Going Out On Top: An Interview With Mason XC Coach Tom Rapp

Going Out On Top: An Interview With Mason XC Coach Tom Rapp

Shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 OHSAA cross country season, it was announced over the Mason XC social media platforms that long-time Comets head coach Tom Rapp will be retiring from his position. 

Rapp had a 23-year tenure in the coaching ranks, which was highlighted by five OHSAA Division I cross country state titles and four state meet runner-up finishes with his Mason boys' program. 

To say he ended his reign on a high would be an understatement. 

While always a contender over the years and under his watch, Mason racked up a plethora of state meet hardware in recent times. 

The Comets have hoisted state meet gold during three of the last four years plus they've been on the state podium four consecutive years and on five occasions in the past half a dozen seasons. 

We tracked down Coach Rapp for an interview to salute him on a tremendous career and to offer our best wishes with his future endeavors. 

During our conversation, Rapp relived memorable moments from his coaching journey, what he plans on doing next, the state of Mason XC moving forward and much more.

• 0:00 -- Interview Intro 
• 0:40 -- Why now was the best time to step away from coaching
• 1:25 -- Discussing his tenure at Mason and his history of coaching
• 2:45 -- The aspects of coaching that he'll miss the most
• 3:55 -- What he'll use with what will be his new found time
• 4:55 -- Outlining his coaching philosophy 
• 5:55 -- Comparing years Mason was favored versus years they surprised others
• 7:45 -- Commenting if there was a common quality that his teams displayed
• 8:55 -- Naming a Mason time over the years that exceeded his expectations
• 10:40 -- Reflecting on how good of a runner 3-time individual champion Zach Wills was
• 12:40 -- Sophomore year, Zach leading the Comets to a team State victory, as well
• 13:30 -- Naming the teams that brought out the best out of the Mason Comets on race day
• 15:50 -- Coaches from around the state that Coach Rapp admires and is motivated by
• 16:30 -- Emphasizing the importance of the Mason community who supports the team
• 17:55 -- Coach Rapp's plans to support the team in the future 
• 19:00 -- Interview Closing