Jack Thomas is a multi-sport athlete at Elk City and plays baseball, runs cross country, and is also active in FFA. Thomas first started running cross country at the end of junior high when he was in the eighth grade. Thomas was initially inspired to join the cross country team because of his cousin.

“My cousin Mason Smith got me in this sport,” Thomas said. “He has supported me and helped me with everything I do.”

Currently Thomas competes on the Elk City high school cross country team and has been enjoying the season. For Thomas, success in cross country is simple:

“You get out what you put in,” Thomas said.

What is necessary to put in is time, effort, and patience. Progression in long distance running doesn’t come overnight; it is necessary for an athlete to slowly build up their stamina, endurance, and will power. If a runner doesn’t properly train or treat their body with care, then injuries will occur more often than not.

While Thomas enjoys the act of running, like many other athletes in cross country, he also views the sport as an opportunity to keep himself conditioned for other activities like baseball. However, that is not to say that Thomas doesn’t enjoy the competition that comes with running.

At his core Thomas is a competitor and wants to succeed in everything he does. While he has had success in cross country, Thomas loves the game of baseball, and it is his true athletic passion. Thomas said that his proudest athletic accomplishment was when he was selected to play on a travel baseball team.

As the year progresses Thomas has two main athletic goals set for himself.

“I want to medal in state cross country and be a state champion in baseball,” Thomas said.

Off the field Thomas stays active with his participation in FFA. He currently shows livestock junior market lambs.