SIMEON CANNON HAS ALWAYS HAD “HOPS.”
The senior has turned his jumping ability into a potential ticket to the UIL State Track and Field Meet in 2025.
“Last year was my greatest memory, but also my most disappointing one,” he recalled. “I was one jump short of reaching the State Meet... I’ll never forget it. Coach (Justin) Scott stood with me, and he knew I was upset. He just told me, ‘We’ll get there next year.’”
Well, now it’s next year.
Cannon is a multi-event athlete at Hastings, excelling as both a jumper and a sprinter. This winter, he has been making waves in the 400-meter dash and relays, but it’s his jumping that could punch his ticket to Austin.
“I’ve always been able to jump, but I didn’t really take it seriously until my sophomore year,” he said. “My goal is 24 feet in the long jump and 6-foot-10 in the high jump. I didn’t realize how good I was until last year. Now, I’m really working on my craft.”
While Cannon shines on the track, his athleticism and versatility have also made him a standout on the football field. A first-team all-district selection, he can line up anywhere—from defensive back to receiver to special teams.
“I love football and would love to do both in college,” he said. “I’m working on the recruiting process now, but just know—if I get a chance, I’m going to make the most of it. Anything can happen.”
When he’s not training or watching football, Cannon is busy working—at Chuck E. Cheese.
“Having a job really gives you a different perspective on life,” he said. “You learn how to deal with customers and work as a team. It teaches you accountability and how real-world business works.”
Maybe after he reaches the State Track Meet and earns a college football scholarship, his first Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal could come from none other than... Chuck E. Cheese.
Like he said, anything can happen.
