Thomas Cave is a 2013 St. Xavier graduate. He was part of two 3200m Relay State Championships and was a member of the 2012 Class AAA Cross Country State Champions as well as Nike Cross Southeast Regional Champions. He will continue his career at the University of Louisville this fall.
What was your most memorable race/event?
Probably DCAC frosh/soph series race #3. It was my freshman year and I was looking to win my first race in a St.X uniform. Connor wasn’t racing and there weren’t very many teams in it so honestly I was pretty confident. Well, with 800 meters left some tall lanky kid with blonde hair that I hardly knew went blazing past me and dumped me. I was so mad. Sam Lewis has never let me forget about that race and probably never will.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I would have to say all of my teammates. The way we push each other in races and practices is the reason I think we are successful. We are all best friends and do everything together but we all are so competitive and hate losing to each other.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Probably being on two 4x8 state championship teams, I love that race at state.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Probably have more fun with it the first three years. I was one of those kids who use to get so worked up about bad workouts and bad races where I never had fun with running. My senior year I just decided I wasn’t going to put so much pressure on myself and just enjoy the sport again like I use to. Sometimes I think running can get people caught up into worrying about times, or who’s beating them. I learned you just have to enjoy it and the results will come.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Probably all the inconsistent races I had in XC sophomore and junior year.
What will you miss most?
I will miss all of my teammates, coaches, and representing the St.X program the most.
What advice would you give to younger to athletes?
I would say to fully trust and believe in your coaches and to do what they tell you to do.
What influence has your coaches had with the respect to your performances and overall life goals?
The coaches I had in high school were the best I could’ve asked for. They helped me grow as a runner but more importantly they helped me become a much better person. I could never thank them enough.
What are your plans for college next year?
I will be running and studying business next year at UofL.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thanks to all of my teammates and coaches, all of the parents on the team for the support they give us every weekend at meets, and a special thanks to Jonathan and Tyler Karnes for all the hard work they do for all of the athletes of the state of Kentucky.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Go tigers
