ATHLETIC COACH WHO MOULDS CHAMPIONS
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| Thomas, C. Kesavan Memorial High School, Koruthode, Kottayam |
What is the alchemy of success that propels C. Kesavan Memorial High School, Koruthode, Kottayam to be champions in the State School Athletic meet for more than 10 years in a row? The parents and neighbours certify it in unison: the hard wok and sincerity of Thomas, the Physical Education teacher of the school.
By his steady effort, Thomas has been able to produce more than 100 national-level athletes who have got employment through sports quota.
When this ex-Serviceman joined in 1983, the school did not even have a 50 m track for athletics. So Thomas decided to go back to his native place Thodupuzha. The school authorities relented and permitted the small hillock at the back of the school to be leveled. Thus, now a 200m track is available for the school.
Of the 100 odd students who practice there everyday, 50 stay at Thomas’s house, which is an Athletics Academy in spirit. Thomas collects only their boarding fee. He takes care of the academic coaching also.
Students study for an hour early in the morning before going out to practice in the ground.
National champions Juby Abraham and Anju Markose are products of Thomas’s Academy. So also the Asiad star, Molly Chacko.
He has no hesitation to accept his limitations. When triple jump and hammer throw were first introduced in the Schools Meet, he had to seek the help of a Sports Authority of India (SAI) coach from Kottayam to learn them himself. Then he trained his wards to become champions in those items also.
“If an ordinary man like me can do this, why not those who have degree in coaching,” he asks.
Thomas with the athletes in the school ground
Courtesy: T.K.Sajeev Kumar, Kerala Kaumudi
Contributed by: Administrator
