Athletes unplugged: 10 questions with North Salem's DeMari Thompson

North Salem senior DeMari Thompson has proven he’s one of the top athletes in the state.

As a sophomore, Thompson swept the 100- and 200-meter OSAA state championships at Class 5A level, then last year as junior won the 6A 100-meter state title.

He also has been a key member of the Vikings’ football program during its resurgence the past few years.

Here are 10 questions with Thompson.

1: What is your favorite sports moment so far at North Salem, individually or as a team?

"It would have to be May 21, 2022. That was the second day of the Oregon track and field state championships my sophomore year. The day prior to this, I had qualified for the 100 meters final with ease, but just clinched a spot in the 200 meters final. The second I had crossed the finish line in the 100-meter final with a sizable gap, I was just overwhelmed with excitement, and it brought me a lot of confidence for what was later to come that same day.

"A couple hours later, I was heading into the 200-meter final seeded 4th and a heart beating out of my chest. I, along with everybody else in that final heat, had just PR’d in the prelims heading into the final. To win this final from a 4th seed in lane 6, It was going to take a miracle, or a perfect training plan executing at the right time. I blasted out of the blocks like a bullet and had no plans on stopping.

"The stagger between me and the competition continued to grow as the finish line rapidly approached. I crossed the finish line and galloped with excitement, and the rest is history. That day will be forever remembered by me and all who made it happen."

2: When did you know that your speed could be at an elite level?

"All my life, I’ve never been the biggest guy, but what always set me apart from the others was my speed. My high school career of running fast and in turn winning state championships has of course opened my eyes to the idea of running track at the next level. But what one of my favorite coaches always says is, ‘you can’t teach speed, you can’t teach big.’ And it wasn’t until recently that I realized what he really meant.

"... With my grades in check, and no plans on slowing down, I think that the possibilities of football at the next level are not so far-fetched.”

3: Who is your favorite pro athlete of all time, and why?

"My favorite track and field pro athlete is certainly Noah Lyles, for his flashy looks, fast times, and very vocal opinions. Noah Lyles just did the triple at the track and field world championships in Budapest, winning gold in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4x100-meter relay.

"Now on the football side, I would have to say my favorite player is Patrick Mahomes. He’s a guy who walks around with swag and a positive, poised attitude at all times. And with that, he just always seems to get the job done."

4: What, if anything, would you change about high school sports?

"I know it would certainly be expensive to adopt nationwide, but I would love to see more jumbotrons and more cameras in the high school game to allow for the possibility of replays. This would open up the conversation for coaches to challenge and overturn plays."

5: What is your dream goal to accomplish as an athlete in your lifetime, and why?

“My dream goal as an athlete is to inspire the next generation of athletes, and be in the place of pros who have inspired me. Whether its dancing in the end zone on Sunday nights, or out leaning my opponents, I want people to look up to me so that in turn, they one day replace me and keep the sport alive.”

6:  Which musical artist is your favorite, and why?

“My favorite artist certainly has to be Bruno Mars. I grew up listening to him and still enjoy his music to this day. His creative use of jazz harmony with his modern pop kick creates this sort of ear candy that keeps our ears intrigued. His abrupt chord modulations suddenly change the mood and provide a musical roller coaster for us, the listeners.”

7: What is your biggest passion outside of sports?

“One of my biggest passions outside of sports is definitely history. ... From the pillars of the parthenon, to the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu, I absolutely love it all. It just keeps me entertained and open-minded at all times.

“Just thinking even for a second about how they moved all that limestone up the Nile to build the Great Pyramid in Egypt, or how in the world we made it to the moon and back in 1969. It truly is a vast and beautiful world we live in, from the past to present.”

8: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Some of the best advice I’ve ever received that I’ve unfortunately brushed off and neglected in the past is to take care of your body. I can say that I've learned the hard way to value my body and it’s abilities. Especially after suffering the accumulative effects of overworking myself and not giving my body the things it most needs, like restful sleep and adequate water and protein. I’m doing a lot better, and am happy that I’ve started taking more care of myself.”

9: What is your dream car, and why?

“I’m personally not a huge car guy in terms of engines and the mechanical aspects of cars, but my favorite car just in terms of looks would have to be the Ferrari LaFerrari. The sleek design is something that only Italian craftsmanship can conjure up.”

10: What is your favorite thing to do in Salem, and why?

“My favorite thing to do in Salem, though very niche, would have to be playing pool at our local pool house, the Cue Ball. I’ve certainly put in more hours than I’d like to admit there. But I can say that it’s a great way to pass the time, and with the right people it can make for an endless amount of fun. A great hobby that you can take seriously, but of course have tons of fun.”

Statesman Journal reporter Pete Martini covers college and high school sports. He can be reached at pmartini@StatesmanJournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Athletes unplugged: 10 questions with North Salem's DeMari Thompson