Athlete Spotlight - Thomas Rhodes

Recently, we were able to check in with Thomas Rhodes and see what he's been up to.

1) How long have you been wrestling?

I have been consistently wrestling year round since I was four years old, so around 13 years total.

2) How has being team captain influenced you?

Being team captain has forced me to be innovative with my leadership and to acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses as a leader. I have found that I love teaching others and watching others improve as wrestlers. As a leader, I have also learned to not fear judgment and care more about the success of others on a regular basis. I believe these qualities have helped me grow as a person.

3) How has Covid challenged you as an athlete & scholar?

The most challenging consequence of Covid as an athlete was the loss of last year's wrestling post-season. I wanted to be the first 3-time state placer from Shorecrest for wrestling but lost that opportunity. As a scholar, the most challenging aspect of Covid was preparing for AP exams at the end of last spring from classes that I took in the fall of last year. The 3x3 schedule helped with the immediate classes, but I had to manage my time effectively and study intensively on my own, in order to succeed on the AP exams.

4) What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about the joy that wrestling can bring into people's lives. Wrestling is a grueling sport and anyone who has gone to an intense practice knows that there are times when they want to quit. However, after a tough wrestling workout, you feel nearly invincible to life's challenges and an overwhelming sense of positivity and motivation in other areas of your life. In my opinion, that feeling of ecstasy can't be matched by other sports and is why wrestlers tend to be constructive people.

5) What are your post-graduation aspirations?

My goal after graduating high school is to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) because I believe in their humanitarian mission and the positive mindset that they bring to work every day.

We at LFP Town Crier, congratulate Thomas on his enthusiasm, leadership, and accomplishments. We wish him the best of luck in his endeavors.

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