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Home > Blogs > Springfield, Ohio High School Sports > Archives > 2009 > August > 12 > Entry
Remembering Jonathan Glass
Former South High School athlete Jonathan Glass died in a car accident on Friday, Aug. 7.
Here is a story the News-Sun published on him in 2002.
GLASS REFLECTING FAMILY SUCCESS
UNCLE VICTOR TEACHES SOUTH TRACK STAR HOW TO BE A WINNER
By KEVIN VAN BRIMMER
News-Sun Sports Writer
Jonathan Glass knows Springfield at 4 a.m. better than most people. He could tell you where every street light in his neighborhood is at and which ones need to be replaced.
Getting up nearly two hours before his school mates and running through town for 45 minutes may not sound like the ideal way to start the morning, but the South senior isn’t complaining.
He wants to win a state track title and this is how his uncle tells him it can be done. And his uncle, Victor Glass, knows a thing or two about winning a state title.
“He ran track and his worst place was second in the state from his freshman to his senior year,” Jonathan says. “So he knows what he is talking about.”
Victor won eight state championships from 1990-93 for Yellow Springs High School, including one individual in the 200 dash and seven relay team titles. The Bulldogs won the team title his freshman year. His worst finish was actually fifth, in the 100 dash his senior year.
Last year Jonathan got a glimpse at the glory he could realize this spring when he finished fifth in the state in the 300 meter hurdles. Glass is also a standout in the 110 hurdles and starts the Wildcats’ 4x400 relay team.
“He’s just a natural athlete,” said South coach Dix Firestone. “He might be the best athlete in the area. I wish I could use him in seven or eight events.”
As it is, Glass is limited to four events per meet, with the high jump rounding out his lineup card. Glass’ athletic ability is apparent in his domination of hurdle races, but the high jump showcases it — he hurdles the bar up to 5 foot, 6 inches.
But hurdles and relays are his bread-and-butter. And those are the events he is eyeing to win at states.
“He has the strides most great track runners have,” Victor said. “The way he’s talking and seeing him run, I can see him winning the 300 hurdles.”
But a year ago, Glass was ready to turn in his spikes. After finishing a very disappointing third in the 300 hurdles in the Western Ohio League meet, the kid who hates to lose was ready to quit.
“I didn’t think I had what it takes to get to states and was ready to give up,” Glass said. “Then my uncle told me to keep my head up and just focus. He started working with me for districts and I stayed in it. The outcome (at states) was OK, but I’m not satisfied with it.”
“He’s like my little brother,” Victor said. “I tell him to believe in himself. The more and more I’ve been working with him, he’s started to tell that he can do it. All it boils down to is his dedication and the want to do better.”
Jonathan, who also starred for the Wildcats on the football field, has become a good student for his uncle, allowing him to push him to his physical limits. And whenever he gets discouraged, he need go no farther than Victor for inspiration.
“I’m trying to be better than him,” Jonathan said.
But individual goals are just part of what drives the younger Glass. He wants a shot at a team title _ another desire nurtured by Victor’s stories.
“He said I need to get my team members to work harder and strive to be great so we can win as a team,” Glass said. “He said there’s nothing like having your friends and teammates (at states) with you.”
And Victor knows his nephew has taken his words to heart.
“I can tell, I see it in him,” Victor said. “He’s trying to get the team together and do things together. I’ve really noticed that this year.”
So Glass will continue counting the street lights of Springfield, knowing that each morning he finds another one burned out takes him a step closer to a shot at state glory.
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