Jacob Thomson is a 2013 Holy Cross graduate. He finished high school with numerous state titles and awards for his running career. He is one of the best runners in Kentucky history regardless of event. He will continue his running career at NC State next year.
What was your most memorable race/event?
Looking back, my most memorable race would have to of been Foot Locker South my freshman year. I won the Freshman race in 16:11. That race opened up my eyes to what the future could hold of me if I got serious about the sport and worked my ass off every day. I haven't looked back since then; it was a very defining moment in my life.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Jacob Burcham from West Virgina was my biggest competition throughout high school. Our freshman and sophomore years he was at the top of the nation. As I started to catch up to him I realized I could compete with anyone out there. He was out of state, but we raced head to head 10 times over our high school career. We split 5 to 5, with myself winning the last 4 match ups.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment would be finishing 5th at Foot Locker Nationals.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
There isn't anything major I would change about my high school career. I had a ton of great opportunities presented to me and I feel as if I took advantage of them the best I could. I can honestly look back and say I have no regrets.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
When I had pneumonia my sophomore year. Fortunately I was able to come back to help the team at regionals and state but I compeltely knocked me out of the postseason. I had to gather myself mentally to dedicate myself to being the best I could when I started coming back that winter.
What will you miss the most?
I'll miss the friends I made from running. I have a great group of friends including Pat Gregory, Sam Lewis, Thomas Cave, and Conner Sheryak, Emily Bean, Lauren Hayden, Baliey Davis, Maggie Allen, Samantha Simms, just to name a few. We have all grown close to each other and can relate well to each other because of our running back ground. Most of these guys are headed separate ways to our colleges. I know I will always treasure the memories we have made together and the miles we have shared together.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Work hard. Simple as that. Whatever you are doing, do more, do it faster. But also remember to be smart and take care of your body. But there is no excuses for letting someone out work you.
What influence has your coaches had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
I have had a great group of coaches. In middle school Mike Murphy got me started in running, he kept me interested and made running enjoyable. Once I got to high school is was Mr. Reynolds in cross country. Mr. Reynolds has taught me a lot of non running values. He has made me a better man. Coach Lad in track always kept things interesting and helped lead us to a state title. Then there is Brian. I started working with him my freshman track season. Brian has done so much to make me the runner I am today. He never let me back off or be satisfied. I look up to Brian with a lot of respect, but he is also like that cool uncle everyone has. I could always go to him about anything and he would give me very wise words of wisdom. I owe a lot of my success to Brian's desire and dedication to me, and to the sport in general.
What are your plans for college or joining the workforce next year?
I will be joining the Wolfpack at North Carolina State. I can't wait to get down to Raleigh with the team. Until then I will be cutting grass and working at Swag's Sports Shoes.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I have ton of thanks to give. To my coaches for their guidance. To my teammates, classmates, teachers, and administration at Holy Cross, and to the Holy Cross community in general for all of their support. I hope one day I can give back to Holy Cross for all that they have given me. I will always remember values and lessons I learned while attending Holy Cross and will continue to use them in my life going forward. A big thanks to my parents who have been to every meet with me. They sacrificed to put me through Catholic schooling since Kindergarten, as they have done with my other three siblings as well. They wanted me to get the best education possible and have great opportunities. We may not go on vacation or have a big screen TV, but I would sacrifice those things in a heart beat to have the chance to attend Holy Cross. Contrary to what leeanderson may believe, I do not live in Indiana, I wasn't bribed or recruited, and my parents haven't received a new BMW from school boosters, well at least not yet.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I'd like to thank KYTrackXC for all their coverage, as well as Jonathan for the hard work he puts into the site. I know a lot of it goes unnoticed but we are all glad you do it!
