Athlete of the Month
DARREONTA JACKSON
Olympic Wrestling
Darreonta Jackson, is a 5th grader at the Howe School of Excellence in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. He is also a stand-out wrestler earning team captain, team MVP, and an individual city championship in the 5th/6th grade division during the 2008-2009 season.
What makes his accomplishments even more amazing is last year was his first year in wrestling, all because of Howe School teacher and head wrestling coach Rob Harman’s vision to start a wrestling team at his school. Coach Harman knew the young students at Howe face many challenges growing up on Chicago’s far west-side and he want to provide them with something positive to do after school, something that would instill discipline and goal-setting. As a lifetime wrestler, he knew the benefits the sport could have for the youth. Coach Harman worked hard to get some donated equipment, including a brand new wrestling mat from World Sport Chicago, and his program was off and running.
Howe’s program includes a 3rd/4th grade development squad and 5th/6th, 7th/8th grade teams that compete with other Chicago Public School elementary programs. Darreonta Jackson, age 11, picked up the skills quickly, becoming one of Howe’s most focused wrestlers. Coach Harman calls Darreonta, “a great kid who always remains upbeat and positive.” Darreonta says being involved in the wrestling program has helped “keep him on task,” and he loves to learn new moves and compete, but most importantly for Darreonta, it allows him to “throw his cousins around and it’s a good release for my anger.”
Darreonta has a bright future in CPS wrestling and the Howe program has become elite in just a few short years, winning the overall 5th/6th grade and 7th/8th grade team city championships in 2009.
Darreonta’s Favorites…
Favorite Challenge in Wrestling?
Wrestling bigger kids. It makes me tired and dizzy but I give it my all.
Favorite Olympic or Paralympic Sport?
Wrestling and Track & Field
Favorite Sports Athlete?
Kobe Bryant
Favorite Chicago Sports Team?
Chicago Bulls
Favorite Music Artist?
Lil Wayne
Favorite TV Show?
Everybody Hates Chris