Thomas Stitt '22 Recruiting Profile

My passion for Cross Country and Track and Field came about in Junior High School as it was a sport that let me set my challenges with no limits. I enjoy being part of a team and the independence that I've accomplished by my dedication to personal training. Combining this with an aggressive academic load helps me balance my well-being by mentally and physically challenging myself. As a young child, I had a learning disability and overcame this through hard work. I wouldn't have been able to do it without my father's dedication, encouraging me to achieve in academics and athletics and never wearing a label of anything but success. He always believed in me and instilled a "can do" attitude towards my life and desires.

Running has always been rewarding to me to achieve goals and a significant therapeutic outlet for me. I am passionate, self-driven, and considerate of my teammates, as I genuinely want those around me to succeed. While I strive to do my best, I also know there is room to grow, and I have set goals to build on a solid foundation. I hope a college coach sees the limitless potential in me that I know I can offer to a college program.

This past summer, I became a certified lifeguard and swimming instructor at a local summer camp. Working with the youth makes me see that I have now become a mentor to others, and it has shed a more profound light on the teachers and coaches that have mentored me.

On September 26, 2021, I was also fortunate enough to have the opportunity to run in the Tunnel to Tower 5K Run. It was inspiring to do this because of the sometimes nameless and faceless people that became known through an act of heroism like Stephen Siller.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I volunteered for a local race called the Turkey Trot, which raises support for cure-focused research and the empowerment of children living with Type 1 diabetes. 

I volunteered a Purposeful Acts of Kindness Kits with Nourish. The goal is to put together kits for those in the community in need. Each of these kit consists of some life essentials such as pocket-size hand sanitizer, bottled water, protein bars, and other toiletries. This Christmas season 2021, I worked with Nourish in volunteering for a local Christmas Tree fundraiser, where the proceeds went back to the Nourish Kitchen.  

I hope to be someone who can recognize greatness in things that maybe can be overlooked or undervalued because giving back and paying forward is something I believe in strongly.

I am fully vaccinated and remain compliant to all CDC recommendations.