For The Tribune
Zac Thompson loved athletics when he was in elementary and middle school in Medora, so when he entered high school he said he looked forward to playing basketball, and running track and cross-country.
He was unable to compete his sophomore year but did all three sports his other three years at Medora.
“I just like to be physical,” he said. “I feel like if I take a break in between sports I’ll lose what I have.”
This spring, he looks forward to running distances for the Hornets this spring.
“My main event is the 800, but I’m going to try and work in the mile or two mile,” Thompson said.
His best 800 time in the past was 2:30, and he would like to get below 2:20 this spring with the goal of making the regional.
He said more athletes joined the track team at the start of April, and he looks forward to running in the 4×400 relay.
“My experience has helped me a lot,” Thompson said. “You want to go out strong and run as hard as you can, and even if you don’t feel like you can do it you still have to have enough left to do it.”
There were only two members of the boys cross-country team last fall so Thompson competed for individual honors.
“I just wanted to run as hard as I could,” Thompson said. “I always tried to run my first mile in about 7 minutes. My second mile I sped up a little bit, from 7 minutes to 6:40. My best time was 21 minutes. My favorite course was Cedar Point.”
On the hardwood, Thompson tried to be a team player and helped out where he was needed.
At 6-foot-3 Thompson said his main focus was rebounding and interior defense.
“The key to rebounding is blocking out and getting in the right position,” Thompson said.
Thompson scored a basket in a 49-47 win against Shoals.
The senior said you have to work hard in practice and keep a positive outlook.
“Mental (toughness) is very important,” Thompson said. “If you don’t have the right mindset you’re not going to be able to win. You’re going to run with the wrong attitude and it’s going to hurt you from the start.
“Practice is very important. If you don’t give it all you’ve got in practice, you’re going to give the effort in the meets that you give in practice.”
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Name: Zac Thompson
School: Medora High School
Parents: Kent and Kim Thompson
Siblings: Winnie, Dustin
Sports: Track and field, three years; basketball, three years; cross-country, three years
Organizations: Band, choir
Plans after high school: Attend IUPUC, study physical education
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite TV show: “Dukes of Hazzard”
Favorite musicians: Randy Travis
Favorite movie: “Marley and Me”
Favorite athlete: LeBron James
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Q: What’s it like attending Medora?
A: “I’ve enjoyed all the friends I’ve made, all the good moments we’ve had together. The classes are fun. The teachers make it really fun to be here. I went out for sports to compete, have fun with my friends, and to stay in shape.”
Q: What were home games like for basketball?
A: “I loved the home games. I loved the energy that we had. I liked playing at New Washington. I liked the way we played as a team and had fun playing. I preferred the regular nights. I really don’t care for the tournaments.”
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