November 26, 2014

Photos and Content by: Virginia Cortland

On Wednesday, Wes and Les decided to host a Friendsgiving at their house to celebrate with their friends before the big turkey day. This is what I am going to miss the most about Evergreen. I am thankful that my photography brought me to the twins and I am forever greaful for their friendship! 

November 9, 2014

Photos and content by: Virginia Cortland

Today, Les competed at The Evergreen State College in a mid-season race and Wes rode ahead on his bicycle to help pace his brother. After the race, Les reflects by saying, "Today marked a very special day for me. I got a PR in the 5k, ran 15:44, and finished first. It was a good victory but I would like to dedicate my award to Anthony Farve." At the end, Les was awarded a plaque for overall male runner. 

October 18, 2014

Photos and content by: Virginia Cortland

On Saturday, October 18th, Les Jones competed in a race in Seattle and did really well. Les came in 29th place out of 100. Les believes he can do better and looks forward to the next race. We also attended TESC alumni basketball games to show support for other athletes. 

October 3, 2014

Photos and content by: Virginia Cortland

On Friday night, Wes attended TESC women's volleyball game against Oregon Tech to show support for other athletes. In this photo, he talks to his friend, Thomas, whom had been in his past architectural and sustainable design class at the college. 

September 2, 2014

Photos and Content by: Virginia Cortland

How many pebbles did you run today? The answer is...thirty 400s = 7.5 miles! On September 2nd, 2014, the twins ran thirty laps around The Evergreen State College's track in 75 seconds per lap. This was a memorable learning experience set up by coach, Chris Ertman because they did not know how many pebbles were hidden in the bucket.

August 29, 2014

Photos and Content by: Virginia Cortland

On August 29th, 2014, the Jones twins with running mate, Alec Messman, ran an 8K (5 miles) time trial in preparation of the upcoming track season. The Jones twins completed the course in 27 minutes and 30 seconds. I biked behind the twins and took photos to document the time trial. 

August 17, 2014

Photos and Content by: Virginia Cortland

Their birthday came a little bit early this year...midnight brithday present delivery! Happy 22nd birthday to some very special friends of mine. Printed out photos I had taken of very important moments in their lives--Wes when he ran his heart out in May and took first place, and Les when he broke the new school record for TESC during the time trial in August--and framed them with a little note attached. I've enjoyed getting to know you two better over the past few weeks while documenting my photo essay. You both have inspiration and passion that will take you far in life. Keep running and never look back. So proud of you guys! 

August 6, 2014

Photos and Content by: Virginia Cortland

On August 6th, 2014, the twins ran a couple of different runs that coach, Chris Ertman, set up for their time trial. During their first run, they ran and broke the school record for the 600m, coming in at 123 seconds. Both congratulate each other for their efforts, and their coach is very proud of their accomplishments. 

May 3, 2014

Photos and Content by: Virginia Cortland

During the 2014 spring season, the twins set new outstanding records for The Evergreen State College. On May 3rd, 2014, Wes ran the 800m, placed first, and held a timeheld a time of a 1:52!  

Bonded by Genetics: A Supportive and Competitive Twinhood

Photo Essay by: Virginia Cortland 
https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaCortlandPhotography

Identical twin brothers, Les and Wes Jones, 22, have an incredibly strong connection. Born August 17, 1992, to Alice Mae Davis and Lloyd Jones, in Chicago, Illinois, the twins moved around frequently before relocating to the state of Washington when they were eight-years-old. Their mother passed away from breast cancer when they were eleven-years-old and their father distanced himself from the twins from a very early age. This has strengthened their bond and brought the twin’s closer together because they had to rely on each other. Although the twins have five other siblings, three sisters and two brothers, the bond is nothing compared to the one the twin’s share. 
Les says, “I always got my brother, always, always. Nothing gets between me and him.” The twins have essentially raised each other by providing for themselves and seeking an education at The Evergreen State College, through Cross-Country and Track scholarships, as well as state grants. Les says, “We look out for each other. When business needs to be done, we put all the bad feelings and bullshit aside.” Wes responds by saying, “My brother is the perfect roommate. Fine with me for the rest of my life. Wouldn’t have it any other way. Bring all the family.” Does not matter if it’s giving each other a haircut, going on a run together, or being roommates, the twins do things side by side. Through thick and thin, they will always be there for each other.
Their father, suffers from alcoholism and drug addiction, for that reason they do not want to add that bad influence into their lives. Wes says, “We are doing just fine without him. Don’t feel like I need him…gotta good life going for myself.” A good life for the twins includes succeeding in school, as well as being star athletes. Alcoholism is a scary factor that runs in the twin’s family history. They support each other in pursuing positive alternatives. 
In preparation for their twenty-second birthday, the two freshened up, dressed in opposite colors head to toe, and poured themselves a drink to begin their night. Roughly thirty people—one sister, friends, teammates, and other athletes—attended the house party to celebrate the twin’s birthday. Les and Wes are conflicted about alcohol consumption in their lives considering the past history in their family, and worry about it consuming their daily routines. Les says, “It definitely crosses my mind because it is such a big thing in my family history. I feel like I live two lives because most of my family didn’t go to school and they live different lifestyles, so when I go home it’s a different environment.” 
Although they have chosen different academic and career-orientated paths—social work for Les, and architecture and sustainable design for Wes—they are well-known track stars at the college. The twins train hard and hope to break personal record goals, so that one day they can compete in the Olympics. During the 2014 spring season, the twins set new outstanding records for the school. Les ‘was named Male Student-Athlete of the Year after setting three school records during the indoor and outdoor Track and Field season’. Wes held a timeheld a time of a 1:52, 800m and says, “This coming track season, I hope to run a 1:48, 800m. That will give me two years to qualify for the Olympic trials, which is a time of 1:46.” Ultimately, Wes “would like to travel and run around the world professionally.” The twins feel that their goals are within reach, and challenge each other to make those goals. They are never alone during this progress because they have each other and their support group of friends. 
It is very likely you will see them as a unit, but it is also important to remember that they are also their own individuals. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between them—often people say ‘look for the earring’ — but watch out, make sure you call them by the right name because they will either play along with which ever name you have called them or get slightly irritated. 
Despite each other being romantically involved with their significant others—somehow they are each dating women who are located in other countries—the twins manage to find time in their busy schedules to make sure they connect, check in, and see how each other is doing. However, it is rare that you will see them separated because they enjoy the same activities, share the same friends, and appreciate each other’s company. They visit their mother’s gravesite—she is buried in Louisiana with the rest of the family—when they can. The twins try to live lives that would make their mother proud.