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Baldwin signs to run for Simpson College
by Gregory R. Norfleet · Sports · April 20, 2017


West Branch senior Jordan Baldwin on Friday signed a letter of intent to run track and cross country for Simpson College.


Baldwin earned a partial athletic scholarship to compete with the Storm, based in Indianola.

“I’m really excited,” he said prior to dozens of friends and family witnessing him signing the paperwork at a brief ceremony at West Branch High School.

Baldwin said he ran all four years in high school, but it was during his sophomore year he started to realize that his speed could help him get into college. He said he was competing in the 4x800 during the state tournament at Drake University and wondered, “maybe I could get some colleges to look at me.”

“I thought, ‘Wow, I could do this for a long time,” he said.

His parents, Alyson and Mike, said they were “very pleased” to see Jordan earn the scholarship.

“Cross country catapulted his running and his future to run at college,” his mother said. “And City High helped him to get to the next level.”

West Branch High School offers track and field, but Baldwin and other West Branch runners travel to Iowa City High School to compete in cross country.

Boys Track and Field Head Coach Taylor Larson said Jordan earned the scholarship.

“I’m excited for him,” the coach said. “He’s a dedicated runner and a good kid — and good with academics.”

Larson said Simpson will help Baldwin develop into his full potential with time in the weight room.

Jordan runs in the 800-meter, 4x800, mile, two mile, 4x400 and distance medley for the Bears. Larson said Jordan’s strength lies in how he uses long stride to maximize his speed.

“He worked hard with Coach (Jim) Cottingham,” Larson said, and expects to see Jordan beat his personal record from junior year.

Principal Shannon Bucknell made brief remarks prior to Jordan signing the letter of intent, saying the school was proud to celebrate this accomplishment with the senior.

“Congratulations to Jordan and his family,” he said.

Both of Jordan’s parents are from Central Iowa — Carlyle — and like that Jordan will be near there, especially with Simpson’s proximity to Des Moines.

Jordan plans to major in political science with hopes of becoming a lobbyist or campaign manager. With close proximity to the Iowa capitol, he said Simpson built up a good political science program working with legislators.

“They have an outstanding program,” Alyson said of Simpson College, giving Jordan many opportunities for internships.

Simpson Head Cross Country Coach Heath Moenck said Division III coaches are restricted from making comments regarding incoming students until those students have both enrolled and made their initial deposits.