Today we are starting our Salute to Seniors series with four talented athletes from around the state. If you are a senior and would like to take part, or know one who would, CLICK HERE for instructions on how to take part!
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Name: Jillian Thomlison
School: Northwest High School
Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?
A: Nothings changed, expect I'm working out by myself rather than with my team.
Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?
A: I'm trying to do as much homework as possible, even though it's super boring. I've been filing out scholarships and playing on my switch.
Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?
A: my mom at memorable race was last year at districts, I fell with 75 meters left in the race and still qualified for sectionals.
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
A: Getting all of our coach's to high jump
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: Definitely my teammate, Kaitlyn Bell, who graduated last year. She and I did all the same events and she pushed me to do better.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: Qualifying for junior Olympics in the 400m hurdles
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
A: I wish I would of had the same work ethic freshman, sophomore, and junior year as I do now. I realized after my junior season this was my last chance and I had to make it count. And now I'm kicking myself for wasting my time and not putting 100% in always.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: My most difficult obstacle was myself, I didn't have a lot of motivation my first few seasons. I wish I was always as motivated as I am now because I would of had a better career overall.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: The team.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A: Always put 100% because you never know what you'll regret, or if you'll have another chance.
Q: What kind of an impact has your coach had on you and your team?
A: My coaches have made a huge difference for me and the team. They are always so encouraging and want nothing but the best for us. I absolutely love them to death.
Q: What are your college plans?
A: I plan on attending Missouri State University, and hopefully trying out for the track team.
Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
A: I want to say thank you to my mom, for supporting me through everything and always being my voice of reason. And second I want to thank Coach Carey for showing me the potential I didn't know I had, and to never give up.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A: nope :))