Tsedeke Jakovics from Old Mill High School has been named the Capital Gazette’s 2025 Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year, capping off an extraordinary high school career. This recognition comes after Jakovics secured four state championships during the spring season, solidifying his status as one of the premier distance runners in the Baltimore area.
Jakovics burst onto the distance running scene during his junior cross country season in 2023, quickly establishing himself as a formidable competitor. His accolades include multiple county, regional, and state championships, as well as being named All-Metro and Cross Country Runner of the Year in his senior year. Commenting on his achievements, he said, “This marks No. 10 of state titles. I’m just really happy I got to double digits.”
This award reflects not only his spring performances but also the culmination of a remarkable running career. Jakovics first made headlines with a fifth-place finish in the Large Division race at the Bull Run Invitational, where he significantly improved his time by nearly a minute and a half compared to the previous year. Later, he ran a stellar 15:45 at the Class 4A state championships, finishing as the state runner-up.
At the indoor track season, Jakovics continued to dominate, winning county titles in the 800, 1,600, and 3,200 meters. He also secured the 4A state title in the 800 and finished as runner-up in the 1,600. Reflecting on his rapid ascent, he stated, “It’s crazy. I wasn’t expecting it my junior year, but now I am [a state champion]. It’s a surreal feeling.”
Jakovics’ success persisted into his final spring season, where he collected additional county titles in both the 800 and 1,600 meters, and clinched a state championship in the 800. He also played a crucial role in Old Mill’s 4×800 relay team, contributing to their state title. “It’s been a huge improvement, but I’m definitely not done here,” he remarked at last year’s outdoor state championships, indicating his commitment to further goals.
In his concluding season, Jakovics won the 3,200 meters and anchored the 4×800 relay on the first day of the 3A state meet, demonstrating his versatility and tenacity. He capped his high school career by winning both the 800 and 1,600 meters, solidifying his legacy in the sport. “It’s been a journey for sure,” he reflected. “When I first started, I was nowhere near thinking I’d even get one state title; now I got 10.”
The award not only celebrates Jakovics’ individual achievements but also highlights the coaching excellence of Stacy Severtson from Crofton High School, who has been named the 2025 Capital Gazette Outdoor Track and Field Coach of the Year. Severtson launched the Cardinals’ track and field program in 2021 amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Building the team from the ground up, she emphasized the importance of adaptability and teamwork. Crofton’s boys team recently won significant meets, including the Anne Arundel County championship by 57 points and the 4A East Region title by 84 points. While they finished as the 4A state runner-up, the team achieved this without a standout athlete capable of dominating individual events.
Severtson noted, “The boys team was kind of getting frustrated and they really worked hard to get up to where the girls were,” reflecting the competitive spirit within the program. This year, Crofton’s success stemmed from a balanced roster, demonstrating their ability to perform across various events.
The achievements of Jakovics and the Crofton boys team highlight the depth of talent within the region. Other notable athletes include Christian Doss, a sophomore from Crofton, who excelled in hurdles, and Kofi Duro from Arundel, who captured a 3A state championship in long jump.
As the track and field season progresses, the accomplishments of these athletes serve as inspiration for future competitors, showcasing the dedication and hard work that define the sport.