By Kyle Roberts
If Merriam-Webster is ever looking for the perfect picture of a student-athlete, it would be hard pressed to choose anyone other than Ruston High School’s Thomas Rogers.
Ruston High principal Dan Gressett would sure agree with that.
“Thomas is such a dedicated student-athlete,” Gressett said. He is training early in the morning before most students wake up, then showing up to a full class load when most seniors only take five classes –and it’s a very challenging class load at that. He has accomplished so much at Ruston High School and we are very proud of him. He is a great ambassador for Ruston High.”
Now in his senior year in the classroom and the track, Rogers has left a lasting legacy for his diligence in both arenas as he prepares to head to Louisiana State University in the fall to study chemical engineering.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Rogers said of being a senior. “Especially on the track and cross country, because of all the work I’ve put in over the last four years is finally paying off with fast times.”
These fast times include a legendary performance to win the 2024 LHSAA indoor state championship in the 3200-meter at 9 minutes, 33.81 seconds and a school record performance in the 3200 for outdoor at the LA 2-mile Festival on Friday, March 16, at 9:21.79. And back in the fall of 2023, Rogers finished seventh overall in the state championship after leading Ruston to another district title.
But even with his successes, Rogers will admit that it’s not always easy between running, school work, eco-car, student council and being a National Merit finalist.
“It’s hard balancing those things,” Rogers said. “I don’t have a lot of time for much outside of the things I’m involved with; I think I need to be better with my time management. I really try to do it all.”
His coaches, Trey Smith for track and Dustin Cochran for cross country, will both rave about the effort they see from Rogers and how hard he’s willing to push himself, regardless of whatever challenge he faces.
“He’s everything you want in a competitor,” Cochran said. “He’s willing to do the work. When you look at the big picture, it speaks to a really focused person who has priorities and he has a very supportive family, as well, and that’s a big deal. But what I’ve also liked about him is when he wants to know something or try something different, he’s not afraid to speak up. He’ll constantly ask me how we can make something better or push it forward.
“I always say that your team goes as your seniors go, and the enthusiasm that he’s brought to the team, (the rest) have copied. They’ve set a really good tone for us, and it’s led to some really good performances.
Both Smith and Cochran have watched Rogers run since he was in elementary school, knowing that one day Rogers would be an outstanding addition to a program that has seen its share of success through the years. For Smith, it all culminated with the aforementioned individual indoor championship run.
“I was super excited,” Smith said. “Once we saw him start coming around the bend at the last lap, we knew he was in his stride pattern and was definitely more aggressive than the two guys who were in front. (Cochran and I) got right there at the finish line, and we knew he had it. It was a big rah-rah moment for us. That’s four years of work in just a few seconds.
“It’s cool to see how all of that has played out. He has a love for the sport and has been pushing himself for a long time. From the track perspective side, it’s nice to have someone you can depend on. I’m always excited to see Thomas out there.”
Now, with only a few races remaining over the next few weeks as a Bearcat, Rogers will look to cap off a stellar career for the Firmly Founded, while making good memories along the way, even if it requires running nearly ten miles everyday just to stay race-ready.
“I’m going to keep having fun,” Rogers said. “Waking up every single day and to go run doesn’t sound like fun, but when you’re with the right people, it is fun and enjoyable.”
