Zuri Thomas wore every bit the look of a person happy with her choice as she signed a national letter of intent to continue her education and track and field career at Wingate University in the fall.

The Pinecrest senior was joined by her parents, Pastor Walter and Jennifer Thomas, an aunt, Marie Brown, coaches and classmates at a signing ceremony last week.

Thomas is leaning toward a double major in athletic training and psychology. She sees the Charlotte-area college as not too big and not too small.

“When I first visited Wingate I knew it was the school for me,” she says. “Everybody was nice and when I met the track team they made me feel like family.”

Nat Carter was her coach when she first got involved in the weight events in seventh grade as a member of the Sandhills Track Club. She has competed in several national competitions with the club and also learned to throw the javelin.

Currently in her second season as a member of the Patriot basketball team, Thomas placed in both the shot put and discus at least year’s Southeastern Conference meet. Her goals this time around are to win both events and set school records, as well as to finish first at the regional and place in the state meet.

“She’s a hard-working young lady and she’s got a lot of improving yet to do,” Patriot girls track coach John Buchholz says. “If she keeps improving, she’s going to be a good athlete for Wingate.”

Thomas, who lives in Pinebluff, is also an honor roll student. She is active at Greater Harvest House of Prayer Ministries in Aberdeen, where her father is the pastor, as a youth leader, singing and playing the drums.