The Eccker 10 – Jack Eliason

This week’s Eccker 10 guest is the University of Virginia Cross Country and Track and Field star Jack Eliason. Eccker Sports sat down with Eliason to discuss his insights on navigating the evolving landscape of NIL opportunities and challenges, offering a unique perspective on how student-athletes can harness their brand. Eliason talks about his growth as an athlete in the Cross Country and Track and Field world and how the impact of NIL has played a part in his collegiate career.

10 Questions

Torrey: What is your greatest memory as an athlete?

Jack: I’d like to say that my greatest memory as an athlete would probably have to be winning my first cross country state championship in high school. This event really made me proud of each and every one of my teammates who pushed me each and every day and I am super fortunate to have helped contribute to my high school and community in Crozet and Western Albemarle. I think that the coolest thing about winning the state championship was how motivated and hungry all of us were that season from the getco and how we had player only meetings about how winning a state championship was the ultimate goal and that we had to be smart, accountable, and responsible for ourselves and our teammates.

Torrey: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an athlete and how were you able to work past it?

Jack: The biggest challenge that I have faced as an athlete was probably during my junior and senior of high school, though I was really enjoying lots of my social life both on the team and off the field, I feel like the pressure of doing well in school, finding my true self, and performing well in the prep leagues to prepare for college was tough. I often would stress a lot before big races and overthink and show a lack of self-confidence in myself. I think that this challenge is paramount with my high school students and student-athletes who are about to make the transition to college and beyond.

Torrey: Do you have any unique or hidden talents?

Jack: My unique talent is that I know a lot about sports stats and U.S. history facts, whether they are random or not is subject to debate, lol. Also, I am decently good at basketball and football even though long-distance runners do not really get seriously looked at in those sports.

Torrey: What was your first NIL deal?

Jack: My first NIL deal was this year and it was profits that I was fortunate enough to make from selling t-shirts from the Ragged Mountain Running and Walking Shop. Each UVA runner who breaks the 4-minute mile gets awarded with a self-designed t-shirt and fortunately, I was able to accomplish that feat and I wanna thank Ragged for all that they have done for me.

Torrey: How has NIL impacted your experience as an athlete?

Jack: It has impacted me a little I’d say. Though I do not make quite as much as student-athletes in sports such as basketball or football, it is still an opportunity for me that I have to keep my eyes open for. So overall, it is really cool to see this!​

Torrey: How do you determine which brands to partner with?

Jack: I haven’t really gotten far in being involved in many NIL deals thus far, but I would want to partner with a brand that would be honest, trustworthy, and loyal to you. If they represent my best interests while showing the same for their fellow clients, then I’d certainly consider them.

Torrey: How do you educate yourself on NIL?

Jack: I educate by talking with our student-athlete advisory committee and also our athletic and academic resources too. UVA has done a good job at providing resources for their student-athletes to be able to ask questions about NIL and become more involved and informed about the subject matter.

Torrey: How has education played a role in your NIL experience?

Jack: Education has played an important role because it has allowed me to learn more about NIL and how to ensure that if you are to profit from an NIL deal, you make sure to let the school know in advance and follow all NCAA criteria and regulations.

Torrey: If you could change one thing about NIL and how it’s worked so far, what would it be?

Jack: I would wish that NIL deals could possibly be extended beyond college. I am not sure if it is allowed, but if it is not, it should be as if the student-athlete has made a big enough impact on college sports from the local community they represented to the international community, that individual should still have the opportunity to profit for a deal that could extend past college. So I do not know if it is allowed, but if not, that is one thing that I would like to change most definitely.

Torrey: What piece of advice would you give to high school athletes as they start their NIL journeys?

Jack: I would say that it is important to talk to collegiate student-athletes if possible and ask about their NIL journey and to also become knowledgeable about the NCAA criteria on how to profit responsibly and successfully without having to worry about repercussions. Additionally, I would let high schoolers know that once they commit to a school, they should get involved in student-athlete clubs, fairs, and academic/student-athlete resources provided by the university to further their education and opportunities for learning about NIL. I believe that being active and passionate about checking off these boxes will allow a student-athlete to gain the most opportunities to profit from possibly multiple NIL deals.