Destiny’s Desire

Derek Thompson and Christopher Kirk medal at UIL State track meet

 

There is no athletic competition in the state, and possibly the nation, quite like the UIL State Track and Field Championships. Only at the state championship meet can you witness future Olympians, Division 1 athletes, and Sunday afternoon superstars in one location. Simply qualifying for the meet, let alone medaling, is an accomplishment. So, Sharyland Pioneer’s Derek Thompson and Mission High School’s Christopher Kirk defied the odds last weekend when they earned silver and bronze medals as compensation for their steadfast commitment to excellence in their respective field events. The medals link the pair in the annals of RGV Sports history and solidify the greatness both have displayed this year and throughout their careers as Big 7 student-athletes.

 

Christopher Kirk

5A UIL State Bronze Medalist

Boys Long Jump, 23′ 4 1/2”

 

 

Christopher Kirk put the entire Valley on notice to start the 2025 track and field season. The remarkable Eagles’ senior posted marks in the long and triple jump kid’s dream of but never obtain. What’s most impressive is Kirk didn’t stop posting those kinds of marks, even after he was dealt injury setbacks. The injuries severely limited Kirk, but his belief in his abilities outweighed his limitations.

 

“My effort this year was high, especially considering I went through the whole season with a messed up ankle. I wasn’t able to jump off my dominant foot, but I was still able to place. That was a blessing,” Kirk said about overcoming his pesky injuries.

 

 

Kirk rode his resiliency to the state meet, where he set a new personal record and finished third, cementing his legacy as the best long jumper in Mission High School history and the rarified air of RGV athletes to place at the state championship meet. With high stakes, it’d be fair to assume Kirk might have been nervous or anxious, having never previously qualified for the state meet. Kirk wasn’t nervous; however, he treated the biggest meeting like any other meet he’d ever competed in. He’d done what he was tasked to do a million times over, in practice and competition. And when he lifted himself out of the sandpit for the final time in his high school career, he emerged as a legend.

 

“While I prepared for the state meet, my thoughts were the same as any other meet. And since few people were there, it pushed me to go harder. It took a lot of consistency to medal at state,” Kirk said.

 

After graduation this year, Kirk hopes to compete at the collegiate level in track and field.

 

Derek Thompson

5A UIL State Silver Medalist

Shotput, 62’10”

 

 

Derek Thompson’s path to the State Championship Meet was built on pure force: physical force, force of will, and force of character. Thompson’s track pedigree–his older brother Evan was a state champion– and his unrelenting desire to eclipse Evan’s shadow route to finishing his career as the Valley’s most prolific thrower propelled him through the season. So it wasn’t surprising that the state meet’s pressurized atmosphere failed to collapse his resolve.

 

“I always trust my training. It’s a big meeting, but I try not to think about that when I’m throwing and getting ready. I just let my body do the work,” Thompson said when asked his feelings about the competition.

 

 

Thompson juggled his scholastic responsibilities, participation in Sharyland Pioneer’s FFA program, and rigorous off-season of rehab to give himself a chance to walk inside the ring at Mike A. Myers Stadium. He didn’t disappoint. Thompson finished fifth in the discus with a throw of 178 feet. He faired even better in the shotput when he finished as the state runner-up. Although he didn’t reach his ultimate goal of a state championship, he’s proud of what he earned and optimistic next year will be even better.

 

“Medaling at the state meet required a lot of work and a lot of time mastering my technique. I was out all last season with an elbow injury, but I never stopped training. I wanted to come back and represent the best I could. I want to thank my private coach, Coach Dave Wollman, my mom and dad, and my brother. And, of course, the coaches at Pioneer, who have been a big help,” Thompson said

 

On top of his state championship success, Thompson will return for his senior season next year, looking to move up the RGV record boards by improving his 5th all-time shot put mark (64’4) and his 5th all-time discus mark (189-10).

 

“My plan for the offseason is to train, get as strong as possible, and better my technique so next year I can take the state title and break a few more records,” Thompson said when asked about his next steps.