(Photo by Maynard St. John)
Miami Northwestern's Tiondre Toomer is no stranger to track and field in South Florida. The senior started running at the age of five for the Metro-Dade Track Club and has continued ever since, blossoming into one of the top 400 meter runners in the state of Florida and is ranked fourth in the nation with his personal best of 47.32 from the Spartan Invitational. We caught up with Toomer to talk about his success this season as an individual as well as a member of the nation's best 4x400m relay.
We are one month into the season. How would you say it is going so far?
My season has been going great so far, but there is a lot of work that needs to be done so that I can get to the level I want to be at by the end of the state finals.
It seems like every other week you are racing against Tyrese Cooper. Last week at the Sam Burley HOF Invitational you were only five tenths behind him. How has he pushed you to become a better runner?
Competing with and against Tyrese is great. We are good friends and I know he'll push me to go faster and he knows I will push him.
The Miami Northwestern Bulls are putting in the work and it's evident with both squads. What is your favorite workout?
I'd have to say my favorite workout are 500s even though the hurt a lot. Our first 400 we have to come around in like 54/55 seconds and the last 100 you work on your form. It's really hard, but it pays off in the end.
Equally impressive as your 400 time is the 4x400 squad that has hit 3:12 in three consecutive weeks. Give us an insight as to what this group is like?
We have a great group of guys who put in a lot of work to be the best. Thomas (Burns) is the happy-go-lucky guy on the team. I always say Thomas is so fast because he always takes running as a game and doesn't take it serious. Fred (Gonsalvies), he's the one who encourages us to always push ourselves past our limits. David East is the newbie to the 400 and one thing I can say is that he has heart and won't give up. To hit 3:12 three consecutive times is great, but as a competitor I'm not satisfied with that time. I know we can go faster and we will.
Are there any funny stories between the guys on that relay?
It's hard to single out any other funny stories because they happen so often, but I'll just say we like to have fun, enjoy each others company, and we enjoy running.
Miami Northwestern is known as one of the best program's in South Florida. What is that feeling like when you put on the blue and gold?
Ever since I was a kid I wanted to go to Northwestern. To put on that blue and gold is something special. I guess it's just something about those two colors that are recognized and associated with greatness.
What are the goals for yourself, the 4x4, and the boys team who has a great shot at a 3A state title?
My goal by the end of the high school season is to run 45. I've dropped my time by two seconds ever year so I want to continue that trend. I also want to be the state champion in the 400m. It won't be easy going against Tyrese, but I feel I can run with him to the line. My goal for the boys 4x4 is to run 3:10 or lower. We have a talented enough team to win states. Everyone just has to do their part.You are coached by one of the best in the business in Carmen Jackson. What is the best advice she's given you over your four years?
The best advice Coach Carmen gave us was to work hard because there are a lot of people out there who wants to be at Northwestern so we have to practice like champions to stay on top.
National Signing Day has passed by and you haven't committed to a program. What has recruiting process been like for you?
The recruiting process been great. I've had a lot of coaches call, text and send me mail. I've been on two visits and both of them have been great experiences; so I'm really enjoying the recruiting process right now.
What are you looking for in a school and what type of athlete would that program be getting in Tiondre Toomer?
I'm looking for a school that has great academic and athletic facilities because getting an education is just as import to me as track is. Whoever I sign with is getting a hard worker that loves to have fun and compete. Also, I'm a great student who loves challenges in the classroom just as much as track.
The Low Down
What was the last movie you saw?
The last movie I saw was Hidden Figures. I thought it was an inspirational movie that shows not just athletes but everyone if you work hard enough you can overcome anything.
The last movie I saw was Hidden Figures. I thought it was an inspirational movie that shows not just athletes but everyone if you work hard enough you can overcome anything.
Do you have a go to meal after meets?
My favorite food after a track meet is a footlong sub from Subway.
Who would you consider your role model or someone you look up to?
My role model has to be President Obama. Just because he broke the glass ceiling and did a great job as our president.
What are three things outside of track people might not know about you?
Three things people don't know about me is that I love technology. I'll just sit in my room and hack things and code all day. Another thing people don't know about me is that I enjoy nature. I feel more at peace when I'm one with nature. The last thing is that I dislike track practice, but love running in the track meets.
What gets you pumped before a race?
Things that get me pumped before a race is listening to some music in my playlist and joke around with my teammates to get the pre-race getters out the way. I don't think I have a specific ritual I do before I run it's just what comes to mind and makes me feel comfortable at the time.
