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Celebrating Colorado's college-bound track and cross country athletes:</h3>
Are there any plans for post-season cross country for you, or are you shut down for the time being and already starting to think about track?
Phillip Benjamin Thomas is accustomed to the contact of the 800 and will take that experience to the University of Wyoming next school year. Photo by Alan Versaw.
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Phillip Benjamin Thomas's personal best marks:
400 meters - 49.33
800 meters - 1:56.56
5K cross country - 17:12.60
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Start by telling us a little about what clinched your decision for the University of Wyoming.
There were a lot of factors that contributed to my decision on selecting the University of Wyoming but one of the significant factors that really pulled me in was the coaches and the athletes that are already there. I feel these group of guys can really take me to the next level, this program has lots of potential and I wanted to be a part of it. I felt that I could contribute to the team, the coaches made me feel like I could also. The direction the coaching staff is taking with the team is going to be amazing, I am really excited to see what the future holds.
What are your plans for a course of study at Wyoming?
My plans for my course of study at Wyoming is to study Business Administration.The school itself has an outstanding business program. So not only am I looking forward to competing on the track but also in the classroom.
Are there any plans for post-season cross country for you, or are you shut down for the time being and already starting to think about track?
Most certainly I have been thinking about track since the day we won state, cross country is a great sport and very competitive, but I really miss track. I will be running in a few indoor meets to get me started, but, yeah, I have already started training for track. I am either in the weight room or running on a day-to-day basis, taking no days off.
You've had a lot of success already at 800 meters. I'm guessing that, then, is your favorite race. Tell us about one or two of your favorite moments in that event.
The 800 meters and I have a love-hate relationship. To me it is the most competitive race there is and the hardest. But one of my favorite moments in the 800 meters was when I raced Bailey Roth (photo, left, by Alan Versaw). It was a windy day and I was already under a lot pressure, the race literally came down to the last foot. I ended up winning the race, but literally stumbled the last five meters of the race not knowing how long I could stay on my feet before crossing the finish line, my momentum ended up carrying me across just enough that I fall at the finish line. Just knowing you gave it your all was a great feeling. The competiveness is one of the key factors I look forward into the 800 meters.
Which is better, running the 800 or 4x800?
This is a really tough question, I would have to go 50/50. The reason why is because I love all my teammates, we are like a family, and accomplishing things together is even better than doing it by yourself. In the open 800 meters it is a little more competitive. Besides these two races, the 4x400 is probably the best. The atmosphere in the stadium is just incredible, it is the last race and you can see everyone supporting their team hoping they will win. It just so happened state came down to the 4x4 last year and it was the greatest race, knowing that the state championship was on the line.
Do you have any personal goals you're willing to share for the upcoming track season?
As far as goals, I want to win state in the 800m, or at least top three. And also help our team win state to finish our senior off on a good note.