Jordan Leon started his track career at Milford Mill focusing on the 400- and 800-meter runs and relays. He fared well there in his first two years before coach Sharon Johnson made a change that paid off handsomely.
Johnson thought Leon might do even better running longer distances, and that's why the UMES-bound senior became more of a distance runner. He capped his outdoor track career at Milford Mill by winning the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 in the Baltimore County, Class 3A North region and state title meets.
In addition, Leon used some of his old skills in helping the Millers capture the 4x400 relay in the region and state meets. Winning the individual events and running on the relays in just a 14-day period was an accomplishment that made even Johnson shake her head.
The change Leon made was not easy. It required hard work to bring out different talents, but he never wavered. Johnson praised him for his ability to work hard and keep trying to get better — and that paid off this year.
"He's one of the most talented athletes I've ever coached in my 28 years of coaching," she said. "He's always willing to make sacrifices. He was definitely a joy to work with for these four years."