Elk City High School’s Charles Jones
Whether he is locking down a receiver on Friday night or attacking hurdles in the spring, Elk City High School’s Charles Jones is quietly building a legacy built on discipline, faith and competitiveness.
Jones, a sophomore for the Elks, plays as a wide receiver and cornerback on the football team and competes in the 110-meter hurdles, 300 hurdles and 4×400 relay in track. One of his favorite memories came early in his varsity career, when he made a tackle that kept the quarterback in bounds short of the first down to help seal Elk City’s first district win of the season.
“Playing football and track has made me a better person by teaching me discipline, teamwork and resilience,” Jones said. “Starting as a young sophomore and earning varsity time at WR and corner showed me how hard work and dedication pay off, both on and off the field.” He added that football has sharpened his communication and trust with teammates, while track has taught him focus, self-motivation and how to set and chase goals.
In the classroom, Jones points to Coach Maynard as his favorite teacher because he “makes his class fun and easy to understand” and treats students like family. At home, his greatest inspiration is his grandmother, who pushes him to be the best version of himself and “give God all the glory.”
Jones said former Elk City wideouts Jeremiah Jackson and Cole Buie have had the biggest impact on him as a teammate. “They were the two starting WRs my freshman year and they both showed me everything I know and how to be a great teammate,” he said.
His favorite part of wearing Elk City across his chest is “being able to build onto the legacy left by other students, athletes, coaches and faculty.” He carries his grandmother’s advice — “Stay with the Lord and pray always” — into every game and race, along with inspiration from NBA star LeBron James, a “talented and competitive” athlete Jones believes he has something in common with.
And he makes sure to save a special shoutout for “my mom and Elk City community.”
