3-Sport, 3-Time Captain Jacques Handled Adversity in a Classy Way

By KEN HAMWEY,

Bulletin Sports Writer

Mason Jacques could write a book or conduct a class on how to overcome adversity.

The 18-year-old Bellingham High senior, who’ll play football for the University of New Hampshire, has gracefully dealt with a plethora of setbacks.

Jacques played football, basketball and ran track during his Blackhawk career but injuries cost him 2½ years of football because of two fractured collarbones, a dislocated shoulder and a torn labrum. When he was a sophomore, in his only year of basketball, a high ankle sprain sidelined him for half of the season. 

Mason Jacques missed 2½ years of football because of two fractured collarbones, a dislocated shoulder and a torn labrum.

In spite of all the physical trials and all the physical therapy, the Bellingham native never considered quitting. Because of his grit and determination, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound Jacques became a two-time captain in football and a captain in track. And, he also achieved all-star status in the Tri Valley League —in football and track. His one year of basketball, as a guard/forward, ended with his winning the team’s Defensive Player of the Year Award.

“What helped get me through all the injuries was a combination of faith, family and mental toughness,’’ Jacques emphasized. “When I fractured my collarbone the second time, it was my junior season, an important time for recruiting. I was furious. I asked ‘why me?’ and felt lots of sadness. 

“Then, when I suffered the two shoulder injuries and missed our first four football games last fall, I was determined. There was a fire inside me. All I wanted was a chance. My parents (Holly and Jonathan) were supportive and encouraging and my mental toughness kicked in. My parents’ support and my mental approach helped, but it was my faith that that played a major role, enabling me to fully regain my health.’’

Jacques attended church as a youngster, and his faith got stronger in his teenage years. “I was able to understand the Bible better and learned the importance of prayer,’’ he noted. “I realized when I was recovering from my injuries that God gives tough situations to people who can handle them. I knew there was a reason for my setbacks.’’

During the football season last fall, coach Dan Haddad, who usually offered a pre-game prayer, handed that assignment to Jacques. 

“Mason was a tremendous leader, even though he was dealt a horrible hand for 2½ years’’ Haddad said. “Breaking his collarbone twice, most young men would fold, but because of Mason’s strong faith and mental toughness, he was able to become such a tremendous influence in the locker room and on the field. He was our spiritual leader, giving our pregame prayer — not written or rehearsed, just straight from his heart. It was truly inspirational. When he was able to return, he had the best seven-game stats at receiver that I have ever seen. A true warrior.’’

His statistics included: 27 receptions for 681 yards; a per-catch average of 25.2 yards; and 9 touchdowns. Because of those numbers, Jacques earned the Offensive Back/Receiver of the Year Award at the team’s annual banquet.

Jacques’ favorite sport is football, and he plans to compete for playing time at UNH where former Blackhawks QB Rick Santos is head coach. “I’m very excited to play football at the Division 1 level,’’ he said.’’

Jacques, who was an honor student at BHS, finished with a GPA of 3.6. He plans on majoring in liberal arts.

Since the track season was his final time wearing BHS colors, he was determined to finish strong. He runs the 100, 200, the 4x100-meter relay and throws the javelin. His best efforts in those events are — 11.34 seconds for the 100; 23.9 seconds for the 200; and 135 feet-3 inches for the javelin. Last year, Jacques ran a leg on the 4x100 relay team that holds the school record (44.92 seconds). Being a part of the record- breaking 4x100 team is his top thrill in track. 

“My goals at the start of track season were to break the school record in the 100-meter run, for both the boys’ and girls’ teams to win the TVL title, and for our 4x100 relay team to surpass our record time,’’ Jacques offered. 

So far, one of his objectives has materialized, and two others could be achieved in three post-season meets scheduled after The Bulletin’s deadline. 

“Mason displays great character as our captain,’’ said track coach Peter Lacasse. “He’s intense, sets goals and strives to achieve them. He also is relentless in his preparation. He’s got strong beliefs, is vocal about them and never compromises on them.’’

Jacques admired outstanding coaches and teammates. 

“My coaches were all motivating and made athletics a family affair,’’ Jacques said. “My teammates were all terrific, and they all put the track, basketball and football teams first.’’

The three-time captain loved the role’s responsibility, leading by example and by being communicative and supportive. “Being a captain helped me to be a better person and an effective leader,’’ he said.

Jacques emphasized he learned valuable life lessons from sports. 

“I learned early on how to handle adversity and how to be resilient,’’ he said. “I also learned to be a quality teammate and leader, and how to accept accountability and responsibility.’’

Labeling his final season (track) at BHS as “bittersweet, Jacques said, “I’ll miss my teammates, classmates and teachers, but there’s a new chapter ahead at UNH,’’ he said. 

Jacques was a special student-athlete at BHS. He had great athletic attributes, like speed, strength, agility, skills, mental toughness and a high compete level, and a faith he was willing to share. He personifies dedication, desire and devotion to whatever task he faces.