Fierce probably wouldn’t best describe Jordon Washington as a competitor.Not because he lacks dedication but rather possesses a caring spirit that makes him a candidate for most likable guy on the track.The Warrenton senior is an optimist, and that trait has been necessary through three seasons of heartbreak and triumph.As he enters his final run as a member of the Warriors’ track team, Washington has his sights set on leaving a lasting impression in more ways than one.“I want to win state. That’s most prevalent in my mind,” said the sprinter, who finished fourth in the 100-meter race at last year’s Class 3 MSHSAA Championships.“I think everybody has potential to do amazing things at whatever they do. I want to be an example of somebody that strives for more.”Washington has been left hungry for more on several occasions, narrowly missing out on a trip to state his freshman year.The next season he advanced to state as a member of the sprint relays, only to fall short of a medal and in individual events.“We got to sectionals and every time I would get closer and closer to getting to state,” said Washington. “What motivates me is progress.”Last year he finally vindicated himself, bringing home a pair of state medals and finally performing at a satisfactory level.“He’s so goal-oriented,” said Coach Steve McDowell. “Having that positive attitude has paid wonders for the kid.”Washington’s personal best in the 100-meter is 10.9 seconds. He ran an 11.17 at state.“I want to beat the school record in the 100,” said Washington. “My goal is to run a 10.5 (seconds) or below, which would be a huge jump.”There is another race that has tested him on other levels.“In the 200, I have to focus on my endurance,” said Washington, who performs better in short distances. “Hopefully I’m more explosive, and it feels like I have been in practice.”His best time to date in the 200-meter race is 22.7 seconds.“I’d like to see him get back to state and finish among the Top 3 in the open 100,” added McDowell. “He’s very capable of also medaling in the 200 this year.”Cutting times may prove easier for Washington and rising in the field of competitors, with Warrenton moving up to Class 4 this season.“Even in our new class ranking, I don’t care who I’m running against, I want to do the best I could and beat my own personal best of fourth in state,” said Washington. “If there are kids that are faster it’s just going to push me more.”He says he spent time weightlifting during the offseason to improve his leg strength and burst.“A bigger school for something like track doesn’t necessarily mean better runners,” said Washington. “In a team sport you have more people to pick from. Track as an individual sport, it can help but it’s so largely individual that I don’t think it’ll make a huge difference.”He will carry a considerable amount of responsibility this season and yet seems to crave more.“He’s one of those kids who takes charge of things,” said Washington. “He works so well with everyone else on the team. He’s a great leader by example.”Part of that increased role will center around rebuilding an 800-meter relay team which returns half of its runners — Washington and junior Justin McBroom — from a fourth-place finish at state last May.“There’s a lot of younger kids that came out with a lot of potential, so I want them to push that potential,” said Washington. “I’m going to be gone so I want the team to be good.”As a freshman, he was approached by an upperclassmen who encouraged Washington to pursue his talents in track. He took that advice and ran with it.“He’s accomplished so much in athletics and being involved in so many different organizations,” said McDowell. “He’s such a well-rounded, gifted person.”Now he hopes to inspire others as he brings his career to a close.“I want to create a culture of support,” said Washington. “I don’t want to be just another runner.”WASHINGTON SETS SIGHT ON TITLEDerrick Forsythe photo.