Keep Stacking Days: Jayden Moton’s Iron Falcon Story

From Peddie Athletics

Peddie’s Varsity Strength and Conditioning program is designed to help athletes become faster, stronger and more powerful. To support this goal, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Volkmar created the Iron Falcon program, a series of strength, power, speed and bodyweight exercises with standards designed to assess an athlete’s relative strength and athletic development. Earning Iron Falcon status requires more than impressive numbers; it reflects consistency, discipline and a commitment to continuous improvement.

For Peddie basketball player Jayden Moton ’27, that commitment can be summed up in three words: keep stacking days. His Iron Falcon journey is a story of perseverance, resilience and the daily work required to become a better athlete.

Coach Volkmar remembers meeting Moton and his twin brother, Jordan ’27, during their recruiting visit the summer before their sophomore year. “From the firm handshake to the confident eye contact, it was clear they were focused and determined,” he recalled. “When they told me they were willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, I believed them.”

Pictured from left: Jayden Morton and Jordan Morton

The Motons’ determination has remained consistent throughout their time at Peddie. According to Volkmar, it is rare for athletes to set such a high standard and then meet it day after day for three years. The brothers  have done exactly that, bringing the same commitment and accountability to the weight room and setting an example for those around them.

For Jayden Moton, however, the journey has not been without its challenges. Recovering from an ACL tear became an important part of his development, both physically and mentally. After his older brother, Mark, also tore his ACL, Moton watched him return to full health and become even stronger physically than he had been before the injury. Inspired by his brother’s progress, Moton decided to lock in on his own training and improve his physical condition.

One exercise holds special meaning for him: the barbell split squat. It was the first exercise he was able to perform after being cleared to return from his ACL injury. Rather than growing discouraged, Moton continued working through the difficult days, ultimately proving to himself that steady effort pays off. Today, the barbell split squat remains his favorite exercise and the movement he identifies as his defining Iron Falcon moment.

“Keep stacking days,” Moton advises aspiring Iron Falcons. “The days you feel tired or don’t wanna get up to lift are the days you must get up and lift. When you skip one day, the other days become easier to skip.”

Moton explained that his work in the weight room has made basketball  easier, helping him guard bigger players, hold his own in physical situations and move faster across the court as a capable and confident competitor. 

“It’s inspiring to see Jayden’s resilience and positive attitude throughout his Iron Falcon journey,” said Assistant Strength Coach Zoe Necerato. “Despite his limitations this past year, he showed up daily and followed his program diligently. Jayden’s always pushing his friends and teammates to be better than the day before. He leads by example!”

When asked what advice he would give his freshman self, Moton emphasized the importance of challenging himself rather than becoming comfortable with where he stood.

“Don’t be comfortable where you are,” he said. “When you have people judging you for what you are doing then you are doing something right. If you keep stacking days you will get what you deserve.”

Moton also wants younger athletes to understand that the weight room is a place for everyone to improve, not a place to feel intimidated. “The gym may seem intimidating but at the end of the day, we all have the same goals to improve our health, get better at our sport or beat Blair,” he said. “No one comes to the gym to judge other people, so don’t worry about that.”

Moton’s Iron Falcon achievement is a testament to what can happen when talent meets consistency and setbacks become opportunities to grow. Being an Iron Falcon is not simply about how much weight he can lift or how fast he can move. As Moton shared, it is about showing up, embracing challenges and committing to improvement every day — even when progress takes time.