LSU’s track and field program has a history of producing world -class sprinters and national championships. That trend could continue this season with the leadership of senior sprinter Richard Thompson. Thompson set a school record in the 100-meter dash this past weekend at the Texas Relays with a time of 10.0 seconds, the fastest time in the world this season. “That was one of those ‘wow’ performances,” said LSU coach Dennis Shaver. “It was a dominating kind of sprint performance.” Thompson and the rest of the Tigers will hit the track again this weekend when LSU hosts the Tiger Invitational. Junior Trindon Holliday held LSU’s previous school record in the 100-meter dash with a 10.02 time in the NCAA Outdoor Championship semifinal this past season. Thompson said his performance this past weekend is still sinking in. “It’s surreal,” he said. “I still can’t believe that something like that happened to me. It feels really good.” Although Thompson set numerous records with his 100-meter dash time, he said he has loftier goals in mind. “I’ve always dreamed of going under 10 seconds,” he said. “I’m very hungry for it. It’ll happen eventually.” Shaver said Thompson’s record-setting time is a great personal achievement and an important motivating factor for the rest of the Tigers. “It turns some light bulbs on in people’s minds,” he said. “It helps the team’s confidence when a teammate runs at that level.” Thompson said it is important to set an example for his teammates like so many others did for him in his freshman season. “I came into the program around a lot of successful people like Kelly Willy and Xavier Carter,” he said. “I was able to elevate my performance as an athlete through being around those guys.” Shaver said his team will focus more on individual events this weekend after spending the past few meets in relay competition. “The objective for many of [the athletes] will be to pick up a regional qualifying mark.” he said. Thirteen Tigers and 18 Lady Tigers have secured qualifying marks for the NCAA Regional Championships so far this season. Thompson will not run the 100-meter dash this weekend but will participate in the 4X100-meter relay. Thompson helped the men’s relay team earn the fastest time in the NCAA this season running the second leg of the 4X100-meter relay this past weekend at 38.74 seconds. That mark ranks No. 8 of all time on LSU’s outdoor performance list. “It’s always nice to win an individual event,” Thompson said. “However, I like the team winning a title just as much.” The Tiger Invitational will be the first of back-to-back events LSU will host. LSU will wrap up the regular season next weekend with the LSU Alumni Gold meet April 19.
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