Episode 126 - Kurt Thomas; Hobbs Graduate, Head Track and Field Coach at University of Alabama at Birmingham

This week I was able to talk with Kurt Thomas. He is a Hobbs High School graduate and the current Women's Track and Field Head Coach at UAB, University of Alabama at Birmingham. It was such a pleasure to talk to him and learn about his journey.

He talks about running at Hobbs High School, under Coach Jackson, and then walking onto the UNM track team after graduation. Kurt talks about just walking into the coaches office and talking to him, which he says wouldn't happen today.

He gives some insight about what it looks like today with kids looking to join his program or walk on. I liked his honesty and how he said he tries to be honest with the kids and let them know if it's a reality.

We continue to talk about his coaching journey and how he ended up at the University of Tennessee, where he graduated and worked as a student assistant, before moving on to Mississippi State. Kurt talks about the coaches he was able to study under during those times and how it helped influence his own coaching.

We finish up talking about getting the job at UAB and what this season is looking like for them, as we are getting closer to the indoor season. So, tune in and enjoy the conversation.

New Mexico cross country is wrapping up with the state meet coming next week, November 5th and the first Red vs Green Championship race the next Saturday. I hope you have had an opportunity to support your local teams and can get out to one of these fantastic races coming up. Good luck to anyone with a race coming up. Those mornings are cool, but the afternoons are so nice. Make sure you layer, wear reflective clothing in the dark, and keep running, New Mexico.