It was quite a debut in the Lackawanna Track Conference for the Mid Valley freshman. In a 104-35 win over Elk Lake, she had four wins and set three school records.

Thomas won the 100 hurdles in 14.54 seconds, breaking the mark of 15.25 set last year by teammate Natalie Talluto. It also is the third-fastest time in the event in LTC history behind Cassidy Jenkins of Lakeland (14.28 in 2015) and Skyla Wilson from Susquehanna (14.52 in 2018).

She won the long jump in 17 feet, 2 inches, surpassing the previous mark of 15-7 by Haley Drutarovsky in 2014. She took the triple jump in 36-8, topping Drutarovsky’s mark of 32-11.5 in 2014. She also captured the high jump at 4-8.

Family: Father, Frederick; mother, Tara; sister, Emma; brother, Jacob

Coach: Nick Kazinetz

Could you have imagined having the debut you had. What was your reaction: I was honestly really surprised. But I knew from my training in the offseason, I knew this could be a really good season. It has a lot of potential in it. I just worked hard in the offseason, kept training and I always have my coaches and my teammates and my family to support me through it.

Talk about the record in the 100 hurdles since it’s the third-fastest time in conference history: I started off at the long jump and got a jump in there. Then I did high jump, finished that and went right to the 100 hurdles. I was honestly really surprised. I thought it was a good race. It felt fast, it felt good and I think my form and everything was good. I was just focusing on one event at a time because I kept bouncing around. I was completely shocked (when I found out it was a record).

Did that set the tone for you for the rest of the meet and help you set the other records: Not really. I just kind of go out there and not focus on breaking records. I just try to go out there and do the best I can every race. I just focus on myself. I didn’t find out my times (and distances) until later.

Does this performance change any goals or expectations you had coming into the season: My goal is to keep improving as the season goes on. I hope to make it to states, do really good in districts and also hopefully get to New Balance Nationals.

Any added pressure because of the performance: Not really. I just focus on doing good for myself and what I can do. My coaches are there to support me no matter what. They don’t care how I perform, just as long as I try my best.

What is the outlook for the team this season: I think our team is really strong right now. I honestly think we have a pretty high chance to win districts if our team keeps going at the rate it is. We have really strong girls in every event. Everybody is there supporting each other. Our team is just very positive.

Which teammate is the one who keeps the mood light: Natalie Talluto. She’s always just happy and smiling and is never negative about anything. She’s always positive, always building everybody up.

Other sports I play: Cross country

Favorite teams: University of Oregon track

Favorite food: Chicken alfredo

Cake or pie: Cake

Favorite school subject: Biology. I just find it interesting. Every time we move on in a lesson, it’s always something new.

Athletes I admire: Tara Davis-Woodhall. I like looking at her forms and trying to find ways to improve myself and better myself. I also look up to Natalie Talluto on my team. She always pushes me to be the best I can and she’s always there supporting me.

Superstitions and rituals: I always eat peanut butter crackers before I run and then I always pray before any of my races.

If I had a superpower, it would be: Teleport

A word to best describe me: Hard-working and determined

App I use most on my phone: Snapchat

Three people I’d like to have dinner with: Tara Davis-Woodhall, Anna Hall, coach Kaz (Mid Valley coach Nick Kazinetz)

Future plans: I plan to pursue my career in track. I want to do something in the medical field. My goal is to become a surgeon. I want to do general surgery.