A-State Track & Field Student Athlete Thomas Ligon Dies

 

 

Thomas Ligon

Thomas Ligon

JONESBORO, Ark. – Arkansas State University student Thomas Ligon died this morning in his hometown of Ozark, Mo.  Civil authorities in Ozark, Mo., confirmed his passing.

A senior nursing major, Ligon was a member of the A-State Red Wolves track and field team, Student Government Association and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.  Several student life organizations with which Ligon was associated are planning memorial events.

“The A-State Athletics family extends our deepest sympathies to Thomas’ family and his friends, teammates and classmates,” Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir said today.

“Thomas is going to  be missed,” said Arkansas State Head Track and Field Coach Jim Patchell.  “He was not only a valuable member of our team, but a great person.  Our heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.”

Ligon’s hometown newspaper in Ozark, Mo., reported the following:

Ozark High School product Thomas Ligon died in his sleep Monday night in Ozark.  No further information has been released on the cause.

Ligon was a senior decathlete at Division-I Arkansas State in the SunBelt Conference.

He was a four-time all-conference and all-district track selection at Ozark, qualifying for state all four years.  Ligon was also a standout football and basketball player for the Tigers.

Thomas Ligon’s Bio from Arkansas State University:

2010-11: Placed ninth at the SBC Indoor Championships in the heptathlon with 4,433 points…during indoor season, had scored a season-best 4,503 points in the heptathlon Feb. 10 at the Iowa State Classic…at the ISC, had season-best times of 7.61 in the 60 meters, 2:53.49 in the 1,000 meters, jumped 1.74m in the high jump, and threw 13.50m in the shot put…jumped a season-best of 3.80m in the pole vault at the SBC Indoors, posted season-bests at the Arkansas State Kickoff Klassic in the 55 meters with a time of 6.93, and in the long jump with a jump of 6.48m…posted season-bests of 2:10.56 in the 800 meters, and 13.65m in the triple jump.

High School: A four-time all-conference and all-district selection at Ozark (Mo.) High School … Earned all-state honors and a qualified for state meet all four years … Finished second in triple jump, second in discus, eighth in long jump, and ninth in the shot put at state meet … Graduated summa cum laude with a perfect 4.0 GPA … Competed in basketball and was an all-district and all-conference honoree in football.

Personal: Born in Springfield, Mo. … Parents are Don and Bobbie Ligon.

Ligon’s Twitter profile featured a reference to Isaiah 41:10 from the Bible:

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

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