Two athletes from the University of Kentucky Track and Field team, Langston Jackson and Phoebe McCowan, have been named to the Southeastern Conference Track and Field Community Service Team. The program recognizes athletes from each school who have made efforts in improving their community through volunteer work. Senior Langston Jackson, who is from Lexington, has completed over 30 hours of community service this year, working alongside various organizations such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter on campus. He shared his journey as a student-athlete with several students, read books, and volunteered with organizations during the Eastern Kentucky flood relief program.
On the field, Jackson was vital to the men’s 4×100-meter relay team that placed sixth in the finals at the SEC Outdoor Championships. He also ran a personal best of 10.22 (1.9) in the 100-meter dash at the NCAA East Preliminaries, which ranks fourth in the school’s all-time performers list. Sophomore Phoebe McCowan, who is from London, Ky., has completed over 20 hours of community service this year at the University’s hospital. She assisted with general patient needs and supported research needs through her mentor, helping organize a research meeting with cancer patients, physicians, and other members of the patients’ care team.
McCowan also competed in track and field and earned a qualifying bid to the NCAA East Preliminaries in the 800 meters. Additionally, she obtained two personal bests this season, one in the 800 meters at the UF Tom Jones Memorial and the other in the 1500 meters at the SEC Outdoor Championships, along with six top-10 finishes. The SEC Track and Field Community Service Team was formed to recognize student-athletes who devote themselves to their community and take pride in being outstanding representatives for their institution beyond their sports.
This recognition places Jackson and McCowan in the Upper echelon of SEC student-athletes. Their contributions could inspire other athletes to make a difference in their communities. Students who are identified for a community service award have demonstrated a noteworthy commitment to giving back. The community service team is one of several initiatives that the SEC has implemented to recognize and acknowledge students’ academic, athletic, and civic achievements. The award is presented annually to athletes who have demonstrated the ultimate success academically, athletically, and in the community.
