December 16, 2025 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Jones named SJO student-athlete of the month

Helene Jones likes a challenge.


Jones, the October St. Joseph-Ogden student-athlete of the month, enjoys math because it challenges her.


Her can-do attitude can also be seen on the cross country course.


“Helene is among the top freshman in 1A cross country,” said Head Coach Jason Retz. “She was our number one runner at the Spartan Classic.”


Jones finished with a time of 20:46 at the Spartan Classic and bested that time at the IHSA Regionals with a time of 19:36.


Jones said being a member of the SJO cross country team is rewarding and enjoyable.


“The best thing about being a student-athlete at SJO is all the fun that me and my team have,” she said.


Her positive attitude expands to even the part of cross country she doesn’t love—early morning practice.


“The most difficult thing about being a student-athlete at SJO would be having morning practice,” she said. “But that isn’t even that bad. I love being an SJO athlete.”


The SJO Freshman dreams of going to the University of Tennessee and majoring in business of some sort.


She said she was surprised and appreciated being named student-athlete of the month.


“It makes me very happy and honored,” she said. “I would not have thought that I would have got this but I am so glad I did.”

Photo provided by Carrie Mattsey

Banner
Related Posts

Orcutt named Student Athlete of the Month

January 30, 2019

January 30, 2019

St. Joseph-Ogden senior Joel Orcutt isn’t just a standout basketball player. He is also an artist. “I enjoy doing art...

Hamilton, relay team place first at conference meet for Spartans

May 2, 2019

May 2, 2019

The intensity of a postseason meet is right around the corner for the St. Joseph-Ogden High School girls’ track and...

Ingram, balanced run game and opportunistic defense lead SJO football to first win

September 23, 2021

September 23, 2021

The St. Joseph-Ogden High School football team needed a win. In a big way. The Spartans delivered one. In a...

Landrus, Waller help SJO baseball get off to strong start

April 1, 2024

April 1, 2024

Playing a competitive schedule is nothing new for the St. Joseph-Ogden baseball team.Neither is racking up win after win after...

Getting to know SJO football Captain Aidan McCorkle

October 29, 2022

October 29, 2022

We asked the SJO football team captains five questions. Here are Aidan McCorkle’s responses. Why is being a team captain...

On the call: Sjuts delivers in PA role for Spartans

September 20, 2019

September 20, 2019

Even if you don’t know his name, chances are you know his voice. For nearly 20 years Keith Sjuts has...

Get to know SJO Volleyball player Peyton Williams

October 31, 2022

October 31, 2022

What do you think makes the team so successful? I think what makes our team so successful is the determination...

Cain, Izard spark SJO boys’ basketball past rival Rockets

January 31, 2020

January 31, 2020

Picking up a conference win, knocking off a rival on the same night and prevailing in a tight game? Sounds...

Wells, Armstrong help balanced Spartans to strong showing in Illini Prairie

March 11, 2021

March 11, 2021

Performing well in conference games is about the best outcome a high school basketball team can consider during this pandemic-abbreviated...

Meyer, Cook and Orcutt to play for Fighting Bees

February 7, 2019

February 7, 2019

Back in the ‘80s there was a movie that hit theatres across America called the Three Amigos. St. Joseph-Ogden High...

Smith, Pence and Wertz spark SJO football to first playoff win since 2015

November 5, 2022

November 5, 2022

The wait for a playoff victory from the St. Joseph-Ogden High School football team is no more. Hosting the program’s...

Get to know SJO volleyball player Josey Frerichs

October 31, 2022

October 31, 2022

What do you think makes the team so successful? We are all friends on and off the court which really...

Dukeman leads Spartans to victory

April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019

Eight games. Eight wins so far for the St. Joseph-Ogden High School softball team. The Spartans carry an 8-0 mark...

SJO sets two dates for marquee events during 2019-2020 season

July 15, 2019

July 15, 2019

Two staples on the St. Joseph-Ogden High School boys’ basketball schedule are already set for the upcoming season. SJO will...

Three relays, three individuals move on to state for SJO boys’ track and field

May 21, 2019

May 21, 2019

The St. Joseph-Ogden High School boys’ track and field team will have a solid contingent representing the Spartans at the...

Comments
Leave a Reply