As Jackson Cantwell sat in the stands at Mizzou Arena on Saturday, people came up and escorted his father away from their section.
Cantwell had no idea what was happening.
"I saw him at half court and was like, 'Oh, there he is,'" Cantwell laughed Sunday after the men's basketball game. "It was fun to see Mizzou Area get pretty loud that point."
Christian Cantwell, the Olympian father of Jackson, attended Missouri in the early 2000s, when he competed in track and field for the Tigers. Christian earned a silver medal in shot put at the 2008 Summer Olympics while training and living on campus in Columbia.
"I'm sure he didn't, and I'm sure he did not enjoy it that much," Jackson said about his father knowing he was going to be honored during the men's basketball game. "He's not a big surprise guy, but it was fun to watch for me."
Raised by two professional athletes, his mother being Olympic shot putter Teri Steer, Jackson fell into the family business as well. The 6-foot-8, 300-pound offensive tackle is ranked the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2026, as his father's alma mater vies for his commitment.
Jackson didn't make Missouri's Junior Day event Jan. 18, but he got to see a few things he hadn't come across before in his previous five trips to Columbia. He got a tour of the new freshmen apartments and watched the track and field team compete in the renovated indoor facility.
While meeting up with head coach Eli Drinkwitz for a few minutes, Jackson spent most of his time with former Tigers Evan Boehm and Brock Olivo, who are now both on staff for Missouri.
Drinkwitz visited Cantwell early into the NCAA Contact Period this month, but the five-star is now awaiting an in-school visit from offensive line coach Brandon Jones on Tuesday.
Jackson Cantwell watches Mizzou honor Olympic father during latest visit
Five-star Jackson Cantwell got to enjoy his father, Christian Cantwell, be honored at Mizzou Arena on Saturday.
