Athlete Interview
Jason Thomas, senior, Dowling Catholic HS
PR’s: 1600m – 4:15.21, 3200m – 9:25.26, 5k XC – 15:02
1. When & how did you get started in track & field?
The summer before 8th grade a friend and I were looking for something to do that fall, and decided we’d like to
try cross country. Distance running turned out to be something I really enjoyed doing, so I went out for our
middle school track team in the spring of my 8th grade year.
2. Person/people most influential to your success in track & field?
Without Coach Ives I wouldn’t be where I am today. I couldn’t have asked for a better coach or person to guide me through these past four years. One of our cross country assistants, Nick Villotti, is always able to provide much needed motivation and laughs when we’re feeling run down and our training is getting tough. My triathlon coach, Jenny Weber, has helped me greatly; especially with my running form. And of course, my parents have always supported and been there for me.
3. Your favorite track & field event(s)?
I really love the 1600. To run it well requires the perfect mix of speed and endurance.
4. Your track & field event coach(es)?
Tim Ives is the distance coach, and Ray Metz is the head track coach.
5. Keys to your successful track & field training program?
We have a bunch of guys who have bought into Coach Ives’ program and dedicated themselves to work hard every single practice these past four years to make themselves the best they can be. Without my teammates to push me I don’t think I would be having the level of success that I am.
6. Your favorite track & field meet(s)?
My favorite is definitely the Drake Relays; the atmosphere is unbelievable. The State Meet is a close second.
7. Track & field athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against?
I have a lot of great teammates that I love running against including Jeff DeRocherand Spencer Clark; and the past couple years I loved racing Cole Decker. And I enjoy racing against Ben Anderson at some of the local meets, and its always fun running against the guys from the east side of the state, such as Caleb Drake, Josh Evans, and Dylan Eigenberger, at the Drake Relays and State.
8. Most memorable experience in track & field so far?
The 1600 at the Drake Relays my sophomore year. I was the only sophomore in the field and it was my first time I really experiencing what Saturday at the Drake Relays was all about. I had no pressure to run well so I was just taking it all in and having fun.
9. Greatest accomplishment(s) in track & field so far?
My greatest accomplishment in track is winning the 1600 at the Drake Relays last year as a junior.
10. Goals for the 2013 track & field season?
I’m hoping to defend my Drake 1600 title and win it at State. I’d be thrilled if I could break 4:10 as well. Our 4x800 relay will be shooting for the all-time best in that event. But regardless of how my senior season goes, I know I have been very blessed during my high school running career and won’t regret a thing.
11. If a senior, college/university you will attend, or schools you are considering?
I have signed to run track and cross country for the Iowa State Cyclones next year.
12. Long-term goals in track & field?
I’m hoping to have a successful career at Iowa State, and help them make it back to Nationals in cross country, and qualify for Nationals on the track. If it is in the cards to go pro after college, that would be awesome. But if not, I know I’ll have a great degree, and I would probably continue running recreationally or pick up the sport of triathlon again.
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See Jason’s IOWATFXC.COM webpage at https://ia.milesplit.com/athletes/1126521-jason-thomas .