(Editor's Note:  This is part of a series of stories of the RUDY Award finalists.  Two winners – one male and one female – will be announced at the conclusion of the end of the R.UD.Y.S. Awards Banquet on Monday.  

R.U.D.Y.S. stands for Recognition and celebration of University of Dayton student-athletes Year-end Showcase.  It is hosted by the UD Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Dayton Athletics administration for the student-athletes to recognize individuals and teams for their accomplishments this past year.
 
These stories were written by students in Dr. Haozho Pu's HS 353 Sports Media class.)

Written by Andrew Corbett, Conor McDonough, Obiora Onochie 

With roots deeply embedded in the heart of Ohio Adam is a shining example of the quintessential scholar-athlete and a testament of unwavering dedication and passion. Adam's athletic endeavors have carved a path of excellence, with each stride on the track marking a milestone of achievement. On top of running, he is also majoring in Exercise Physiology.

This past season, Adam showcased his exceptional talent, achieving personal bests and leaving an indelible mark on the track and field scene. Notably, his performances at various meets and invitationals, such as the Marshall Invitational and the Atlantic 10 Championships
underscore his commitment to excellence.

Adam's journey is dotted with remarkable feats, including prestigious awards, such as the Unsung Hero Award for the University of Dayton Athletics in 2023. His dedication and talent have garnered the respect and admiration of his peers and coaches alike.

As a senior leader, Adam plays a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring his team. His leadership qualities and unwavering commitment set him apart, making him a role model for aspiring athletes.

Beyond the track, Adam finds solace in a myriad of hobbies and interests. From immersing himself in literary classics to passionately supporting Cleveland teams like the Guardians, Adam's diverse interests add depth to his persona.

In essence, Adam Jones epitomizes the spirit of a scholar-athlete, his journey marked by resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication. Join us as we delve deeper into the captivating story of this exceptional individual, both on and off the track.

Q. What does being a Flyer mean to you?
A."Being a Flyer to me means being part of a family. Everyone at this university is very welcoming, everyone wants to make sure that everyone is getting the best out of everyone. Being a Flyer is having a family, and group of friends that are going to support you, and you're going to support other to be the best you can be."

Q. What is one of the most influential moments in your athletic career?
A."One of the most awesome moments is something with running, and something with cross country, one word you try to achieve is synergy. Something where even if you're not running together, you sometimes have packs form throughout the race, and last year during All-Ohio, I felt this a lot. I passed some guys, and they passed me, and it seemed like we were all moving up together, and it seemed like we all worked really well together."

Q. Balancing sports and academics can be challenging. How do you organize your time effectively to ensure success in both areas?
A."The biggest thing for me is just prioritizing sleep and eating, and the rest just kind of falls into place. The schedules with practice and school are already made for me, and I give 100% in those given areas."

Q. How has being a student-athlete contributed to your personal growth and development?-
A."The big thing is discipline, it's not easy, we have a lot of hard moments, and you need to be able to push through it. This makes me better at being able to push through harder moments throughout life."

Q. What are your future goals and aspirations after graduating from UD?
A."I'm going to go to a Ph.D. program in biomedical engineering. Once I go through that I want to work in the biomaterials.field, I want to work with biomedical devices, or something in that realm, and hopefully working to make others' lives better with doctors."

PREVIOUS STORIES
Casey Bogues -- Track & Field
Destiny Bohanon -- Basketball
Connor Bruce -- Tennis 
Abby Carter -- Cross Country/Track & Field
Alicia Donley -- Soccer
Calan Gizelbach -- Cross Country
Elizabeth Hamilton -- Tennis
DaRon Holmes II -- Basketball