Once upon a time, Troy High junior Travon Jackson told our photographer J.S. Carras, he could only carry one hurdle at a time. Now, he can move three at once. It's just one of the ways the Flying Horses' track star has grown as an athlete.

Troy High junior Travon Jackson carries hurdles around Edward C. Picken Field at Troy High in preparation for Thursday's practice. (Photos by J.S. Carras - The Record).

If you have a few minutes to talk track and field, Travon Jackson is the guy you want to see. He has more stories than you have time. His skills don't stop at oratory, however. He's also one of the best all-around track and field performers in Section II.

In outdoor track, Jackson competes in the long jump, 110- and 400-meter hurdles, the open 400, the pentathlon and runs the lead off leg on the Horses 4x400-meter relay team.

It’s a full slate of events combining speed with technique and Jackson tackles them all with equal amounts of zeal.

He led Troy's strong performance at the Burnt Hills Invitational on April 29 with an impressive triple, taking first in the 110 hurdles (15.9), 400 hurdles (59.3) and long jump (19-9½).

Still, winning isn't everything for Jackson...and it's not the only thing, either.

"It's not all about the place you get," Jackson said. "It's about everybody competing to improve themselves and then the success will come along with that. That’s what happened with me. I was always worried about placing in the beginning. Everybody wants a medal and a patch, but they lose focus of bettering themselves."

Travon Jackson leaps over a hurdle at Troy High during Thursday's practice.

"He's a great kid and a good talker," Troy High head coach Jack Burger said. "He’s real articulate. He’s one of those kids that you’re hoping will help some of the other guys around as we try to increase some of the team numbers a bit. Even though track is an individual sport, there’s still that team bond to it and he really enjoys that."

For Ryan Kircher's full story, which is a wonderful profile on a well-rounded athlete to watch, be sure to check out Friday's edition of The Record.

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Another big thank you goes out to Ryan Kircher, who tracked down this story for us. Ryan has brought you simply the best in Capital Region track and field coverage this spring and we'll be going strong keeping you in the know until the weekend of the state meet on June 11 and 12 at Vestal High School.

What are you most looking forward to in the next few weeks with the Eddy Meet and local league and class meets coming up?

Saturday's Invitationals

Queensbury Invitational, 9:30 a.m.

• Columbia High School's Anna Boughtwood set meet records in the 200 (26.12) and 400 (58.66) meter dash last year as a sophomore. A commemorative plaque will be awarded to the winner of the boys Quentin Howe Memorial Mile.

Marsh Golatta Invitational, Middleburgh High School, 10 a.m.

• In 2009, the Maple Hill High School girl's team won this invy while the boy's team came up one point short of a team title.

Johnstown Track & Field Invitational, 10:30 a.m.

• The 29th edition of the this invitational gives competitors a chance to run on the same track that will play host to the state qualifiers in June. The Knox Athletic Field track has been resurfaced, so look for some fast times this year.