600- and 800-meter events — has picked up right where he left off last year by starting his senior cross-country season with back-to-back top three finishes.  

As a junior, Finch’s eight top-five finishes was enough to earn him a spot on the 2024 National High School Track-and-Field, Cross Country Coaches Association All-American team. The decorated runner isn’t just getting the job done on the track and trail, he’s also a phenomenal student in the classroom, currently maintaining a 4.37 weighted GPA. 

THE BASICS

Age: 17

Sport: Cross country, track and field

Grade: Senior

School: Horizon High

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

It is an honor to be selected (and) knowing that my work is being recognized, but I’ve got a lot of work to do and have to keep training. All my competitors aren’t going to stop training, so I can’t either.

What do you enjoy the most about cross-country?

I love cheering for the JV teams after Varsity have run, and just seeing their attitude and effort levels as they sprint to the finish. It’s just the best feeling when you and your team are screaming for your teammates. You can really see their faces light up — that’s my favorite part.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from cross country?

Good things take hard work. If it was easy, everyone would do it.

What is your favorite cross-country memory?

This is the hardest question; I can’t choose. There has been so many great memories at meets, practices, hanging out with the cross-country team. I would just say being part of the team was the best memory, the whole thing, every season.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Ronaldo is my favorite athlete. Not only is he the best at his sport, but it’s not even close when you look at his training, diet, determination and where he came from. He didn’t have anything, and that didn’t stop him from outperforming everyone.

What is your go-to pre-meet meal?

Cheese pizza from Papa John’s, hands down!

What is your go-to pre-meet hype song?

“BUTTERFLY EFFECT” by Travis Scott or “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash.

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

Playing video games with a bunch of people and just laughing and yelling through the headset.

What is your favorite subject in school? 

My favorite subject is P.E., hands down. It gives me extra time to rest my mind before my A.P. classes but also because I get to play basketball and shoot some three-pointers.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? 

My house because I don’t want to be camping. That’s it. If I have my house, there will be electricity and running water. That’s really all I need.

What is your favorite movie?

I do not have a favorite movie, but “Stranger Things” is my favorite show of all time. It’s the best TV show or movie ever.

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be? 

Djo. He is one of my favorite artists, and he was also the actor who played Steve Harrington in “Stranger Things.” I would ask him when his next album is dropping and what happens in season five of “Stranger Things.” Only 93 days until season five comes out!

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

The first Easter where Jesus came back to life. That would be the best period of time to go to, seeing everyone so happy and rejoicing with Jesus.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self? 

Don’t take the time you have for granted. I wish I could hang out with the whole team again. 

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be? 

Did we make it? 

Who is your favorite superhero? 

Spider-Man because he is relatable and has very cool powers. I don’t have a favorite actor (who) plays Spider-Man though; they are all good.

Who is your favorite supervillain? 

Darth Vader because he turns good at the end and has the coolest abilities. He’s also the strongest villain from Star Wars.

What is your most controversial food take? 

Chocolate is disgusting.

Does pineapple belong on pizza? 

In my opinion, no, but if you put it on pizza, I wouldn’t despise it.