Jones still standing strong at Widener Univ.

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008

Click here to enlarge this photo Submitted photo Lackey graduate Tracy Jones has been a part of a Widener University men’s basketball program that has won the Middle Atlantic Conference championshp two years in a row. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

Though he is three years removed from the SMAC scene, Jones still keeps in touch with today’s athletes.

‘‘Being a former SMAC athlete, I try to teach them the importance of the classroom and not just sports,” Jones said.

Jones continues his strong work ethic and leadership at the college level.

While being a double major in accounting and sports management, Jones is also the president of the Black Student Union at Widener, a resident assistant for campus life and a captain for Widener’s basketball team. He has maintained a 3.5 overall grade-point-average in his three years and handles all of the activities precisely.

‘‘In high school, I wasn’t really goal-oriented, but now in college I follow a balance system, stay organized, limit the distractions and focus on time management,” said Jones.

Jones is really excited about becoming a graduate next spring and is now focusing on a business career.

‘‘After graduation, I plan to go to law school, continue to be educated, and work on becoming a successful entrepreneur in the society,” Jones said.

Widener, an NCAA Division III school, has claimed the Middle Atlantic Conference title the last two years. Jones feels good about the upcoming season and admires the support from everyone during his college career.

‘‘Being with my teammates and coaches is like a family away from home, the faculty has really helped me build my career plans and lead me in the right direction,” said Jones.

Jones knows that there are no fun and games this summer as he prepares for an important final year at Widener.

‘‘I train everyday to enhance my skills,” Jones said, ‘‘read different articles on the stock market such as Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones Daily to learn what is going on in the business world, and talk to teachers about the steps to take in furthering my business career.”

Jones focuses on staying humble and balanced no matter what challenges he may go through and knows that the paths of success are there.

‘‘My grandmother Velma Lewis, father, and mother have been three different paths of success because they sacrificed so much in the younger days to help me in school and life,” Jones said.

On a typical day, he loves giving back to the community and spending time with family. His mentors are cousins Percy Thomas and Benjamin Watkins III, who are always guiding him in the right path.

In Jones’ road of success, he loves taking chances and does not wait for the opportunity. He goes out and gets it.

‘‘Dedication is very important, because many people don’t take advantage of their opportunities, so I do as much as possible to get involved and take those chances,” Jones said.

Jones is looking forward to his sister Kyla’s first year in college. Kyla recently earned an academic and athletic scholarship at La Salle, and Tracy will continue to give her advice on everyday life.

Jones said: ‘‘I talk to Kyla everyday about staying focused like high school and to keep her eye on the price while remaining humble.”

This summer, Jones is working for a financial group to work on his business opportunities and has stepping stones set for this year.

‘‘Contacting different networks and advancing my career by researching different resources is my focus,” Jones said. ‘‘It is not the skill of the man, but the will of the man.”