NIAA names Thomson Top 10 student-athlete

One of the most successful runners to grace the Greenwave cross country and track programs was named a top student-athlete in Northern Nevada.

Tristen Thomson, who recently broke the school record in the 800-meter run, has been selected to the 2016 Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association Top Ten Student-Athletes of the Year for the region.

“I have wanted to leave my legacy in Fallon as one of the greatest distance runners to have ever run here,” Thomson said. “Ever since I was in junior high, I have wanted to be successful in running. Nothing has come easy to me, and I have worked hard to get to this point.”

Thomson, along with his family, will be honored with nine other student-athletes in the region on April 25 at the Peppermill Resort. The award program, which started in 1996, includes a $500 scholarship, souvenir portrait and NIAA Courtesy Card.

“I would not be in this position if it was not for the love and support my family offers,” said Thomson, whose father coached him and his younger brother, Trae, in cross country last fall. “They have helped me get to this point in my life and without them I would not be in this position. On a personal level, I am extremely blessed and thankful to have received this award.”

The award goes beyond sports as the NIAA recognizes the top student-athletes who “exemplify total school and community involvement,” according to the NIAA. Outside of school, Thomson said he volunteers at the Homestead Assisted Living and has participated in several clubs that offer community service. He’s also a member of the pep club, student council and National Honor Society.

“This is an outstanding event which recognizes student-athletes who exemplify what high school activities and athletics are all about,” NIAA Assistant Director Donnie Nelson said on the NIAA website. “While the requirements sound restrictive, we now these student-athletes exist as evident by the group of individuals we have with us tonight. It is our goal through the Top Ten program to find and honor these superb individuals.”

Thomson joins an impressive list of ex-Greenwave stars, including Tristin (Adams) Johnson (2003), Reece Jones (2004), James Stubbs (2006), Katherine Withers (2009), Cady Cordes (2013), Erik Endacott (2014) and Ali Tedford (2015).

“This award is a privilege to receive especially since Churchill County High School has had a student athlete in the top 10 the last four years,” Thomson said. “It is a real honor to be recognized by the NIAA.”

The senior multi-sport athlete is currently running track for the Greenwave, competing in the 800 and 1600, as well as the 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams. He broke the school record in the 800 two weeks ago in the Elks Invitational and has been eying the school record in the mile run.

Before he broke the record in track, Thomson finished as one of the top runners in cross country. He finished second in the Division I-A regional and took third at state.

“What has driven me the most this year on and off the field has been my motivation to want to be the best in everything I did,” Thomson said. “I always strive to accomplish whatever I set my mind to in my academics. I want to thank everyone that believed in me and I can’t thank the NIAA enough for recognizing me for my accomplishments on and off the field.”