Senior Rater Tomlinson is an important part of not only the school, but the community as well. Tomlinson is a member of National Honor Society and Fellowship Christian Athlete group at Sheridan High School. A big part of Tomlinson’s life is sports. Playing both football and basketball at the high school, Tomilson’s athletic reputation has grown throughout the school. Tomlinson started football when he was only six years old, playing for the Recreational District teams in Sheridan.

   During his junior year, Tomlinson really struggled in sports, football in particular. He began losing focus of his goal and began to lack the work ethic that he was known for. His coaches and teammates noticed the changes with him and made sure he knew. Others on the team began to play over him due to his lack of focus. When Tomlinson realized it really was up to him and only him to change, he took charge. He began focusing more on doing his job as center, especially, as well as defensive end. He began working harder than he ever had before in order to attain the best version of himself, which he knew was possible. Through his perseverance and devotion, he earned his starting spot back. That personal trial for him was a major turning point, not only in his football career, but with his outlook on life as well. Tim Tebow once said, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” 

   “That’s something I try to live by,” said Tomlinson. “[Football] has helped me get a sense of how far hard work can go when you’re not necessarily gifted with talent in sports.”

   Davis Alden, former Sheridan Bronc football star, has been working with Tomlinson the past couple of summers to improve the little things that set him apart as an athlete. Alden was a center for the 2017 championship team and Tomlinson has always aspired to be a strong member of the Bronc team just as Alden was.

  Another big part of his life is his schooling. Tomlinson’s first interaction with Erin Osborne was in grade 8 pre-algebra. Even in 8th grade, he was much more mature than the other boys in junior high, not only in his behavior in the classroom but outside as well. Tomlinson was a student of Osborne’s again the following year; however, he was placed in two math classes. Even though he was not able to switch out of the class any sooner than the end of the semester, after the second or third week, they both knew he was far beyond needing the extra class. “Partially getting things done or partially knowing it has never been good enough for him; he had to know it all,” said Osborne. He was willing to work inside and out of class time to make sure that he had the best understanding of all of the material. He was never content with getting just the basics. “Knowing he could come to me whenever he needed it, that’s where our relationship grew,” said Osborne.

   Even though Osborne is not his teacher anymore, Tomlinson is always seen working. Even in his free time he is working to be productive or make strides to better himself. Tomlinson has always been one to care especially about his performance in school, sports and even his relationships with others. As he has gone through high school he has grown in each of those aspects. The younger members of the football team look up to Tomlinson as a safe haven for whenever they may need him. He is a great leader and is known for his high morals and amazingly unwavering effort.

   As for after high school, however, Tomlinson is not sure if football is in the cards for him. He plans on attending the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming. He intends on majoring in business and joining the FCA group in college to continue what he began in high school. Tomlinson is looking forward to the next chapter of his life, and continuing to be a good role model for anyone around him.

   Tomlinson is the son of Jeff and Mary Kay Tomlinson.