Central record holder Thomas signs with U of I

Cape Central High School (CHS) state record-holder Asia Thomas recently signed a letter of intent to run track at the University of Illinois. Pictured seated with Asia, left to right, are her grandfather, Rev. Johnny Thomas, and grandmother, Earlean Thomas. Standing, left to right, are CHS Athletic Director Lance Tollison, CHS Head Track Coach Matt Hale, and CHS Principal Dr. Mike Cowan. Asia is the state record holder in the 400-meter dash with a time of 54.49. According to Google, she was rated #11 nationally. Asia said, "My mom was my main motivation to run. I wanted to beat her record since I was very young." Her mother, Nakebe Thomas, a 1990 CHS graduate, held the state championship in the 400-meter until Asia broke it. "I played tag non-stop, all the time. I was always running around. People were always talking about my mom's track record, so that was a great motivation," she said. In addition to Coach Hale, Asia credits Coaches Lawrence Brookings and Jane Comeau for helping her develop her strategy. "Anyone can do it. It just takes determination and a role model," she said.