Athletics
The Jackson-Madison County School System is committed to both academic and athletic excellence.
Athletics, as well as other extracurricular activities, provide character building opportunities for middle and high school students. The soft skills acquired through these activities assist our district in educating the whole child.
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As someone who's had the privilege of serving on both the school board and the county commission, I can honestly say it's refreshing to see the kind of leadership Dr. King brings to our district. He's created a culture that celebrates our students in meaningful ways, while at the same time raising the bar when it comes to academic expectations. It's not just about recognizing success—it's about expecting it from every student in every school.
Jason Compton JMCSS School Board member & athletics committee chair
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Expanding Opportunities in Sports
JMCSS is committed to increasing access to athletics for students at all levels. Recent expansions include:
- Middle School Baseball & Softball – Offering young athletes the chance to develop their skills earlier and strengthen high school programs.
- Elementary Basketball & Indoor Soccer (Futsal) – Providing our youngest students with competitive, structured team experiences to build fundamentals and a love for the game.
- Esports – A cutting-edge addition that allows students to compete in a rapidly growing field while developing teamwork and strategic thinking.
- Girls High School Flag Football – An exciting new sport that gives female athletes another avenue to compete and excel.
By introducing these programs, JMCSS is ensuring that students across all grade levels have access to quality athletic opportunities that match their interests and talents.
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Setting the Standard in West Tennessee
JMCSS takes pride in hosting premier athletic events that foster community engagement, celebrate excellence, and honor the district’s rich sports tradition. These competitions and celebrations set our district apart, reinforcing a legacy of achievement and school pride.
- Commissioners’ Cup Football Rivalry Series – Established in 2018, this annual football showdown has become a centerpiece of local sports, marked by intense competition and unforgettable moments, including North Side’s dramatic upset over an undefeated South Side in its inaugural season. JCM claimed the trophy in 2024.
- Gold Ball Bash – Superintendent Dr. Marlon King celebrates state champions with unique experiences, as seen when the South Side Lady Hawks’ undefeated 2022-2023 basketball team was honored with a trip to Nashville for a Capitol visit, museum tour, and indoor water park experience. The Madison Mustangs boys soccer team was honored with a Gold Ball Bash at the conclusion of their 2023 state championship campaign.
- Rushing Trophy – Named after North Side alum and JMC Sports Hall of Fame member Andy Rushing, this award recognizes JMCSS’s top baseball team, with North Side winning the title after a dominant 2024 season. This is another testament to the district’s strong alumni support and competitive spirit.
- JMAC Awards Banquet – This prestigious annual event honors outstanding student-athletes, championship teams, and legacy inductees, celebrating their dedication, leadership, and embodiment of JMCSS’s core values, while reinforcing the lifelong impact of athletics beyond the game.
These signature events strengthen school pride, deepen community connections, and highlight the remarkable talent within JMCSS athletics. Our district is committed to excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts.
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Notable Achievements
JMCSS athletes continue to shine on the state’s biggest stages, earning individual honors and securing team success across multiple sports.
- Miss Basketball Honors – South Side High School has solidified its reputation for elite girls’ basketball talent, producing two Class 3A Miss Basketball winners in three years, with Jaidynn Askins (2025) and Ti’Mia Lawson (2023) earning the prestigious award.
- State Tournament Appearances – JMCSS has once again proven its strength in basketball, sending three teams to the state tournament for the second time in four years, following deep postseason runs by North Side, South Side, and Madison Academic since 2021.
- The Big Six – Madison Academic High School made history in 2024 by excelling in six different sports, with teams and athletes reaching state tournaments in boys soccer, girls soccer, boys and girls golf, boys cross country, and track and field, showcasing the Mustangs’ all-around athletic excellence.
- JCT Bulldogs – Jackson Careers and Technology School represented the district at the TMSAA State Tournament in Track and Field (2024) and Girls Basketball (2025)
These accomplishments reflect the dedication, talent, and competitive spirit that define JMCSS athletics on a statewide level.
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A Tradition of Excellence, A Future of Opportunity
JMCSS is committed to building on its rich athletic history while creating new opportunities for student-athletes through visionary projects like Hub City Central.
- Hub City Central – This transformative initiative centers around a state-of-the-art multipurpose stadium, featuring artificial turf and a high-quality rubberized running track designed for elite competition. Strategically positioned next to the historic Oman Arena, the project blends tradition with innovation, ensuring JMCSS remains a leader in athletics for years to come.
With cutting-edge facilities and a commitment to excellence, JMCSS is shaping the future of sports in West Tennessee while honoring the legacies that paved the way.