Many people believe the way a student performs in middle school foreshadows success or failure later in life. If this is true, Kyrene Middle School eighth-grader Thomas Lawson is looking ahead to a very successful life.

Thomas, a six-foot, 180-pounder, enjoys accomplishments on the playing field and in the classroom.

Thomas is a three-sport athlete and is determined to keep up his grades. He participates in wrestling, baseball and football, and excels in all three.

“Thomas has always liked sports,” Thomas’ dad John Lawson said. “He started playing at an early age and he developed an interest. He’s a very hard worker when he is interested in something, and he is very interested in sports.”

Thomas’ abilities are easily seen by the results he produces. He recently won the state wrestling tournament in the 180-pound weight class, a goal he has been working toward for many years.

“It was really exciting,” Thomas said.

“It felt like everything I was working for was accomplished.”

The victory was extra sweet, considering Thomas was unable to compete the past two years.

“I’ve had to injuries the past two state tournaments,” Lawson said. “It was great to finally get a chance to showcase what I’ve working on.”

Lawson dominated his final match, throwing his opponent to the mat multiple times until the third period, when his knee gave out. He was taken down but able to reverse his opponent’s move to win easily.

“Besides winning the state tournament, Thomas has played some really good club baseball teams and faired quite well,” John said.

“His baseball team, the Arizona Giants, has won tournaments (he also played with the Arizona Cobras), and he wrestled with people from all over the southwest in a tournament. He won that tournament, where the competition was even harder than in state.”

But while his achievements on the wrestling mat are amazing, his true passion lies in baseball.

“I got into baseball just from playing in Little League and growing from there,” Thomas said.

Thomas now is entering the baseball season for the Kyrene Scorpions,  throwing the ball a remarkable 80-plus mph.

Thomas’ short term goals include making it on varsity for his three sports in his freshman year at Marcos de Niza. He says that, if he doesn’t achieve a career in sports, he’ll attend medical school.

“He is getting really good grades, which is his first priority,” John, an engineer with the state highway department, said.

“I want him to do something he enjoys and has a passion for. I want him to get a college degree and find his niche. He’ll do well because he is a hard worker and is motivated and dedicated.”

All signs are pointing upward for Thomas. For him, it is not a matter of if but when another great accomplishment will come his way.

“He is pretty young, but he has had an outstanding year and is dedicated to improving,” John said.