Hometown Runner Josh Jones Competes for University of Miami

This Division I athlete got his start a little later than most, not even joining his high school cross country team until his junior year, but he had some passion, and we soon found he had some skill to go with it. Josh Jones, Harrison High School Class of 2021, is now a member of the track team for the University of Miami, Florida, which is a Division I university. He competes primarily in the mid-distance sector.

While competing for Harrison High School’s cross country and track teams, his coach, Mick Haley, saw something special in him. Mick went to work making contacts and finding a place where Josh would be a good fit with their running program, which helped him secure an athletic scholarship.

Josh’s college career began at Northwood University (Midland, Michigan, Division II). He had some highlights in his NU career including placing 5^th at U20 USA Track Nationals (2022), receiving GMAC All-Conference honors in cross country (2022), and becoming the 800M Indoor GMAC Conference Record Holder in 2023 with a time of 1:50.7. All this happened while maintaining a GPA that earned him a spot on the Dean’s List and Academic All-American honors.

Once again, while at Northwood University, Josh made an impression on his coach, Jeremy Wilk (Head Coach Northwood University Track). When Wilk was recruited to the coaching staff at University of Miami, Florida, he felt Josh would be a good addition to their mid-distance team. Josh entered the transfer portal and made the switch to University of Miami in January of 2024. His running talent along with his grades allowed him to once again earn a full-ride scholarship.

His initial season, unfortunately, was cut short due to an injury and he was only able to compete in a few events. Most of his first semester at Miami was spent in physical therapy and conditioning. He was able to train through the summer, in his hometown of Harrison, and now he is making his mark in the 2025 season. His first competitive meet was Jan. 11, and he ran the 1 Mile at the Gamecock Opener (South Carolina) finishing 2^nd overall. He then went on to compete Jan. 29 and 30 at the Lenny Lyles Invitational (Kentucky) where he was 1^st place (1:50.18) in the 800M out of 64 competitors. He also ran in the1 Mile event where he finished 2^nd (4:09.12) in his heat and 3^rd overall, in a race of 62 runners. Both of these records are new personal bests for Josh. His next competition will be the Tiger Paw Invitational in Clemson, South Carolina, on Friday, Feb. 14, where he is expected to run the 800M and the 1 Mile again.

I think his “small town start” is what has helped give him wings (or maybe I should say legs). Someone being interested enough, and caring enough, to help him fulfill his goals. I’d like to think that I’m the one who encouraged him to pursue an athletic scholarship, but I think Josh has forgotten that conversation. Ultimately, it was Mick Haley who gets credit for making this possible, and the Jones Family is forever grateful to him for that. I asked Josh if he had anything he’d like to add, after I wrote this.

“I’m just super thankful for all of the support, guidance and encouragement from everyone in the community,” Jones said. “Both in high school and collegiately I have had a lot of help and wouldn’t be in the position I am without all the help. I’m super proud to represent Harrison and the surrounding communities.”

Josh will finish his career at the University of Miami in May of 2025, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Josh is the son of Jeffrey Jones and Lynne LaFleur, both graduates of Harrison High School (1986 and 1985, respectively).

– Submitted by Dawne Luce (proud aunt)