MADISON- Carly Thomas is a trailblazer. The Bob Jones High junior has won back-to-back state championships in the first years of girls wrestling in the State of Alabama. Her unquestionable talents on the wrestling mats are being even more showcased as she enters her next season with the Patriots after being named among the top 30 in the country in the 127-pound weight division.

“When I first saw the ranking I couldn’t believe it and I’m extremely happy for the recognition,” said Thomas. “The national ranking certainly gives me a lot of confidence heading into the upcoming season, but I know I have to put in more work to get better. I have a lot more ground to cover.”

USA Wrestling and FloWrestling published its pre-season rankings and the 5-foot-5, 127-pound Thomas is listed No. 28 in the country as she was not ranked a season ago. In her two seasons on the mats for Bob Jones she has gathered in the two state titles and has traveled many roads for competition outside of the seasonal AHSAA matches.

In March, Thomas ventured to Virginia Beach for a top-notch competition on a more national level. Against one of her opponents, who would go forward and win the division championship, Thomas gave her heart and soul and left nothing but her best on the mat in what she called a “Disappointing loss. Yes, I lost in overtime and this season during the high school schedule I feel I have something to prove.”

When taking to the mats in wrestling, Thomas has made a name for herself on the Bob Jones flag football team. For the Patriots she plays quarterback, running back, wide receiver and on defense.

With all her accolades aside, Thomas is looking forward to her final two seasons in high school where she carries a 4.0 grade point average and is on the hunt for a college that will also have female wrestling. “I dream big, and I want to attend a big school that offers wrestling and I hope to earn a scholarship,” added Thomas who is looking at advancing in her education once in college in either the medical field or in criminal justice.

“I have confidence in everything I do and I’m proud of who I am and earning the national recognition is great, but I do have more ground to cover,” said Thomas.