Third time’s the charm: a phrase that references unsuccessful first and second attempts, and a victory on the third try. 

For St. Thomas Track and Field, though, third time’s the standard, as the team secured their third consecutive TAPPS State Championship this year. 

Head Coach Nathan Labus discussed his winning strategy with his signature light-hearted confidence. His approach to coaching stems from building a solid team, not just of high-performing athletes, but of good young men.

“Winning is never the goal,” he shared. “Trusting the coaches, trusting the process, and competing for someone other than yourself is the goal. The result of this, usually, is winning.”

Preparing the team for the final competition, one of Labus’ assistant coaches, Joe Malouf, told the story of another Track and Field state championship: Coach Labus’ first as head coach.

That year, Malouf’s son was on the team and had set the state record in the hurdles. Despite a strong day one showing in the running events, the team needed to pull out some clutch wins on the field in day two. It came down to Payton Matocha in the high jump, who, on his last attempt, with the team’s high pressure and high hopes on his shoulders, set a personal record and sent the St. Thomas team to victory. 

When telling this story, Coach Malouf poised a question to this year’s team:

“All championships have a story. What is going to be yours?”

A first place pole-vault, a second place spot in the 4x400m Relay, and several third-place finishes positioned the Eagles toward their win. The first-place pole vault came from senior Ruben Abney, whose story hinges on redemption.

Last year, at regionals, Abney struggled and no-heighted out of competition. This year, he returned to competition with more discipline and dedication, beating the school’s record in the regular season. His first-place finish was the cherry on top of his St. Thomas Track and Field career.

“My first-place win will always be a highlight of my time at St. Thomas,” he said. “I couldn’t have had this success without the support of my coaches and teammates.”

Beyond the vault, Logan DeBose ‘27 was a strong returning favorite in his events (110m hurdles, 300m hurdles, 4×400, and discus). He placed second in the 300m hurdles and fourth in the 110m hurdles. 

The long-distance runners also had a leg up heading into the final meet. In February, the 4×1600 relay team (Jaden Stephenson, Shaun Benesch, Isaac Knape, Bryce Farrell – all ‘27) set a school record (17:46.49) at Eagle Relays and held the fastest 4×1600 time in the nation this year. 

Labus also coaches the long-distance runners in two sport seasons, both in the fall with cross country and in the spring with track and field. This allows him and his athletes to form close connections and prioritize progress throughout the whole school year.

“After cross country season, I knew the distance guys were focused and ready to perform,” Labus shared. “This came true with Isaac Knape, Jaden Stephenson, and Bryce Farrell having outstanding performances at the state meet.”

At the meet, the long-distance athletes had two top-5 finishes in the 800m, and Isaac Knape took third in both the 1600m and 3200m, putting a satisfying finish on an impressive season.

After this state championship trilogy, the team looks forward. Labus asks them to engage in the offseason to continue the standard of excellence these athletes have set for themselves. 

Next spring, they hope to write yet another story of teamwork and triumph.