Victor Singleton, Jr. Becomes Two-Time State Champion in Two Sports

Victor Singleton, Jr., who will be entering his senior year at Central Catholic, is known for his success on the football field as a cornerback for the Fighting Irish.  But he recently won his second consecutive state championship in the long jump as a member of the track & field team.  His jump of 23’ 6½” was better than the runner-up by six inches, and it was Victor’s personal best in the event.

These state championships are even more incredible when you consider that Victor didn't join the track team until his sophomore year.  He was looking for something to do to help keep in shape outside of football, and he discovered he was very good at it, winning the long jump state title in his first year.  He also competes in the 4x400-meter relay.

“It feels great to be a two-time state champion in the long jump,” Victor said.  “My mentality is that I want to come in first in whatever I do.  I feel like I have a target on my back that keeps me going.”

“Victor is an incredible athlete who thrives under pressure and never backs down from a challenge,” said alumna Simone Green (Class of 2019), College and Career Advisor and assistant coach for the track & field team.  “He’s constantly striving to be the best, and it shows.  At the state meet, all four of his legal jumps were the top four in the entire competition, and three exceeded his previous personal best.  That kind of performance speaks volumes about his focus, drive, and competitive spirit.  We’re proud of him for defending his state title and would love to see him become a three-time state champion in the future."   

Victor is a two-time state champion in football as well, as the Irish won the Division II state championship in 2022 and the Division III state title in 2023.  Last fall, he was named D-III First-Team All-Ohio and the Defensive Player of the Year.  “It’s such a blessing to win championships in both sports,” he said.  “I appreciate them both equally, and I feel the same amount of pressure to perform in both sports.”  

As he enters his senior year, Victor is hoping to become a three-time state champion in both football and long jump.  “I’m working harder, putting in more time, and working out more to make it happen,” he said.  The advice he would offer to anyone who is trying to have similar success is to “work hard and not let distractions and outside noise get into your head.”

Victor has committed to attend Texas A&M University for football, and he plans to major in business.  “I chose Texas A&M because of the energy,” he explained.  “The place feels right, and the people are great and make me feel wanted.  It’s a good, competitive program.  The school is far from home, so it will give me a chance to develop as a man, to mature, and to figure things out on my own.”

Victor hopes to continue competing in long jump in college as well, and to continue his success in both sports.  He aspires to become a national champion in football, an All-American, and to win the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the top defensive back in college football.  He is interested in pursuing a career in real estate.