Posted: Jul 31, 2020
Next up in our "Where Are They Now" series is men's track & field alum, Cody Jones. Jones had a decorated career at Cal Lutheran and that has continued onto the world stage as he comeptes for Team USA. He was a member of the 2016 Paralympic Team USA squad and is an American Record Holder in the javelin. While at Cal Lutheran in 2015, he qualified for the US Paralympic Championships where he won the event with 40.33 meters. At the Internatiomnal Committee World Championships in Doha, Qatar, Jones placed fifth in the javelin with 39.70 meters. In his senior season with the Kingsmen, Jones was named Cal Lutheran's SCIAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Now, he is currently training for the Tokyo Paralympics.
What year's where you at Cal Lutheran and what made you want to come here?
I attended Cal Lutheran from 2013 to 2017. I know this sounds bad, but I decided to go to Cal Lutheran because they accepted me and it was the cheaper option after scholarships. There are plenty more reasons now that I am glad I decided to attend.
While at Cal Lutheran, what was your experience like?
I had an enjoyable experience at CLU. It helped that I got involved... A LOT. Student government, started Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Peer Advisor, Double Major, Student Union Front Desk Worker, and Track and Field athlete. Plus, I did it all as a commuter.
How was your experience with the team and other athletes?
It was really amazing how supportive my team and other athletes were...and still are... supporting my Paralympic journey. I loved asking how everyone did during the track meet and celebrating after hearing the good news.
What is your current job, and how did Cal Lutheran prepare you for that?
I am still an athlete. Go Team USA! I also speak to elementary schools around the country about ability awareness. I am currently developing online Covid-19 friendly options so more students can learn about my experience living with a disability and what they can do to better their community.
When or how many times have you competed for team USA and what was the outcome?
I've done different international competitions with Team USA since 2015, but have been involved with them at some level since 2013. Some highlights are 5th place 2015 Doha World Championships, 2016 Rio Paralympian (8th), and 2019 Parapan Am bronze medalist! I am also an American record holder and 5-time National Champion.
What has been your favorite memory about competing with Team USA?
My favorite memory.... That's tough. I've had a few. Walking behind the flag during Opening Ceremonies, meeting Obama at the White House, standing behind mayor Garcetti in the StubHub when the US officially announced the LA 2028 games, training at the training center, etc. I am most excited about the memories I have yet to make!
You said still competing, what are you training for right now?
I am currently training for the Tokyo Paralympics and the trails that proceed them. Covid pushed everything back a year so more time to train!!
How did being a student-athlete prepare you for your professional career?
Student-athletes have to balance a lot! That has helped prepared me to juggle all the projects I am working on.
What is your favorite part about the job?
My favorite part of being an athlete is traveling with the team. My favorite part of speaking to students is seeing their faces light up when they understand.
What is a typical day at your job?
A typical day is working out, throwing a javelin. It takes a lot of time, believe it or not. For speaking, the biggest consumer of my time is advertising to book new schools.
Did you know you always wanted to do this, or when did you know what you wanted to do?
I didn't know about the javelin or the Paralympics until my senior year of high school after the head paralympic T&F coach reached out to me after reading an LA Times article about how I play baseball one-handed. It was around that same time I spoke to my baseball coach's wife's 4th grade classroom... I just knew :)
What does it mean to you to be a Kingsmen?
Kingsmen are royalty. I feel like royalty. I don't mean that in an arrogant way at all. Royalty has the responsibility and pressure to lead. I want to act as a humble responsible leader and example in everything I do.
