This past weekend the Hopkins men’s track and field team travelled to Towson, Md. to compete in the Goucher Track and Field Classic. One athlete’s performance stood out among the rest.
Sophomore Thomas Boucher set a new school record in the javelin with a throw of 176’5”, breaking the previous record of 175’5” set by Will Cairns in 2000. The News-Letter sat down with Boucher and asked him a few questions regarding his accomplishment.
The News-Letter: You set a new school record in the javelin this weekend. What was your reaction to the record and how does it feel to be part of Hopkins track and field history?
Thomas Boucher: Honestly, I was surprised when they read out the distance, and my team informed me that it was a new school record. When the javelin left my hand, I knew it was going to be a good throw, but I didn’t think it would be a school record. The wind at the meet was a huge factor throughout the day so no one on the javelin squad really thought it was going to be a good day, but we finished with all five of our competitors in the top eight and took first and second so I was really proud of the team. We have a solid javelin squad that pushes each other in practice and really supports one another at meets and outside the track. It’s an honor to be a part of Hopkins track history. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my team, though.
N-L: What are the team’s goals for the rest of the season? How are you guys working toward accomplishing these goals?
TB: After our triple crown of conference victories last year in cross country, indoor and outdoor track, the team is focusing on improving our performances even more and maintaining our championship titles. We’re not only focusing on maintaining our titles, but also succeeding at more competitive levels. Our goals have always been self-improvement through team cooperation and dedication. Whether it is in the weight room or out on the track, I can always trust that my teammates are working towards bettering the team.
N-L: What’s unique about the 2015 men’s track and field team that allows it to succeed?
TB: This is a big year for Hopkins track and field. We have a new sprinting coach, Coach Elliott, and a new jumping coach, Coach Lindsey, who are really pushing the sprinters and jumpers to take their talents to the next level and really succeed. Just listening to some of their workouts makes my body ache. Coach Dunn and Coach Norm are continuing to help the multis, throwers and vaulters reach their full potential through hard work and strategic workouts. And of course Coach Bobby and Coach Kim are leading the distance runners to be some of the best in the nation as well as being all-around amazing mentors and coaches. As a sophomore, I am extremely excited about the direction the team is heading.
N-L: Why do you love track and field?
TB: Track and field is a very unique sport. It is comprised of individual athletes in individual events obtaining “personal bests,” but feels just as much of a team sport as any other sports I have played. One of the major differences is that it is easier to see a reward for your hard work whether it be cutting your time down in a race or throwing a few meters further than you have ever thrown. Track emphasizes the idea that “you get out what you put in.” I love that I can go to practice and have both the individual feel of making myself better as well as having the team support and the idea that I am contributing to the success of the team.
Boucher and the team return to action on April 11 at the Hopkins/Loyola Invitational.
