AFC WEST
x-playoff
x-Kansas City 15-2
x-LA Chargers 11-6
x-Denver 10-7
Las Vegas 4-13
AFC EAST
x-Buffalo 13-4
Miami 8-9
NY Jets 5-12
New England 4-13
AFC SOUTH
x-Houston 10-7
Indianapolis 8-9
Jacksonville 4-13
Tennessee 3-14
AFC NORTH
x-Baltimore 12-5
Pittsburgh 10-7
Cincinnati 9-8
Cleveland 3-14
NFC EAST
x-Philadelphia 14-3
x-Washington 12-5
Dallas 7-10
NY Giants 3-14
NFC CENTRAL
x-Detroit 15-2
x-Minnesota 14-3
x-Green Bay 11-6
Chicago 5-12
NFC SOUTH
x-Tampa Bay 10-7
Atlanta 8-9
New Orleans 5-12
Carolina 5-12
NFC WEST
x-LA Rams 10-7
Seattle 10-7
Arizona 8-9
San Francisco 6-11
PITTSBURG -- The legacy of Pittsburg State's 2-time NCAA decathlon champion Hunter Jones started with a tragedy.
Hunter's life shifted dramatically after a horrific July 2022 traffic accident that claimed the life of his father Trey, ruined the promising basketball career of his sister Ava Jones and made life a living nightmare for his mom Amy Jones, who sustained life-altering injuries.
Hunter had to grow up fast, making life-changing family decisions.
"It was different helping my family," Hunter said. "I had no other choice. No one else was going to do it. Something in your mind takes over. I didn't have to think about things. You've got to get the job done in certain moments."
Hunter knew it was time to step up.
"I had faith there was a bigger picture that's at hand. I believe God works in mysterious ways, but you may not see it. Watching my dad pass away and seeing my sister lose her basketball career was tough. My mom lost her husband."
Once the nightmare of 2022 was over, Hunter realized his life had changed forever.
He dedicated his life to being the best person and best decathlete he could be.
"Something switched in my brain," he said. "I couldn't let anything slip by without giving it 100 percent. It clicked after that. I represent my family because of everything they've lost. There's things that my sister can't do anymore. I had an opportunity. I'm not going to let my family down.
Jones faced an uphill climb in the 2-day decathlon after a lackluster day 1 at Pueblo, Colo. He trailed West Texas' Romer Vahter by 255 points after three events, and was also behind Azusa Pacific's Lincoln Krog (-107) and Angelo State's Mark Burdin (-161).
"After day 1, I needed a decent miracle to pop up to first place," he said. "I dug myself a deep hole. But I high jumped 7-feet, one-quarter inch to gain 33 extra points."
Jones gained 140-to-167 points in the high jump, 89 to 220 pole vault points and critical gains on Burden (plus 38) and Krog (plus 62) in the discus.
Ironically, a low-key event was a 761-point throw of 146-8 in the discus.
"Day 2 came down to discus," he said. "A couple guys fumbled that event and allowed me to squeeze back into contention. I focused on one event at a time. A few events worked out well."
Jones' positive outlook paid dividends.
"Everything lined up second day," he said. "My competitors didn't do as well as they're capable. I competed to the best of my ability day 2."
Jones' margin was tight. His 7,639 point total was 32 better than Krog, 57 higher than Burdin and 218 ahead of Vahter.
"At 4,700 feet, you're tired quicker because of a lack of oxygen," he said. "The 1,500 meters is the toughest event, a 6-second difference from sea level. I wanted to stay with Angelo State and watch the Azusa Pacific runner."
Jones has learned life lessons over the past few years that helped him overcome the expectations of a defending national champion.
"I love the multi event because it's tough mentally," he said. "The decathlon represents life. When I have a terrible long jump and shot put, you leave it behind. You focus on the task at hand. I got back into it over 7 feet in the high jump. It was surprising to see what I capable of doing. I put everything into my goal. I unlocked my potential."
Jones carries the tragic memories of 2022 close to his heart.
"I thank God for giving me the opportunity," he said. "My family lives through what I do. I want to represent my dad to show the show the man he was, and the way he raised us. I'm competing for my teammates and my family."
Jones will qualify for the decathlon event at the USA Track Championships, August 1-2, Eugene, Ore.
our team is good in every aspect. We had 7 national champions. Everyone wants to be the best they we can, which is rare. We have great chemistry. I enjoyed talking to coach Rutledge. He's a simple guy who wants you to be the best you can. If you don't he's failed as a coach. Our coaches has their own role. Coach Rutledge is hard on you.
not in kansas anymore ruby red slippers no place like home; your lil dog too; wizard of oz
