Whole new attitude for Thomas

By Kristi Nixon

DES MOINES — Chase Thomas is a brand new man.

Transitioning from Crestwood in 2020-21 to Osage has done wonders for the junior 152-pounder who is in today’s (Friday, Feb. 18) Class 2A semifinal.

“Between the schools, I’d say the learning aspect is crazy,” Thomas said. “I mean, it’s like a home there. Cresco, I wasn’t learning and wasn’t in the best state of mind. Best version of myself (now). I knew I had to get out of there. Anders’ family moved there (to Osage), so it was a good match. He was leaving and I wasn’t doing too good.”

Thomas was into Friday’s semifinals with a 7-4 tiebreak win over West Burlington Notre Dame’s Isaiah Fenton earlier Friday morning.

He, along with Anders Kittelson, came over to Osage from Cresco of Crestwood. When asked what the difference was, Thomas was effusive.

“I have higher expectations for myself and I think even my coaches do,” Thomas said. “They’re teaching me that it’s okay. I’m so used to getting mad. Yeah (in the past) oh yeah, I’d get so mad after I lose or something and think, ‘God, I should have done…’ Instead of losing, you learn from. I have seven losses this year and it’s a learning opportunity. I’m learning and enjoying it, though.”

Attributing the changes in himself is the coaching of head man Brent Jennings.

“Jennings is like a second dad,” Thomas said. “Man, he picks me up when I fall. He’ll do anything for me and he said that. He’s not all about wrestling, he’s about being a good person. That’s what I like about him. He’d rather have kids skip practice and work on their grades. Grades, normal life is first. I’m with him every day, so and I’m learning to be a better person. The whole community, if you go to Osage and ask about Brent Jennings, he does everything for them for free. He’s so great, amazing.”

Jennings was a little emotional upon hearing such high praise.

“Chase is a great kid,” Jennings said. “He’s come to Osage, taken him under our wing, per se; he works hard, he’s intense. I’m glad he’s in Osage and wrestling for us.”

He said he didn’t know how much of a change he’s gone through.

“I don’t know if there is a big difference,” Jennings said. “I didn’t know him well until this last spring or summer when they made the decision to come to Osage, so I didn’t have a close relationship until he became a part of our program, other than seeing him beat up on some of our guys, other than that, I didn’t know him real well.

“I’m glad he’s wearing a green singlet.”