NAME: Shacoya Thomas

DOB: September 25, 1988

TEAM: Combined Campuses and Colleges

TREASURED POSITION: Batsman

PERSONAL BEST: 324 Runs

THIS week TEENage Stars Of Tommorow series will turn the spotlight on an ambitious cricketer, Shacoya Thomas, whose diligence has helped him to achieve excellence. Thomas gave us some insight as to how he got this juncture.

Twenty-three-year-old Thomas, a record holder in high school cricket, conceded that his interest was fully focused on playing football.

Being largely a self-taught cricketer earlier years, Thomas recalled the game was not anly fun for him but was also a family favourite.

“I remember playing cricket with my family, but it was all about fun. I think it has also inspired me somewhat, to represent my school, Friendship Primary, at the time,” he declared.

Prior to his host of accolades, Thomas went on to capture the Primary School Cricket Competition, in grade three and also in grade four where he did his personal best of 89 runs.

“At that time, I was still uncommitted. My mind was still fixed on football,” Thomas mused.

Thomas, then enthused about his achievements, went on to attend Eltham High School in Spanish Town, where he was inspired by coach Oral Simpson. Furthermore, the youngster added that while working with Coach Simpson, he would always bellow at him the words: “It is yours, must be yours,” he explained

“And with the father figure of Sir Simpson, it has also helped me to choose cricket as my first choice sport,” said Thomas.

Showcasing his overwhelming brilliance, the youngster quickly became a top performer in schoolboy cricket, scoring runs at will. Thomas was impressive, batting an unbeaten 110 runs in an under-16 Colts Cricket Final against Norman Manley High held at the Melbourne Cricket Oval.

April 8, 2005 was also a remarkable day for Thomas, as he established himself as a schoolboy success at the Under-19 level.

In what was remembered as a nine hour-and-a-half batting exhibition, Thomas set a prestigious schoolboy record, 324 not-out run win over Jamaica College in the Grace Shield Final, held at the Melbourne Cricket Oval.

“I have had a lot of memorable moments, but that record is unforgettable, in my perspective,” Thomas said with pride.

The youngster then landed the coveted Grace Shield Cricket title for Eltham High in 2006-07 respectively.

Thomas, in fact, added that his main aspiration is to represent West Indies senior team, at the highest level, and to make the brand successful as it once was. He also emphasised his admiration for batting legends Sachin Tendulker and Brian Lara.

“If you take a keen look at these individuals, they always inspire professionalism on and off the pitch. Therefore, I view them as role models, not just for me, but for a lot of youngsters,” Thomas explained.

Thomas also described himself as a person that is fully committed to his sport, confident, humble and evoked discipline to all ages.

Regarding overseas experiences, Thomas has travelled to a host of different countries, including Guyana, St Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, St Kitts, England, India, and Malaysia.

With academics a top priority for Thomas, he is currently pursuing a teaching degree in physical education and sports at the Mico University College.

In his few words to aspiring cricketers, Thomas said: “You have to be committed and humble. Ensure that you always maintain a high level of discipline. There will be ups and downs, but you have to give and take. Take constructive criticism, and be self-motivated,” Thomas assured.