Jackson Cantwell

Jackson Cantwell, who has the nickname of "Mr. Olympics," has the DNA that coaches dream of. Cantwell is the son of former USA Olympians Christian and Teri (Steer) Cantwell. His father is a five-time world champion and won a silver medal in the shot put at the 2008 Beijing games and in 2004 had the top four shot put throws in the world. Teri Cantwell participated in the 2000 Sydney games and was a two-time NCAA shot put champion at SMU. "It's pretty amazing," Nixa coach John Perry told the Springfield News-Leader. "He has not only been blessed genetically from his height. But he's also been blessed with parents who have put a work ethic in him to where he likes to work out and get stronger. He likes to be better than he was the day before and everybody doesn't have that." Along with his football accolades, Cantwell also excels in shotput like his parents. He had one of the top 20 throws amongst all high schoolers in 2023. Cantwell also scored a 33 on the ACT – when he was a freshman.