Chris Thomas Sociology Major and Lander Baseball Player
What types of athletic facilities are available? Lander boasts numerous state-of-the-art athletic facilities to keep our students and student-athletes physically and mentally fit. In addition, Lander recently constructed a recreation, wellness and sports complex just a few blocks from campus. The Jeff May Complex offers stadiums for baseball, soccer and softball, 12 tennis courts, practice and intramural fields, a perimeter track and more.
Athletic & Fitness Facilities 28-acre Jeff May Sports Complex 2,500-seat arena n Athletic fields n Auxiliary gym with three basketball courts n Dance studio n Elevated, indoor walk/jog track n Sand volleyball court n
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Intramural fields Lighted tennis courts Multipurpose room Outdoor pool Six racquetball courts Training room Weight room
In 2012, Chris Thomas was voted Peach Belt Pitcher of the Year as he led the Bearcats baseball team to the best winloss record in the program’s history. Thomas caught the eye of scouts for Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks and he signed a contract to pitch in their organization. He credits his Lander coaches, athletic director Jeff May and the Athletic Department staff for his success as a ballplayer. But he stated that, as a student-athlete, more emphasis was placed on his academic pursuits than on his performance on the field. Thomas said he is grateful to the faculty and staff for shaping him as an individual, which helped him grow during his years at Lander and will enable him to earn a degree in sociology with a criminal justice emphasis.
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