More than an Athlete: Jared Herzog
Jared Herzog is a senior marketing major who has been a part of the Flames track and field team for the past four years, serving as this year’s team captain. Though he is an accomplished runner and leader on the team, Herzog’s talents go far beyond the track.
Herzog began his track and field career in middle school and has followed it through to Lee. Since starting as a walk-on his freshman year, Herzog has worked his way to team captain as a senior. He has earned multiple titles during his career as a Flame, including 2018 All-GSC first team. With such an extensive background, Herzog feels that he has learned a lot during his time in the sport.
Photo courtesy of Lee Flames.
“It definitely has taught me discipline,” Herzog said. “It teaches you to be tough when you don’t want to be tough. It’s taught me a lot of leadership ability.”
Teamwork has played a big role in Herzog’s growth—not only in track and field but also in his time at Lee.
“It’s been one of the greatest experiences being at Lee. I love those guys with all my heart. They’re like brothers to me,” Herzog said.
However, his experience at Lee has not been limited to sports. Herzog has been involved with LeeU Worship since January 2019 and says that ministry through worship was a big part in his choice to come to Lee.
Herzog leading worship in Conn Center chapel. Photo by Taylor Baker, Photo Editor.
“I felt a big calling to come to Lee because of worship,” Herzog said. “It really wasn’t because of running. I felt called into ministry here through music—through worship.”
His LeeU Worship experience began when he sang “Delta” by Mumford & Sons during a chapel in which Mike Hayes was speaking. This experience allowed him to step into leading worship and explore more of what he enjoys about the opportunity to join his peers in worship.
“I think there’s very few things more beautiful than worshiping with your peers,” said Herzog. “Just hearing the sounds of a thousand voices in worship and them being your brothers and sisters in Christ—people that I engage with on a day to day basis. That’s the most incredible thing to me.”
Herzog has shown his dedication to both worship and running in many ways. This experience has allowed others to picture a bright future for him after graduation.
“I think that someday we will know his name beyond our experience here with him at Lee,” said Dr. Brad Moffett, director of LeeU Worship. “I think in many ways he represents all of the great attributes that many Lee students have. I can’t wait to see what God does in his life.”
Herzog hopes to use his marketing degree to help push his career as a musician and influencer. He has already made an impact through his ministry here at Lee—a track that will surely continue upon his graduation next December.
