THS track athlete signs college scholarship

Published 3:24 pm Wednesday, April 11, 2018

By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – One of Thompson High School’s standout middle-distance runners will be continuing his athletic and academic career in Livingston, after he signed a scholarship with the University of West Alabama during an April 11 ceremony in the THS cafeteria.

Timothy Osborne, who has developed into one of the top 800-meter runners in the state, inked the college offer while surrounded by a large group of friends, family members, teammates and coaches.

“This is an exciting day for our program. This is probably the biggest reason we do what we do, and that’s to help our student athletes get to that next level,” said THS assistant track coach Mason Dye. “This is our proudest thing. Winning state championships is great, but getting athletes to the next level is even better. We are so proud of you. It’s a testament to your hard work. Personally, I couldn’t be more excited or more proud.”

Osborne said he will cherish the relationships he developed with his THS teammates and coaches.

“I like that we can have a friend relationship, but when it comes down to it, we can still be coach and student,” Osborne said. “I just feel like when I go to West Alabama I’m going to miss all these faces here and all the ones that aren’t here today, and I hope I can find a new family there and make sure that I can add on to the family I have here.”

THS Principal Dr. Wesley Hester encouraged Osborne to savor the experience.

“This is big, this is huge. This is a milestone moment in Timothy’s life,” Hester said. “Take this in, remember this and just be proud that the opportunity right there in front of you is because of what you did. It’s your work, it’s your effort, it’s your preparation and I just want you to stand tall and hold your head high and be