Men's Track & Field Senior: Thomas Adam

Thomas Adam

By Tegan Ellis

What is your major and how did you end up at ONU?
My major is mechanical engineering, and I chose ONU for the engineering program. I was also drawn to Northern because of its small size; so I knew I could run. One of the big points for me was Coach Maus contacting me and convincing me it would be worth my time to come down to Ada.

What are your plans after college?
Right now they are up in the air, either grad school or a job in engineering. I will keep running either way. I want to continue to excel and always go faster.

What are your strengths on the track?
I’m a longer distance guy. The longer the event the better I do. I consider myself a rhythm runner, so once I get in a good pace I can hold it. I have been blessed with good leg speed at the end of the races so I can end each race with intensity.
 
How have you seen yourself grow over the last four years?
I got used to balancing running and schoolwork in high school, but coming to college was a step up. As an engineering major, it is difficult to keep on top of my academics while still doing well at my running. Over the years I have learned a lot about both school and running and feel I know so much more than I did freshman year.

What motivates you while you are running?
I have always liked the sports where you can work hard and see the benefits. I know if I put in hard work and do my best I will see great results in the end. If I put in the time and work well against my opponents I know I will win in the end. I just love being part of a sport that lets me work hard.

Any plans to continue running after college?
I want to keep my running serious. I will raise the intensity and continue to improve. I want to enter road races and am trying to find time to go to track meets as an unattached runner in the spring. I feel like I have a good 10-15 years left of running, I can’t see myself not running and will do it as long as my legs will let me.

What will you miss most about ONU’s track team?
My teammates; everyday I look forward to coming to practice and having fun. It’s always entertaining to see personalities mix. This year I have been fortunate to have a very solid senior class. I live with four of the guys off campus and it has been a blast. I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to work with.

What is your favorite track memory?
I would have to say sophomore year at an outdoor conference. The first time I wasn’t a favorite going into the 10k race. I remember it was a hot day and I was able to break away from the pack half way through and win my first conference championship. It really gave me confidence to do more and really became a turning point in my collegiate track career.

This past February you were voted Ohio Athletic Conference Runner of the Week. What did this accomplishment feel like?
It was a nice award to get because that weekend I set the school record in the 5k. It was nice to get another acknowledgment to go along with the school record.

You were also Ohio Athletic Conference Champion (Indoor) in the 5,000m run. How does it feel to hold this title?
I had won the year before so I defended my title which is something I wanted to do. The one thing I focus on is having my best performances at the end of the year. It was nice to know I was doing my best at the right time of the year. Winning a conference title means more to me than running a fast time.

Over the last three years you have won 3 OAC titles. What is this like for you and what is your goal for this year?
It has been amazing. Coming in I would never guess I would have three at this point. I am hoping to get two more in the 10000m and the 5,000m. It would be great if I could come back and win those two races. My sophomore year I did well but my junior year I was sick and didn’t perform at my best. I am looking for some redemption.  After conference there are a few more weeks of races, and I would love to get on the national list for either of these two events.

You hold several top ten places in both your indoor and outdoor performances. What has made you such a consistent and great runner?
I feel like I just have a great love for the sport. I can’t see myself not doing it, so it leads me to work hard and continue to run non stop. I have just been able to enjoy the shorter events as well. I have been gifted in both the short and long races and feel I have been able to take advantage of that.

The OAC Championships are coming up soon. How are you feeling as you approach this race?
It’s kind of sad that this is going to be the last one. It’s also exciting in a way. We are trying to win the Triple Crown this year. This means winning the title in cross country, indoor and outdoor track. My main focus is to make sure I can do all I can do for the team so we can finally get the outdoor title we have been wanting. Having underperformed last year, due to being sick, I am hoping to do well this year.

What advice can you leave behind for the younger runners?
Running is very simple. The best way to get better is to train hard and just enjoy what you are doing. Have fun! Sometimes it’s easy to brush off running when you are busy, but if you stick with it and do the little things to get better you will be successful in the conference and in life. Hard work pays off!