Name: Jason Skinkis
Activities: Cross country, track and field
Parents: Mary and Jeff Skinkis
Instagram: @jskink20
Jason has been a stud runner for the Thunder. He competed in the state cross country meet in 2022 and has been a constant force in the 800 meter and 1600 meter runs in track and field.
How has the early part of your track season gone?
“We had two bigger indoor invites at Oshkosh and Stevens Point, and they’ve gone pretty well. I’ve ran decent times compared to my outdoor times, so I’m happy with how it’s going. I’m looking forward to the outdoor season in a couple weeks.”
If you had to choose indoor or outdoor track, which one would you choose?
“Definitely outdoor. The smaller track in indoor is definitely harder and is not my cup of tea.”
How did you get started in running?
“It was my older brother. When I was in elementary school, I would always go to his cross country and track meets. I would see all the hard work he put in and I knew I wanted to be just like him. So it was pretty much younger brother wanted to be like his older brother.”
Did you ever get to run with your brother in a meet?
“No, he was too old.”
Did you have to live up to his legacy as a runner?
“At the start, there was a legacy just because of the last name. He was a really good runner, so there was something I had to live up to. But getting into my later high school years, I just make my own trail and make my own name for myself.”
Talk about going to state cross country last fall.
“It was great. It was different not having the team by me warming up and having to ride down there with the team. It was different being the only one down there, but it was a great experience running with the best guys in the state. It really helped lead me into a good senior year.”
Did you expect to qualify for state?
“I knew going into the race I had a shot, but then probably a mile into the race, I knew there was a good chance it was going to happen. I did my best and let whatever happened happen.”
If you had to choose between cross country and track, which one would it be?
“I would probably choose cross country just because the team is a lot closer in cross country. We’re always running by each other’s side during every workout. The track team, everybody does their own thing. Cross country is more of a family team.”
You committed to UW-Oshkosh. Why is Oshkosh right for you?
“That’s where my brother went, so I already knew the coach. I already knew some of the teammates, so it was really easy to fit in.”
Do you ever go out to eat after meets?
“We usually go to Culver’s, that’s kind of the go-to spot. I always get the spicy chicken sandwich.”
Who is on top of your music playlist right now?
“Definitely rappers. Drake, Future, Logic, Lil Baby, any of the top rappers right now.”
What is your favorite television show?
“It has to be the Office. I really like that show.”
What is a good movie you’re watched recently?
“I recently watched Murder Mystery 2 on Netflix, that was pretty good. It stood out to me, but I’m more of a horror movie guy, so I usually watch all the horror movies either in theaters or on Netflix, wherever I can find them.”
What are your hobbies?
“I played basketball up until eighth grade, so whenever my friends get together, we always play basketball together. I’m always hanging out with my friends, whether we’re going out to eat, watching a movie, or just hanging out at someone’s house. We’re always hanging out.”
Is there a theater in Seymour?
“No, we usually go to the theater in Green Bay.”
Where is a favorite place you’ve traveled to?
“We traveled a lot when I was younger. We used to go to Mexico over Christmas, which was a highlight of the year.”
What are you going to major in at Oshkosh?
“Either kinesiology or sports medicine.”