Tommy Tyynismaa poses as the lone Drake Relays qualifier for the STC Trojans. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

South Tama County Junior Tommy Tyynismaa is no stranger to large stages after finishing in third place in the 800 meters at the 2022 IHSAA Track and Field State Championship and going 5/5 on qualifying opportunities for the state meet in Cross Country and Track.

Tyynismaa has earned his spot on the starting line for the 55th annual Drake Relays in the boys 800 and 1,600. The 800 is scheduled to run at 1:48 p.m. on Friday afternoon; Tyynismaa is seeded 10th out of 16 in the event with a best time of 1:57.55 achieved at the Dickinson Relays in Cedar Falls on March 7.

He will then compete in the 1,600 at 4:47 p.m. on Saturday, where he is seeded 13th with a time of 4:22.07 from an April 15 meet in Iowa City.

Tyynismaa is ready to compete and hungry to improve his personal bests at the event.

“My goal is to crack the top 10 in both events and set personal records,” said an ambitious and eager Tyynismaa.