“When his oldest brother, Topher, was running in a cross-country meet at Challenger Park, his mom was carrying Tommy in her arms while pushing a stroller, with others following behind her. Tommy was just three years old at the time, and as he watched his brother run, he shook his hand” Coach Labus said.
Tommy Rzasnicki, the current captain of the Saint Thomas cross-country team, comes from a family of runners. With seven brothers, all of whom attended Saint Thomas, Tommy was introduced to the sport at a very young age. Growing up in a family that valued hard work and competition, Tommy’s connection to the sport felt almost predestined.
He began attending team practices as early as sixth grade, often warming up and cooling down with the athletes despite being too young to officially compete.
“Tommy was always there, cheering us on and learning the ropes, even though he wasn’t yet on the team,” Labus said.
To the rest of the team, Tommy was more than just a mascot; he was a source of energy and inspiration, his enthusiasm infectious. Everyone, from the seniors to the freshmen, looked forward to having him around, and he quickly became an integral part of the group. As Coach Labus got to know Tommy better, he saw an unmistakable drive in the young boy.
“He always wanted to reach new heights. He was constantly setting new goals for himself and striving to surpass them,” Labus said.
Even as a child, Tommy was already exhibiting the mindset of a champion. As he grew older, his passion for running intensified. By the time he entered Saint Thomas as a freshman, he was ready to compete.
His dedication to the sport was undeniable, and he made an immediate impact on the team. Throughout his high school years, Tommy’s improvement was rapid and relentless. Each season, he pushed himself harder, refining his skills and learning from his experiences.
By his senior year, Tommy had earned the role of team captain, a position that reflected his leadership qualities both on and off the track. But for Tommy, leadership wasn’t just about leading races—it was about inspiring his teammates to push themselves to the limit, just as he had. In his final year, Tommy set a personal goal that would cap his high school running career: to become the fastest Rzasnicki of all time.
With only one runner standing in his way—Jonathan, a teammate who had always been a strong competitor—Tommy focused all his energy on this final challenge. It was a goal that he had dreamed of since he was a boy watching his brothers race.
Coach Labus, who had witnessed Tommy’s growth from a child to a young man, couldn’t have been more proud of him.
“I’ve known him since he was three years old, and over the years, I’ve felt like a mentor, guiding him along his journey,” Labus said. “I know Tommy will be successful in whatever he chooses to do. He has the heart, the discipline, and the intellect to excel. It’s going to be tough to see the last Rzasnicki leave the team, but I know he’s ready for whatever comes next.”
Though Tommy’s senior year ended in heartbreak after a close loss at the state championship, he remained a beacon of leadership. His disappointment was palpable, but instead of dwelling on the defeat, he held his head high and turned his attention to lifting up his teammates, who were just as devastated.
“Tommy showed us what true leadership is,” teammate Tyler said.
“He didn’t just compete to win for himself, he wanted us all to be our best.” teammate Bryce Farrell ‘27 said.
For Tommy, the race was never just about winning—it was about perseverance, growth, and the pursuit of excellence. As he prepares to leave Saint Thomas, his legacy as a leader, athlete, and role model will be remembered for years to come.
