Max Thomas has committed to run track and field at The University of Southern California! The Friars’ sprinter shared, “I chose USC because of the competitive environment, amazing coaching, and storied program history. While I’m studying, training and competing at USC, I will be surrounded by student-athletes who are just as, if not more talented than me, and we will all push each other to reach our full potential.”
He continued, “The coaches add to that environment as all of the sprint coaches have been Olympic gold medalists which isn’t common among collegiate track. The program has produced many Olympians and great athletes such as Michael Norman and Rai Benjamin, who I will have the opportunity to train with, and Quincy Watts who will be one of my coaches.”
A four-year varsity letterman in track and field, Thomas has ran away from the competition since his freshman year, winning titles and leaving his mark on the Servite record books. In 2021, he had his best season yet winning Trinity League in the 100, 200 and 4×100 relay as well as CIF Individual Championships in both in 100 and 200. In doing so, he set new school records in both events posting times of 10.52 and 21.35 respectively breaking the records previously held by Mattthew Slater ’03 of the New England Patriots. Beyond that he won events at the Triton Invitational, OC Championships and prestigious Arcadia Invitational!
After all of his success, Thomas was named OCRegister Track and Field Athlete of the Year, an impressive feat in a normal year but even more-so after playing soccer simultaneously due to the change in schedule as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas played three years of varsity soccer for the Friars, winning Trinity League each year while also helping the Friars win a CIF-SS D1 Championship in 2020. He was also recognized All-League in 2021, tallying six goals and six assists throughout his career.
Servite Track and Field Coach Richard Gibbs shared, “I met Max Thomas when was a freshman soccer player. His dad was watching practice and spoke to me about track. He wanted his son to run track. Max said he just wanted to concentrate on soccer. Turns out he’s a track guy with an insatiable work ethic and a burning desire to win. This applies not only to his individual events but to the relays as well. He never wants to let down the team. He is also a great young man with a bright future ahead of him.”
Thomas, who is interested in studying Kinesiology at SC, is also involved with the Admissions Ambassador program at Servite helping with admissions events, tours and more.
In closing Thomas shared, “I would like to thank my entire family but especially my mom for being my biggest supporter and helping me through all of the adversity I have faced. I would also like to thank Coach Gibbs for all the knowledge he has given me and for all of his support. In addition, I would like to thank Coach Alex for always believing in me and making me apart of his family. Lastly, I would like thank my Dad for coaching me for all of my life and being the best father I could ask for. All of the credit goes to him!”
Thomas will be recognized at Servite during a Signing Day ceremony held in February with other members of the senior class who have made commitments to compete collegiately.
