On Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, Hatboro-Horsham senior Tommy Haas was recognized for signing a letter of intent to compete in track and field at Shippensburg University. To view photos of the signing event, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Tommy Haas – Shippensburg University (Track & Field)
Major: Biology with a concentration in Biotechnology
Final list of colleges: Shippensburg, Bucknell, VCU
Reasons for choosing Shippensburg: “I liked the price of Shippensburg, I liked the coach – he was very cool and down to earth. The team was nice. They’re a Division II program, so it’s not as time consuming, but they’re good enough to compete at the Division I level so I know I’ll be challenged.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track and field at the collegiate level? “It was definitely a progression. Up until last year, I would have assumed I’d be playing golf in college because I’ve always played golf since I was seven years old. Last year, my junior year in high school, I made it to districts, which was kind of the goal, and then I made the mark to go to states. I kind of sat back and reconsidered everything, and I was like, ‘Wow, I might consider doing this next year.’ I worked at it over the summer, and I’ve seen so much progression, and it’s just something – I love it.”
Coach Mike Harmon: “I truly believe in the last five years we have seen a connection between golfers and throwing javelin. There are a lot of similarities in terms of the way you shift your weight and throw a javelin versus the way you swing a golf club. Coaching Tommy on the golf team, he was a tremendous captain this year, a tremendous leader – he’s just a great kid overall. For him to come out and do what he’s been doing on the field for track and field has been awesome to see because he puts in a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication, and he deserves everything he’s getting right now.”
Throws coach Dan Wilson: “Tommy has good size, he’s working on his strength, and his willingness to work hard and want to succeed is very helpful. Tommy had a great set of individuals who helped him previously, and he’s doing the same now in passing that knowledge down, which makes it a little bit easier as a coach when you’re managing so many athletes. For that, the school, the program, the coaching staff and the individuals involved are very thankful, even though they may not always say it. Additionally, his willingness to put in the time himself so he could get better is very important.”
Throws coach Brian Haupt: “Tommy’s success comes from his preparation in the classroom and at practice. His preparation and his attention to detail during the process gives him the ability to succeed when it matters most. We’re proud of what he’s done, what he’s going to do this year and what he’s going to accomplish in the future. Those are skills that are going to last him a lifetime.”
About Tommy:
Favorite food: Chipotle
Favorite movie: Interstellar
Favorite music: Hip Hop and Country
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