By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
Colonel Crawford multi-sports standout Clay Jury decided to stay an Eagle Thursday as he signed his National Letter of Intent to play track and field for the Ashland University Eagles while pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.
Jury explained that he chose Ashland over Eastern Michigan, Walsh, Akron, Tiffin, and Findlay universities saying, “The biggest thing was their rich history in throwing, and it will be awesome because I will get to train with multiple Olympians every day, and I will always be around some of the best in the nation.”
Jury continued, “Ashland had the best outdoor facility, and best coaches.”
Colonel Crawford Track and Field Coach Preston Foy said, “It is very proud being a coach when you get someone to come through as dedicated as Clay.” Foy continued, “It goes to show that hard work pays off.”
Hard work paid off, with Jury explaining an average day during basketball season. “During indoor season a lot of times I would wake up and lift for an hour or two before school then go throughout my day, then go to a two hour basketball practice. Then drive an hour to Findlay and train for two to three hours, and get home at 9:30 or 10:00, and then usually do it all over again the next day.“
Clay’s father Shawn and mother Erica sat with Clay as he signed his letter. After signing Shawn Jury explained, “Clay never took a day off. We are very proud of him, he balanced everything really well.”
Jury balanced school work while earning twelve varsity letters across three sports for the Colonel Crawford Eagles, four letters in track and field, three in basketball, and one in football.
Jury was part of the 2010 Division III Track and Field State Champions. In 2013 Jury returned to State as a participant finishing second in the Hammer Throw.
Ashland finished second in National Standings for Division II Track and Field under Head Coach Jud Logan. Logan is a four-time Olympian competing in the 1984, 1988, 1992, and 2000 games.