Stroud senior Jackson Campbell has always had a competitive nature.
He started playing sports when he was five or six -- ever since his father Jim Campbell used to coach in Chandler. He plays baseball and basketball, and even wrestled for a little bit in the past, though this year he’s focusing only on basketball thanks to a shoulder injury. Jackson credits his parents for getting him into sports.
“My parents are both very competitive, so they got me into sports immediately,” he said.
He jokingly added that it also could have been because they thought he had ADHD, and instead of giving him medicine, they had him run around so much that he was tired out and not “a little devil at home.”
Of course, it’s his own competitive nature that has kept him on the field and court. Jackson admitted that he doesn’t like seeing other people win, so if he’s able to go and try for the win, he’s going to do it.
He’s been around basketball his whole life and knows the ins and outs, even if he feels he doesn’t exactly have the athletic ability for it. His dad coached basketball, which helped make the sport second nature for him. When it comes to baseball, Jackson said he started at 10, and he was bad -- constantly riding the bench. But then again, that competitive nature took over.
“I was like, okay, I’m done. I went outside every might and played catch, hit, until I was a starter,” he said. “I wanted to go to college for baseball, and then I tore my ACL twice, and I’m like, this ain’t it.”
His baseball coach, Danny McIntyre, said Jackson matured as a player over the last couple of seasons, being a leader by both example and a voice for those around him.
“He has proven that he will do his best, no matter the circumstances,” Mc-Intyre said. “I can vouch that Jackson does everything on the field with a lot of emotion and energy. One thing that I have stressed to my players is to create positive energy and environments for the team. He is always cheering and supporting his teammates, while also knowing when and how to step up as a leader.”
Now, Jackson’s dreams have shifted, though he still has that dogged determination to succeed. He plans to go to tech next year for electrical. Eventually, he wants to get certified for plumbing and HVAC as well, so he can buy and flip his own houses. The plan is to start with getting a good job.
“I mean, work my butt off, eventually start a family, form our relationship with God, and just live,” he said. “End goal is definitely having a big enough house to have big Christmas parties for the family and friends. That’s definitely the end goal.”
He might need it. Jackson has six siblings due to his blended family three brothers and three sisters.
“I love them to death and would do anything for them,” he said.
Each sibling has contributed to Jackson’s life in different ways. His brother Cody helped him with basketball, while Hayden wrestled with him. His sisters helped look after him. And, of course, competitiveness is just as strong among his siblings.
Jackson described family game nights that can get a bit heated. His mom is a strategic player, such as intentionally saying “Uno” so softly that no one can hear her. He claims that if his father doesn’t get his way, he’ll pull out the rulebook to find any loophole to win.
“My parents, that’s where I got it from, just the competitiveness. I mean, even my little sister (Sally), if she feels like something’s going wrong, she’ll rage. She will literally call you out for anything,” Jackson said. “And Courtney, oh my gosh, we’ll play Monopoly, and if you bankrupt Courtney, it’s the end of the world. I’m scared, like, I make sure she has money so I don’t get hurt. Even my brothers-in-law… they get after it too. There’s no free winning in our family.”
His father, Jim, agrees, adding that whether it’s game night or an Easter egg hunt, Jackson is very competitive. However, his recollection of the game in question, he wasn’t looking for loopholes, but rather figuring out a discrepancy in the rules.
“I think competitiveness is a great thing as long as you can keep it in perspective and not belittle others. He does a pretty good job of that and will do real well in life,” Jim said.
Overall, Jackson strives to enjoy life and make the most of it. He said while he wants to eventually settle down in Oklahoma, he’s open to going where the wind takes him. His advice to others?
“Love what you’re doing while you’re doing it. Don’t take anything too seriously,” he said.
Editor’s Note: This is the 12th in the Senior Spotlight series that will feature graduating seniors from all of the high schools in The Lincoln County News’ coverage area.