Olympian Evan Jager Honored At Algonquin Welcome

Nearly unrecognizable with most of his trademark golden tresses gone, Olympic runner Evan Jager returned to Algonquin Wednesday to a thunderous welcome at Jacobs High School.  Jager, the U.S. record holder in the men's 3000 meter steeplechase was a close sixth in London last month.

"I remember him running outside my office," said D300 Board of Ed member Steve Fiorentino.  "This is pretty amazing that a guy who ran on the streets of Algonquin competed against Kenyans who trained in the mountains and almost medaled," he said.

About 500 Jacobs students, 100 cheerleaders and poms and a brass band honored Jager at Jacobs.  There might have been more but the welcome, originally scheduled for Algonquin Commons, was moved three times Wednesday afternoon for fear of rain.  "We really wanted to make this a community event," said D300 Superintendent Michal Bregy, wearing a Jacobs Spirit shirt Jager had signed when he was a District and State champ.

Jager's part of a Portland running club these days.

In the pic:  Olympian Even Jager signs a T-shirt worn by pal Jonathan Hagenow of Crystal Lake at Wednesday's Welcome Evan celebration at Jacobs High School.