PUTNAM COUNTY - For most high school seniors, managing senioritis while taking a full course load is a challenge enough. For Upperman High School senior Tommy Jacobs, an ordinary schedule looks very different. The 17-year-old trains for Olympic-distance triathlons, performs as a multi-instrumentalist in elite jazz ensembles, takes college-level dual-enrollment classes, and logs solo flight hours in the sky.

Jacobs’ athletic achievements stretch far beyond standard high school sports. Inspired by his father—a seasoned Ironman competitor—Jacobs began cycling at a young age and later combined his talents in swimming, running, and cycling into triathlon competitions.

"My dad kind of brought me into it because he has a background in triathlons. He’s done a bunch of Ironmans, and he's trained a lot of people," Jacobs explained. "He kind of put me into it with cycling really young, so I've always ridden a lot."

In May, Jacobs won the male 15–19 age group at the Music City Triathlon, claiming the Tennessee State Championship title. 

"I did my first big triathlon this year in May, and I actually won my age group, which was pretty cool," Jacobs said.

His championship run spanned a 1.5 km (0.9 mi) swim, a 40 km (25 mi) bike ride, and a 10 km (6.2 mi) run—all completed consecutively.

After capturing state titles in both Tennessee and Alabama, Jacobs placed 10th at Nationals, earning a spot on Team USA and qualifying for the World Championships.

Beyond triathlons, Jacobs holds two school track records at Upperman High School (in the 1-mile and 2-mile events) and competes on the Cookeville mountain bike team, where he previously placed 3rd in the state championship during his sophomore year.

When he isn't on the road or in the water, Jacobs is up in the air. Following his passion for flight, he completed his first solo flight at age 16 and earned his private pilot's license upon turning 17.

"I got my pilot's license right at 17, which is the minimum age requirement. I did my first solo at 16, which is the minimum for that," Jacobs shared. He has since added an instrument rating and plans to earn his commercial pilot license and flight instructor rating when he turns 18.

His ultimate goal is to fly in the military. 

"I'm trying to go to one of the U.S. Service Academies—West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy," Jacobs said. "I'm currently a candidate for that, so I'd like to fly in the military."

Despite a packed athletic and flight schedule, Jacobs prioritizes academics above all else. He maintains a full dual-enrollment schedule, including college physics classes in Cookeville. 

"I put school at a pretty high priority, so grades are always first," Jacobs emphasized. "I’ve really just learned how to prioritize everything."

Music serves as another major pillar in his life. A multi-instrumentalist who began playing at age six, Jacobs plays trumpet in Upperman’s concert band and lead jazz guitar for the Nashville Youth Jazz Ensemble. In 2024, he was selected for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Summer Jazz Academy, completing a two-week performance residency in New York City.

Reflecting on his move from California to Tennessee five years ago, Jacobs appreciates the opportunities he has found. 

"It's opened a lot of opportunities for me with triathlon and all this," he noted. Whether he is preparing for his next mountain bike race, rehearsing for a concert, or studying for exams, Tommy Jacobs continues to set a remarkably high standard for excellence.

The complete interview with Tommy is available on the PCSSTN YouTube channel.