TIFTON — Dontae’ Jones’ college signing ceremony could have taken place online. They could have announced it with a single photo. But Tift County High head track coach J.C. Clark wanted to do it at the high school.

“Celebrating a person in person,” Clark said allowed for interactions and made it even bigger. Jones, who will compete for Emmanuel University in Franklin Springs, was joined at TCHS by family members wearing Emmanuel shirts. Teammates dropped by and everyone snacked afterwards on cupcakes in Emmanuel colors. Clark said the Blue Devils tried Jones in various roles during the 2023 before they found his specialty: jumps.

Jones earned 3rd place the first time he triple jumped at a meet and he only got better from there. His second meet in triple jump was three feet better. Jones earned his first win in the event at Tift’s second quad meet of the season. He was 3rd at the Region 1-6A meet and advanced to the state track sectionals in his first season of competing as a triple jumper.

Choosing Emmanuel had several benefits, Jones said at the signing. The school is close to home and, as a Christian-affiliated school, it allows him a better relationship with God, he said. Jones said he was planning to major in graphic design.

Emmanuel is Georgia’s newest university, switching its name from Emmanuel College on July 10 this year. The Lions compete in Conference Carolinas in Division II, which also has Young Harris as a member.