Concord’s Thompson Feels Joy in Cross Country Team

Concord High School cross country runner Skylar Thompson earned all-state honors for a fourth consecutive season during the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Division 4 state finals at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday.  Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV Sports.

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(November 9, 2020 8:02 PM) Concord High School runner Skylar Thompson has nearly done it all in the world of high school racing.

She has been all-state in both cross country and track, has medaled as an individual and as part of a team, and has scored a number of points at state meets.

Saturday she did something that few runners ever achieve, Thompson was all-state in cross country for a fourth consecutive season.

But her biggest joy came from running with four other teammates.

Concord finished 18th as a team in the 27-team Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 4 team event at Michigan International Speedway on a balmy afternoon.

Temperatures were in the high 60s and low 70s most of the day.

Thompson finished 23rd overall in 20 minutes, 53 seconds, earning her fourth all-state medal in cross country. She becomes the third female in CHS history to medal in all four years.

But Thompson was happier about being part of a team rather than personal goals.

“I was just glad that I was able to run with my team,” Thompson said. “That pushes everything else aside because I am her with them.”

But that is just the way she is, according to Concord Coach David Jordon.

“She leads by example and is always there for her teammates,” Jordon said. “She often pulls them aside to talk to them or just to give a hug.”

Thompson finished as high as fifth a year ago in the mud and slop at MIS. A 3-inch rain storm just before the state cross country finals made for tough footing for runners in 2019.

“Rain, snow, mud, I have seen it all,” Thompson said. “It was easier grounding on the race course today.”

She finished 14th as a freshman and sophomore at the MHSAA state cross country finals.

She tells those involved in the state cross country finals to “appreciate and enjoy it.”

The senior is undecided about her running future, although she is investigation a number of colleges.

Other runners for the Yellow Jackets were Haylee Rinehart was 67th (21:53); Riley Adams finished 186th (25:06); Natalie Sharp was right behind her (25:07); and Kiara Ozuzu was 213th (26:40).