| Friday Feature: Travis Jones | |||||||
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An effective form of leadership is done by example. For San Jose State football linebacker Travis Jones, leadership by example is something that comes naturally.
Jones, one of the football team’s representatives to the San Jose State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), has been a leader on the campus since he entered SJSU as a freshman in 2005. Being a SJSU SAAC member gives Jones the opportunity to work with other SAAC reps in the WAC on legislative procedures that can affect all student-athletes. “One of the best parts about being a representative for SAAC is being able to meet with fellow student-athletes, discuss issues in collegiate athletics, and come up with solutions to those problems,” said the health science major. The leadership role is very important to Jones who believes that college is truly an avenue to leadership later on in life. “One of the main reasons for coming to college is to learn how to make our own decisions because pretty soon we'll be responsible for running this country,” says Jones. “So right now it's our responsibility to take part in running the athletics and student body of our university.” The three-time Academic All-WAC honoree has played in every game since 2006 as a linebacker and special teams player. “My mentality on the field and in the classroom is the same. Just like I have to prepare to play in a game, I have to prepare to take exams,” said Jones. “The same way we listen to our coaches, we have to listen to our professors. It’s almost exactly the same structure in class just obviously not as physical." The native of Atascadero, Calif. says his inspiration to have a leadership role in the lives of student-athletes comes from the support of his family and the influence of his father Paul Jones who was a halfback at the University of California form 1975 through 1979. “I’d be nowhere without my entire family. My mom, dad, sister, and girlfriend have been so supportive,” says the 6-foot-1, 220-pound junior. “I also have to mention my grandmother, Ramona Jones, who passed away last week because she’s always been there for me, too.” Regardless of the environment, Jones' leadership will stay with him long past SJSU. See Jones’ leadership Saturday, November 8 against Louisiana Tech in Spartan Stadium. 2008-09 Friday Features October 17- Jessica Ingram, Women's Soccer October 24 - Coye Francies, Football October 31 - David Haefele, Men's Cross Country November 7 - Travis Jones, Football
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Courtesy: San Jose State Athletics