Tiondre Toomer Joins Former MNW Bulls Standouts, Selects Clemson


Tiondre Toomer was an integral part of the Miami Northwestern boys success over the last four years. The quarter-miler, qualified for the state final in the 400 meters twice and owns a personal best of 47.03s.


Toomer also was the lead leg on the state championship 4x400m relay teams in 2016 and 2017, and helped the blue and gold earn a team title in 2017, their first in 23 years. We talked to the senior about his decision to attend Clemson University and follow in a long line of Bulls who chose to become Tigers at the next level. (Photo by Cedric Gillette)

What was the recruiting process like for you?


At times it was fun and then there were times when I was like man this is really stressful and I was wondering if the school I wanted to go to was going to offer me. I knew if I kept running fast the school I wanted would come soon enough.
 

Where all did you consider/visit?

I had visited USF and Air Force before Clemson, but I was considering going to Georgia, Miami, USF, or Clemson.


What sold you on Clemson?

What sold me on Clemson was one the atmosphere and the prestige of the college and also the history Clemson has with Miami Northwestern. Brianna Rollins and Brittany Pringley went there. Also my high school teammates Cordell Lamb and Jeffrey Green go there so it already felt like home to me.

Did you have a chance to talk with any of the former Bulls about Clemson?

Yes, I was able to talk to some former Bulls about the program and they said it was great. They told me it that going there was the best decision they made. Cordell and Jeff were both there on my visit and were my hosts.

How did that feel knowing they'd be there to watch over you and kind of guide you in the early years?

Well they were just explaining to me the atmosphere at Clemson and what to expect, but they were also trying to show me the ropes as much as they could before I come. Of course it will feel like I'll have a couple of big brothers up there, but those guys where instrumental to getting me where I'm at now so having the opportunity to be with them again will just be fun for me and them as well.

Why did you wait until the very end to make your college decision?

I just wanted to make sure I mad the right decision on which college I would attend.



Going back to your high school career. The 4x400 team was one of the best in the nation running 3:10 multiple times. You helped lead the group to a state title in that event and the team to a championship as well. How would you sum up your time as a Bull?

Simply mission accomplished. I came into Northwestern with two goals in mind. One was be a state champion and the other was continue to get better each and everyday and I felt that I've accomplished everything I set out to do. This program meant everything to me. The tradition, the competition, the exposure. It's not easy being a Bull because of the expectations people have for those who wear that blue and gold but if you want to get better, be pushed outside your comfort zone Northwestern is the school that does exactly that. 



You still have a couple more meets left. I know you are competing in the NSAF Caribbean Scholastic Invitational in Cuba then New Balance. Both trips with some of your teammates. What are these next couple of weeks going to be like for you?

I think it will be super cool to go to Cuba though. It's nice to go see and experience a different country and culture. It's also fun to race against people from outside the United States. New Balance with my teammates, I wouldn't have it any other way to end my season. These are my brothers and to run my very last high school track meet with them before I go to college the very next day is a great send off and a great end to a magnificent chapter in my life and career.

I know it's going to be fun, but it's all business too right?

Every trip is a fun trip, but at the same time every trip is a business trip. You have to go out there looking to drop another PR and improve your craft. Can't take no days off. Plus, you have the most fun when you go out and do extremely well. 

A month from now you will be gearing up for college. What are you looking forward to most about being a Clemson Tiger and competing at the next level?

Competing in that orange and purple uniform with the word Clemson on your chest, that's what I'm most looking toward. You can expect to see a Tiondre that's putting in the time and effort to exceed on the track, but also in the classroom and some ACC and NCAA titles as well.

By The Numbers (Personal Records):
  • 200m - 21.78
  • 400m - 47.08