Editor’s note: The Times-News will be featuring area student-athletes, one male and one female each time, for their work on the playing field, the classroom and their communities.
Jack Rowe
Jack Rowe, 18, is a senior at Williams High School, where he was a standout offensive lineman, has a 4.0 grade-point average and volunteers hours of his time weekly.
On the field, Row was team captain, Bulldog of the week, player of the game and second team all-conference. He also won the Coach’s Award, Conference Sportsmanship Award and True Grit Award.
“I love the brotherhood that is football. We’ve built bonds that are special. We’re not just teammates, we’re brothers,” he said.
Rowe is the grandson of Williams’ legendary Coach Sam Story.
“With my grandfather’s legacy, I want to make him proud. Also, my brother couldn’t play football. He told me that he lives through me on the field. I want to make them and my team proud of me,” he said.
Head football Coach Patrick Stokes said called Rowe’s level of commitment to his team, his family, others and himself amazing.
“Jack never missed a practice, even the off-season ones. He’d miss family events and vacations. And he works hard. He was always there to help the younger players. He is truly leaving a legacy, and big shoes to fill, for future players — as a role model, student and football player,” he said.
Rowe volunteers two hours a week with the Hospice Home at AuthoraCare, helps his elderly neighbors and is active in Historic Providence Christian Church in Graham.
“I know that a lot of people out there need help. I’ve been there and know the struggles of losing someone. If I can help, I’m more than glad to,” Rowe said. “My dad, when I was young, set the foundation for me to be a man. I lost him when I was 9, and that had a big impact on me. He was my football and baseball coach. I love history in school because of him too.”
This past season, Story and Rowe would wake up at 5:30 a.m. for him to workout.
“My grandfather is the best coach that I’ve ever had,” Rowe said. “It took it out of me, but I’m glad I could help my grandfather to feel like a coach again. His and my dedication all of those cold mornings was tough, but we did it, and it helped make me better.”
After graduating this year, Rowe plans to attend Lenoir-Rhyne University.
“At first, I want to just be a student. But after that, I want to be involved with the football team. I want to be a coach. I plan on going into parks and recreation or education and coaching. I’d really like to be a high school coach, where I can make an impact on the younger generation,” Rowe said.
D’Anna Cotton
D’Anna Cotton, 15, is a sophomore at Cummings High School, where she’s a multi-time state champion in track and field and has a 4.1 GPA.
All before the end of her sophomore year, Cotton has won state championships in the triple jump, high jump and the 55-meter hurdles. On the national level, Cotton is ranked fourth in the high jump, 10th in the triple jump and 20th in the 55-meter hurdles.
In the triple jump, Cotton’s personal best is 40 feet, and according to Coach Doug Davis at Cummings she is only the second sophomore in North Carolina to have triple-jumped 40 feet. DeAnne Davis was the first, in 1996, also from Cummings.
“I’m so proud of the way that she handles pressure, whether in the classroom or on the track,” he said. “You won’t find a more versatile athlete in the state or the country. She has a passion for the sport, doesn’t miss practice and is willing to work hard to reach her potential.”
Cotton credits Davis for how far she has developed.
“Coach Davis has helped me so much. I had a lot of bronzes (medals), but I never thought I’d be where I’m at. He changed everything for me. I’m ranked in the country and a multi-time state champion. All of this started from being the fastest at my elementary school, and here we are now,” Cotton said.
Cotton said that her favorite subject is English.
“I just love stories, and reading. It’s fun to me,” she said. “We have great teachers here. I need good grades to get into college, but I want to make good grades for myself. Every student should want to get good grades.”
As far as the future goes, Cotton said, “I want to run track in college and be a part of Team USA at any means necessary.”
She noted that she doesn’t have much free time but does have one hobby.
“My life is school, track and track, but give me an adult coloring book and some colored pencils and I’ll be relaxed and happy,” Cotton said.
Cotton is currently prepping for the adidas Track Nationals on March 15.
“Keep looking out for me,” she said. “I’m not done yet. You haven’t seen anything yet.”