Central graduate Thomas to run track at Illinois

~ The recent graduate expects to compete in the 400 meters at Illinois

Asia Thomas expects her excitement level to increase as Aug. 17 draws closer.

That's when Thomas will begin her college career at the University of Illinois.

"Maybe when I get there I'll get excited," she said. "But usually I don't get excited for something until it's right there in my face."

Thomas, a recent Central graduate, will compete for the Illinois women's track and field team. She won the Class 4 state title in the 400 as a junior then qualified for the Class 4 state meet in the 100, 200 and 400 as a senior.

Thomas finished sixth in the 100 and seventh in the 400. She ran the fastest time in the 400 preliminaries but false started in the finals.

She said her college decision came down to Illinois and the University of Kansas.

"It was just a better fit," Thomas said about her decision to head to Illinois. "They have over 1,000 student organizations, and I knew that wouldn't be a problem. I knew fitting in wouldn't be a problem, and they were ranked in the top 50 in academics.

"Everything is close. Where I'll be staying at is next to a school grocery store and it's right next to the cafeteria. It's right across the street from the indoor track and field facility. It's pretty cool."

Thomas expects to compete in the 400 and would like to run the 800, although she said the Illinois coaches mentioned the 100 as a possible event.

Thomas said she's tried to take it easy and enjoy her summer before starting college.

"I'm just taking a break before I head over," she said. "Practices will start in September."

Thomas said she plans to major in either occupational therapy or nursing.