MOTOR SPORTS
WW junior has found a way to race for Christ

GEORGE BROWNING
Leader-Democrat Staff Writer
West Washington junior Jacob Rowland is a two-sport athlete for the Senators, but it`s a third sport, motocross, that is his passion.
In fact, Rowland said he decided to do the other sports to improve his physical conditioning in motocross.
"I went out for track and cross country to train for motocross," Rowland said. "Mr. (Maurice) Ragsdale (who coaches track and cross country) has really helped me a lot."
Ragsdale`s training plan must have worked because this summer Rowland finished 12th in the 125b stock class at the Loretta Lynn Amateur Nationals.
Rowland, who is the son of Jenny and Greg Rowland, also made the national race in the 250b modified class, where he finished 21st.
In order to make it to nationals, Rowland had to go through qualifying races.
Those qualifiers led to regionals and from there it`s the national race.
Jacob agreed that the work he has done with Ragsdale is paying off in motocross.
"At nationals, they have like 25-minute races and plus, it was 112 with the heat index," he said. "I could tell that my work in track was paying off because I wasn`t near as tired as I was a few years ago at nationals."
While Ragsdale would like to see Rowland focus on track or cross country, he understands that motocross is where his heart is. He said he knew that in the beginning and didn`t want to inter-
fere. Ragsdale said he knows which sport Rowland will choose if thereis ever a conflict.

"He is a great kid and is very coachable," Ragsdale said. "As a coach, you would take seven more kids with Jacob`s attitude and approach."
Rowland`s racing career began when he was given a dirt bike for his sixth birthday, and he has been honing his skills ever since.
Rowland thought for a minute before answering, but then admitted that his first bike was probably his best birthday present ever.
He said it didn`t take long to realize how much he loved the sport.
"I really wasn`t sure when I started if I liked it," he said. "It takes a while to get the hang of it. For the first week or so, I would go 50 feet or so then fall over. Then, I would get up and go 50 more feet and do it again."
Rowland said he has had a lot of bumps and bruises and a few broken bones over the years.
The roughness of the sport is the reason his dad is no longer racing.
"Dad has had some bad luck recently with accidents," he said.
Jacob said he and his dad used to compete all the time.
"It was a lot of fun," he said. "We passed each other back and forth and had a good time."
He said he isn`t that concerned with injury because he has a powerful co-pilot.
Rowland said he is motivated by his love to compete and his relationship with Jesus Christ.
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Racing for Christ

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"It`s a thrill," he said. "I feel like I am doing it for the Lord Jesus."
One may wonder how Rowland can relate motocross to his Christianity, but it`s easy for him to explain.
He said he often gets the opportunity to minister to other drivers and fans about his spiritual relationship.
"At the track sometimes, they have me go on the intercom and tell people about my association with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Motocross team and my walk with Jesus," he said.
Jacob`s walk began as a small child when he began attending Westview Christian Church.
"I think I`ve always been a Christian, but when I got baptized three years ago is when my faith took off," he said.
Jacob said when he was in junior high, he had the realization that he needed to strengthen his spiritual walk.
"I started praying and reading the Bible," he said, "and I wanted to find a way to blend my love for Christ with motocross and then they told me they were starting the FCA motocross team and I knew I wanted be a part of that."
Rowland said West Washington does not have an FCA club, but he is part of the Impact Club.
He said the Impact Club is not sports-related, but it is a way for Christian students to come together.
As far as school, Jacob is ranked 12th in the junior class.
After high school, Rowland said he wants to give motocross a shot at the pro level before going to college.
"I want to take a year after I graduate and do the pro nationals," he said. "Then, maybe go to college

after that, but I am not sure what I want to do beyond that."
He said some professional racers make a good living, but he knows the ones that do are the best of the best.
"If I do that well, I might keep going beyond that first year."
For now though, Jacob said he is going to keep on working and will try to improve on his 12th place finish next year.
He said he loves what he is doing, but he couldn`t do it without a lot of help.
"I have to thank FCA MX, Joe at Cycle Tech, Paoli Peaks, Suspension Works, Osiris Shoes and Podium 1 for giving me a great track to race and practice locally, and Coach Ragsdale for helping me train.
"Also, my family for all the time and money they spend so that I can chase my dreams!"