-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Javion Jondle of Fort Dodge

Javion Jondle is staying in the moment, hoping to make the most of his remaining time as a Fort Dodge Dodger before the next chapter of his athletic career is written.

The senior first team all-state football player is about to start the second half of his final basketball season as the program’s current leader in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocks. Jondle is a three-year starter on the basketball court, matching his varsity grid experience.

“My personal goals for the rest of this season are to educate the younger guys and still be that leader on and off the court,” Jondle said. “I believe we have a really good team…we just have to execute the little things.”

Jondle is the lone returning starter on a Dodger squad relying heavily on sophomores and juniors.

“We have a younger team, (which has) changed my mindset a lot. My role is different this year so I have to see the court differently (as both a scorer and distributor),” Jondle said. “Knowing this is my last year of basketball is tough, but my sense of urgency has been high because I want to finish strong and leave nothing behind. My mentality has been very different, knowing everyone feeds off of my energy on and off the court.”

Jondle averaged a team-best 11.4 points and 6.3 rebounds a year ago. So far this season, the 6-foot-3 forward is at 14.0 points and 4.8 boards.

On the football field, Jondle set a school record for career receptions and tied the all-time FDSH touchdown mark for receivers. The Iowa Central Community College recruit was just the second Dodger ever to eclipse 2,000 yards, joining current University of Northern Iowa Panther Tysen Kershaw.

“Physically between now and next fall, I need to put on more muscle,” Jondle said. “I have the size and weight, but not a ton of muscle. Mentally, I will need to be ready to adapt to the college-level game speed and just get ready to go to work.

“The long-term goal is to play at the Division 1 level, get my degree and play football, then hopefully achieve my goal of playing in the NFL. Iowa Central really made me feel at home and checked in on me mentally and physically every week. That really stood out to me – especially after having my son (last summer).”

Jondle has valued his time and experience as a Fort Dodge athlete.

“A Dodger has a chip on their shoulder and a sense of pride…someone who is ready to work day in and day out,” Jondle said.

TIMEOUT WITH JAVION JONDLE

Vacation destination: Bahamas.

People I would like to have dinner with: Great Grandpa Russell and Great Grandma Florence.

My sports role model: Lebron James.

My everyday role model: My mother.

I can’t go a day without: playing my Xbox.

Nickname: Javi, JJ.

Superstition: double white socks for every game.

Most heated rivalry: Mason City.

Favorite road trip: Florida.

What are you listening to right now? Rod Wave.

Go-to song: “Forever” by Rod Wave.

Favorites…

Team: Green Bay Packers.

Athlete: LeBron James.

Movie: “The Hate You Give.”

Binge watch: All-American.

Book: “Booked” by Kwame Alexander.

Phone app: Snapchat.