University of Georgia Athletics
Track/Cross Country’s Wesley John Earns NCAA Jim McKay Scholarship
July 06, 2023 | Cross Country, Track & Field
ATHENS, Ga. --- Bulldog track and field and cross country senior Wesley John will receive a $10,000 Jim McKay Scholarship, awarded by the NCAA to college athletes who demonstrate achievement in sports communication or public relations or hope to contribute to the field.
John, a native of Watkinsville, Ga., and Oconee High School graduate, joins Arizona high jumper Diana Ramos as this year's recipients. John is married to the former Nicole Pachuta, who also ran distance at Georgia.
John graduated with a degree in Sport Management in May and will now pursue a Master's degree in Sport Management and Policy during the 2023-24 academic year at UGA while suiting up for Georgia. He posted a 3.50 grade point average and earned several academic honors, including one from the University of Georgia Athletic Scholarship Endowment Program that is awarded to an athlete who demonstrates honorable performances on the playing field, in the classroom and among the community.
In the spring, John ran the fastest 3000-meter steeplechase of his collegiate career (8:57.41) at the Raleigh Relays, which ranks fifth in school history. In 2021, he was a team captain in cross country.
When his running days are over, John wants to be a college cross country and track and field coach or work in operations for an athletics department.
"I believe my purpose is to use my knowledge of the sport to give back to those who are to come by impacting their lives for the better," John said in his McKay Scholarship essay. "I believe my graduate studies in sports management will prepare me to be effective in operations, communications and management."
The McKay Scholarship recognizes a student-athlete's outstanding academic achievements and potential to make major contributions to the sports communications industry. The scholarship was created in 2008 to honor pioneer sports journalist Jim McKay, and the recipients are selected by the NCAA Walter Byers Scholarship Committee.
Where To Find Bulldog News: News and updates from Georgia's track and field and cross country teams are posted on georgiadogs.com and are also always located on Twitter/Instagram at @UGATrack.
John, a native of Watkinsville, Ga., and Oconee High School graduate, joins Arizona high jumper Diana Ramos as this year's recipients. John is married to the former Nicole Pachuta, who also ran distance at Georgia.
John graduated with a degree in Sport Management in May and will now pursue a Master's degree in Sport Management and Policy during the 2023-24 academic year at UGA while suiting up for Georgia. He posted a 3.50 grade point average and earned several academic honors, including one from the University of Georgia Athletic Scholarship Endowment Program that is awarded to an athlete who demonstrates honorable performances on the playing field, in the classroom and among the community.
In the spring, John ran the fastest 3000-meter steeplechase of his collegiate career (8:57.41) at the Raleigh Relays, which ranks fifth in school history. In 2021, he was a team captain in cross country.
When his running days are over, John wants to be a college cross country and track and field coach or work in operations for an athletics department.
"I believe my purpose is to use my knowledge of the sport to give back to those who are to come by impacting their lives for the better," John said in his McKay Scholarship essay. "I believe my graduate studies in sports management will prepare me to be effective in operations, communications and management."
The McKay Scholarship recognizes a student-athlete's outstanding academic achievements and potential to make major contributions to the sports communications industry. The scholarship was created in 2008 to honor pioneer sports journalist Jim McKay, and the recipients are selected by the NCAA Walter Byers Scholarship Committee.
Where To Find Bulldog News: News and updates from Georgia's track and field and cross country teams are posted on georgiadogs.com and are also always located on Twitter/Instagram at @UGATrack.
Players Mentioned
Distance
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