Everyone has annual traditions. Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma’s house, summer cabin getaways with friends, spring cleaning, Nordic Fest — we all have a reason to say, “It’s that time of year!”

This weekend, Jess Jewell (‘08) will carry on a tradition she has honored since her first year at Luther: competing at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Jewell is a member of Luther’s indoor and outdoor track and field teams. She competes indoors in the shot put and weight throw and outdoors in the shot put, discus and hammer throw.

From the moment her athletic career at Luther began, Jewell has demonstrated incredible talent and has secured several awards. She is a two-time IIAC champion, a two-time All-American and a five-time All-Conference Performer. She also holds records at Luther for each of her five events. She is ranked fourth in the outdoor shot put, third in the hammer throw, second in the discus, second in the indoor 20-pound weight throw and first in the indoor shot put.

Jewell earned her first-place indoor shot put record on Feb. 23, 2008 during the team’s meet at the University of Northern Iowa. Her throw of 45’11 ¼” upset the 10-year record Jess Ellis (‘98) held at 45’ ½”. That distance also qualified her for the national competition.

“The level of competition is very high at Nationals this year,” Jewell said. “I will have to bring it if I want to be an All-American. I have put in a lot of work this season and I hope it will pay off.”

Though this is Jewell’s fourth trip to Nationals, it is her fifth national qualification. She has already competed twice in the discus, once in the outdoor shot put and once in the indoor shot put.

In 2006, Jewell became the most recent Luther athlete to qualify for both the shot put and discus in the same season. Jewell is also one of only five women throwers from Luther to compete at the National level in the past 13 years.

Aside from her phenomenal athletic achievements, Jewell’s coaches and teammates recognize her for her incredible work ethic, steadfast dedication and positive influence on those around her.

Head Track Coach Jeff Wettach described Jewell as a dedicated, coordinated and coachable athlete.

“She possesses an unusual blend of physical strength and agility, mental strength, emotional stability and humbleness,” said Wettach. “Jess willingly places the good of the team above herself, and that is why she is such a valuable team member.”

Throws Coach Bob Naslund echoed his praise.

“Speed, strength, agility, a great work ethic and a great desire to achieve can lead to good throwing,” he said. “That’s what we’ve seen from Jess at Luther College.”

Jewell’s personal training regimen includes weight lifting with the team as well as additional training on her own.

“I believe putting in the extra hours and work has helped me out a lot,” she said. “The track season is very long, but it goes by fast.”

Jewell’s leadership abilities are evident in her interactions with teammates. She leads the rest of the team through plyometric workouts, strength training and Pilates. The other throwers also turn to her for help with their technique.

Though she often serves as their coach and role model, Jewell explained that she is inspired by her teammates.

“When I watch them in practice or competition, I see them give 100 percent,” she said.

In turn, Jewell inspires those around her.

“It’s been exciting to watch her train and perform for four years,” said Wettach. “I get inspired, as do many of our team members, from just watching her in practice and in the weight room.”

Wettach explained that Jewell’s dedication to doing a job the right way is an attitude she applies to her whole life. Such an attitude, combined with Jewell’s powerful physical attributes and intelligence, has set her up for a lifetime of success.

“Her possibilities are limitless,” Wettach said. “You’ve probably heard the phrase, ‘Good things happen to good people.’ Well, there’s a good reason why good things are happening to Jess Jewell.”

Naslund has witnessed Jewell’s growth and success from a special perspective. During his time as a Luther student, Naslund loaded turkeys on Jewell’s grandfather’s farm. He taught her mother in Sunday school, and his wife was Jewell’s kindergarten teacher.

Naslund explained that he would never tire of watching Jewell perform and improve.

“The greatest thing is she is still improving as a senior,” he said. “No surprise there. Jess has been very successful so far, and we have expectations of even better things to come.”

Jewell displayed her appreciation of their special bond.

“Coach Naslund has impacted my throwing tremendously,” she said. “He helped me to improve my technique even back in high school. I would not be the thrower I am today without him.”

Another special bond exists between Jewell and co-captain Mike Tangen (‘08) — they are getting married in August. Aside from planning a wedding and fixing up a house in Decorah together, they also pair up to lead Luther’s Track and Field team.

“Jess is an unbelievable athlete but most importantly, a loving and caring person,” said Tangen. “Everyone on our team is lucky to have the opportunity to see one of the best throwers in the nation and perhaps the best thrower that Luther has ever seen.”

Naslund explained Jewell’s exhibition of true Norse spirit in her personal and athletic ventures.

“Jess has never questioned the fact that she is at Luther,” said Naslund. “She continues to represent her college in a manner that the coaching staff is proud of.”

Talking with Jewell reveals how much she has appreciated her experiences at Luther.

“I have had a wonderful time here at Luther and being a part of the Luther Track and Field team has made it an even better experience,” she said.