For Thomas Hu, cross country and track are more than sports. They’ve been defining pillars of his high school experience that have helped shape him into who he is today. He joined cross country as a freshman, drawn by the challenge of pushing his physical and mental limits. Over four years, he transformed from a quiet newcomer into a dependable leader, known for his quiet consistency and relentless work ethic. Whether grinding through early morning runs or racing the 3200 on the track, Thomas embraces discomfort and discipline. “Running teaches you patience and resilience,” Thomas said. “You don’t always see results right away, but progress is happening.” For him, hard work has shaped him into someone who perseveres even through tough challenges. Thomas also values the tight-knit bond of the team. While running is often seen as an individual sport, he finds strength in the shared effort and mutual support of teammates. Of course, Thomas balances demanding academics and leadership roles with the same quiet focus and resilience. As he heads into college at John Hopkins, he plans to keep running, not just to stay fit, but because it’s now a part of who he is.