OLYMPIA, Wash. – Jaydon Blackburn (Jr.) from The Evergreen State College men's cross country team is the Evergreen Featured Athlete of the Week for October 7, 2025. Blackburn attended Shelton High School and St. Martin's University before transferring to Evergreen.

Blackburn has been a consistent scorer for the Geoducks at cross country meets. In 2024, he was the second Evergreen athlete to reach the finish line in the men's 8-kilometer race at the Cascade Collegiate Conference Championships. Also in 2024, he was Evergreen's top finisher at the CCC Preview Meet and at the Charles Bowles Willamette Invitational.

With a strong commitment to the team, Blackburn is a key member of the men's cross country group. He battles throughout each race, providing the Geoducks with a solid effort.

"My top strengths as a runner for Evergreen I would say are my perseverance and my drive to keep going when times get tough," Blackburn commented. "I have battled with multiple setbacks including illnesses and injuries but have pushed through."

Blackburn's efforts have been noticed by his coaches and teammates, who have provided him with support and understanding.

"Working with Jaydon over the past year has been a complete joy!" said Evergreen Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach Joel Pearson. "His passion for his academics and athletics makes him a great role model for our programs and what we are trying to create. We are very fortunate that Jaydon decided to be a Geoduck!"

"I enjoy having a positive coach and positive teammates who are dedicated to the sport," Blackburn said.

Evergreen brought back cross country as a sport in 2023, and Blackburn joined the men's team in 2024. He has seen a significant increase in the number of Geoducks on the men's and women's cross country teams and track and field teams.

"It's been exciting to watch the team grow from a few runners to well over 50 athletes," Blackburn noted. "Running has given me a sense of belonging at Evergreen."

Blackburn arrived at Evergreen to compete in cross country and track and field. He also chose Evergreen to focus on his college degree, and he created his own pathway.

"I decided to attend Evergreen as I thought the athletics program was the right fit for what I was looking for," Blackburn explained. He added that "I am studying coaching and training design through and Individual Learning Contract.  I plan to be a cross country/track coach after college."

Although much of Blackburn's time involves academics or running for the Geoducks, he still finds opportunities to participate in other interests.

"In my spare time I like to play piano and sail my sailboat," Blackburn said.