RCC Mourns Death of Former Tiger

Riverside City College is mourning the loss of former men's track and field student-athlete Ennis Jones, who competed for the Tigers in 2007 and 2008.

Jones, a local kid from North High School, was a stand-up sprinter for RCC and helped the Tigers win the 3C2A State Championship in 2008. He ran a 45-second split in the 4x400 at State, 46.4 seconds in the 400-meter open, and was an amazing 200-meter runner with a personal-best time of 20.8 seconds.

"Ennis was a great man," said head men's track and field coach Jim McCarron. "He always expected the best from his teammates and worked hard to achieve his goals. He was a strong leader who expected the most from himself and his teammates. He went on to serve our country in the US Army. May God bless his family and may God bless you, Ennis, with the Lord in heaven. You will be dearly missed."

"Ennis was a leader who embodied the qualities he aspired to see in his teammates," said sprinting coach Damien Smith. "He held them accountable and fostered their development as athletes. Despite his serious demeanor in his work ethic, he was also a jovial individual who relished the present moment, had fun, and found joy in working on his craft with his teammates. Ennis played a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth as a coach. He will undoubtedly be missed by all of his family, coaches, and teammates."

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for April 2 at 9:45 a.m. at the Victoria Presbyterian Church in Riverside.

RCC Athletics sends its thoughts and prayers to the Ennis family, especially his mother, Valencia, friends and teammates, and the entire Tiger community.