Keeping Pace: Conner Thompson
9/8/2016 2:33:00 PM | Track & Field, Cross Country
As he laced up his running shoes to begin his final year competing for The University of Alabama, Conner Thompson had a lot to look forward to. Being team captain for the second year, he was eager for the season to start.
"I'm humbled that Coach Waters would ask that of me," Thompson said. "I try to be a good example for the younger guys. I know when I was younger that it was a really big transition going from high school to college. I try to make that as easy on them as possible."
The senior mechanical engineering major from Murfreesboro, Tenn. was not always interested in running. It was not until his older brother Drew, 25, started running in high school and college that Conner was inspired to start as well. Drew gave Conner a lot of guidance during his own running days.
Conner Thompson knew that he wanted to go compete in college; however, he kept his options open. It was not until Thompson made a visit to the Capstone, that his decision was set.
"I wanted to go to a big school with a solid engineering program that would prepare me for the future," Thompson said. "I loved everything about Alabama. I loved meeting Coach Waters and Coach Tribble. The opportunity to compete at a big time school like Alabama is too much of an opportunity to pass up."
From the start, Thompson felt at home with the team. He enjoys spending time with his teammates every chance that he gets. Thompson uses what he learned from Jason Wooten, his coach at Oakland High School, to not only be a leader but a great teammate as well.
"Coach Wooten inspired me to be how I am as a teammate and to others," Thompson said. "The way he treated, respected and helped me grow in the sport is something I would like to help pass along to others."
Thompson uses the skills from Wooten every day. This Alabama team is very special to him as they continue to prepare for the rest of the season. Thompson knows that this team has the ability to compete with any opponent and do well against them.
"SECs two years ago were in Tuscaloosa," Thompson said. "We weren't expected to do well … but when we saw the scores, it was a special moment. A couple of the guys stepped up when we needed them to when faced with adversity."
Developing a special bond with teammates is one thing that Thompson really appreciates about his team. He knows that no matter the situation, his team will be there for him.
During his senior year, Thompson's goal not only for himself, but also his team is to make it to the NCAA championships with a top 15 finish at the end of the season.
"We are training hard and whatever happens, we know that if we do not make it, it's not our fault," Thomson said. "We are giving it everything we've got."
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Players Mentioned
