ROCKINGHAM — Trey Thomas, a senior on the track and field team, has been named the Official Richmond County Male Athlete of the Week presented by HWY 55.
The Raiders took second place in their first Sandhills Athletic Conference meet of the season last week in front of their home crowd. Helping Richmond Senior High School collect 59 points, Thomas had two first-place finishes.
A three-year athlete, Thomas competes in both track and field events, which helped him earn his first career recognition.
Athletic Profile
Age: 17
Birthday: July 14, 2004
Year: Senior
Spring Sport: Track and Field
Events: 110-meter hurdles, Triple jump
Years on Varsity: 3 years
Experience: 3 years
“HURDLING THE COMPETITION” WITH TREY THOMAS
The Raiders hosted Hoke County and Southern Lee in last week’s SAC meet, and Thomas played a big part in Richmond’s early-season success. Competing in the 110-meter hurdles and the triple jump, Thomas collected wins in both events.
Securing five points by locking up the top spot in the hurdles and triple jump, Thomas started his day on the track. In the 110-meter hurdles, he made quick work against a handful of Hoke County runners with a time of 17.20 seconds.
The next fastest runner in the race was Matthew Leach of Hoke County, who crossed the finish line in 18.79 seconds.
In the triple jump, Thomas added five more points to the Raiders’ total with a distance of 40 feet, 4 inches. That length was 10 inches farther than second-place Elijah Alford and 4 feet, 11 inches better than the third-place finisher.
Richmond will return to competition this Wednesday at Southern Lee High School for another SAC meet. Also competing will be Hoke County and Lee County.
Senior Trey Thomas competes in the 110-meter hurdles, a race which he won last week. (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
RAPID RESPONSES WITH TREY THOMAS
ROSports: What led you to have a successful first meet last week and what do you think is the team’s potential this spring?
Thomas: “I was successful because of all the practice I’ve put in and just by trying my best to do everything right in races and jumps. My goal is to stay focused and do my part in whatever event I’m in.
“I think we have a good team this season with a lot of speed and athleticism. We want to accomplish a lot of our goals and I think we’ll be able to do that.”
ROSports: How is competing in hurdles and jumping events similar and different? Explain the pacing and steps involved.
Thomas: “They are similar because I have to be aware of my steps. If my steps are right and I stretch ahead of time, everything should be good. Hurdles are different because they require more focus to stay in my lane and be aware of the guys around me. Jumping is just me and the pit, and it helps to see where everyone else is landing.
“With hurdles I don’t want to be in the air too long and get back on the ground and onto the next one. The triple jump has three phases and they are all important to having a successful jump.”
ROSports: Which event is your favorite to compete in and why?
Thomas: “Hurdles are fun but they can make me a little nervous. But as long as I’m in the race, I like it.
“But the triple jump is my favorite because I get three attempts to jump my best and can get better. There is less pressure in the moment, and I rely on myself to perform.”
The Richmond Observer will publish its Official Richmond County Female Athlete of the Week soon.
