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Pregont leaves his mark on Cougar athletics

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Photo by Dan Lassiter

Craig's JoJo Pregont is a three-sport star and will play football for the University of Iowa.

JANESVILLE — Bob Suter and Bill O’Leary have been the pulse of athletics at Janesville Craig High School.

The two legends share nearly 70 years of coaching experience between them at the school.

Suter and O’Leary have seen plenty of three-sport athletes leave their mark on Cougar athletics, but none maybe as gifted as JoJo Pregont.

Pregont, who will be a preferred football walk-on in the fall at the University of Iowa, earned all-state recognition in football, All-Big Eight Conference honors in basketball and qualified in three events at last year’s WIAA state track and field Meet.

“I’ve always hesitated to rank kids, but JoJo would have to be in the top five if not higher of the best all-around athletes at Craig,” Suter said. “I don’t ever remember a kid who could do things so naturally or effortlessly as JoJo. He is so very gifted.

“There were times during the basketball season where, as his coach, I would just sit back and watch in amazement at the things he could do on a basketball court.”

The 6-foot-6 Pregont, son of Joe and Tina, will be a 10-letter winner when he graduates in June. As a National Honor Society member, Pregont hasn’t let his athletic endeavors get in the way of his studies.

Although Pregont will concentrate on football at Iowa, he’s glad he played three sports in high school and did not concentrate—or specialize—in one sport.

“High school’s been a great experience,” he said. “And I’m glad I didn’t put all my eggs in one basket.

“I just like playing sports. I’ve had a lot of great teammates, and I’ve gotten a chance to be a part of some great teams, too.

“My only regret is maybe not getting in the weight room earlier than I did. I wish I would’ve started lifting right away in ninth grade.”

Pregont’s weight-lifting routine is about to rapidly ascend. Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz would like Pregont to play at around 250 pounds, and move from wide receiver to tight end. Pregont weighs about 205.

O’Leary, Pregont’s football coach for three years, said a 250-pound Pregont would be a scary proposition for opposing Big Ten defenses.

“Iowa uses the same type of formation as Wisconsin, which is that H-back slot,” O’Leary said. “If you beef up JoJo, with the athletic ability that he has, he could be for Iowa what (Travis) Beckum was for Wisconsin.

“The world lies in front of that young man,” O’Leary said of Pregont. “He has all the potential in the world, to go along with a ridiculous amout of God-given ability.”

Pregont is currently in track and field mode. He qualified in state a year ago in the high jump, long jump and triple jump. He’s hoping to hit the trifecta again this season.

Like the weather, Pregont hopes to heat up as well.

“I don’t like to jump in cold weather,” Pregont said. “The warmer it is, the better.”

Pregont seems to be already progressing toward another state berth. He had a long jump of nearly 21 feet to earn top individual honors at last Friday night’s Cougar Relays, and has his sights set on the school record of 22-8.

Pregont has high jumped 6-4, but he would like to clear his best best of 6-6.

Craig boys track and field coach Jeff Deininger said his superstar is a freak when it comes to athletic ability.

“JoJo has so much natural ability, and it’s across the board in all the sports he competes in,” Deininger said. “He’s the finest athlete I’ve seen in the seven years I’ve been here.

“I know he’s going to college to play football, but we could just as easily be talking about basketball or track. He’s that gifted.”