HAMLIN – Jackson Wadsworth has led multiple teams to state titles, including one that you’ve probably never heard of.

The Hamlin graduate helped lead the 2024 football team to a 9AA state title as quarterback, and played a key role on the 2024 basketball team that defeated Sioux Falls Christian in overtime for the Class A state championship. But his most recent title came when the Special Olympics basketball team he coached won state last year.

“Our school is big into that, so me and my cousin were both there. We both started our freshman years. We’ve been involved in Special Olympics for like four years probably now,” said Wadsworth. “And then I was actually at the USA games in Minnesota, so you have to get invited to that and our basketball team, we won the state last year for Special Olympics.”

The Special Olympics USA Games were held this past week in Minneapolis from June 20-26. Wadsworth’s South Dakota squad posted a silver medal just falling to Team Minnesota 24-18.

“It’s just a really great experience being able to give back to those kids and give them an experience I think you’ll remember as well,” Wadsworth said.

When looking up the mission statement for the Special Olympics, part of the mission statement states “We aim to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity” and the environment not only promotes inclusivity, but fosters a culture of fun as well.

“It’s really fun. It takes a lot of the pressure off. You’re just out there having fun and they don’t really care if they win or lose, it’s all about the experience, just being able to play the game,” said Wadsworth. “And more people should have that outlook on life and on sports. Just thankful for the opportunity that they get to play the game because not everybody gets to do that. Take a page out of those kids’ books.”

And the Northern State basketball commit was able to take a page out of their books this past season just being able to take in every moment.

“Yeah, just last year especially. Definitely went by really fast. Just kind of winding down, knowing that it was going to be over soon. Just every opportunity that you get, don’t take it for granted. Like the last home game,” Wadsworth said. “Enjoy every opportunity and every moment you get to spend with your friends, playing the games you love because eventually, they’re gone and you wish you wanna go back.”

After a successful athletic career, Wadsworth decided to continue his basketball career playing in Aberdeen after NSU Coach Matt Wilber gave him an offer. It was always in the back of his mind to be a member of the Wolves.

“My older sister went to Northern and I just went to a lot of their games. I just love the atmosphere there and I’ve kind of always wanted to go there since I was a kid,” Wadsworth said. “I got a couple offers before that, but then when Coach Wilber gave that offer, I kind of knew where I wanted to go. And yeah, a couple months later, I committed and it was really cool.”

Wadsworth’s oldest sister, Lexi, was a standout player at NSU with a couple all-conference accolades, as well as finishing her career tied for second in 3-point field goal percentage. The next oldest sister Kylee signed to play at Presentation college, with the youngest sister, Kami currently playing at the University of Sioux Falls with a couple awards to her name already in three seasons. He said that having them push him helped elevate his game.

“It’s a great thing. Obviously, I learned a lot of things from my siblings growing up and both my parents as well. They both pushed me to be my best every day, no matter what,” Wadsworth said. “We try to get to the gym at least about five times a week or whatever. “But yeah, it was really fun being able to compete against them. I make them better, they make me better, but I’ve definitely learned a lot from all of them over the years.”

Those skills helped earn him all-state awards in basketball and football, and he was the Spirit of Su award winner this past season at the Class A State Tournament. The Spirit of Su award not only goes to the best athlete, but is also judged on sportsmanship, leadership, character, and academic ability.

“It’s really special to be recognized as that athlete. SuAnne Big Crow was a really good person. I want to thank that foundation for what they’ve put together. It’s a really great award and I’m just honored to be recognized for that,” Wadsworth said. “I try to live my life like she did and be kind to everybody and try to let God’s light shine through you for everybody to see.”

Wadsworth was a standout football player as well earning invites to Junior Days around the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and at South Dakota State, but chose to stick with basketball for a couple of reasons.

“Basketball’s always kind of been my first love, I guess. And football, I have that shoulder injury where I dislocated my shoulder. I actually ended up getting surgery after state this year for basketball, so I had to miss out on golf,” Wadsworth said. “But yeah, if it wasn’t for my shoulder, I maybe would’ve considered it a little bit longer. … Basketball has kind of been what I wanted to do always.”

As Wadsworth prepares to step on campus in the fall at Northern, where he will study Ag Business with plans help out on the family farm, he leaves the underclassmen at Hamlin with a couple pieces of advice.

“Just don’t take anything for granted because it goes by quick. Just enjoy every opportunity and cherish the moments you get at Hamlin with your friends, everybody,” Wadsworth said. “And have a relationship with God through it all, because when tough times hit or stuff like that comes at you, He might be your only friend at times and then other times when it’s high, it’s great, you glorify Him through it all.”