SLIPPERY ROCK — Ryan Thompson keeps getting faster.

The Slippery Rock High senior ran a time of 1 minute, 56.43 seconds in the 800-meter run at the Baldwin Invitational Friday night.

The finish broke the school record in the event — one Thompson has set several times already in his career.

“He’s found that next gear,” said Slippery Rock boys track and field coach Tony Consbruck. “He’s matured. He’s worked very hard and he deserves it.”

Records aren’t the only things Thompson has set this season. He’s also set some lofty expectations for himself.

Last year, he failed to qualify for the PIAA Track and Field Championships in both the 800 and 1,600. He finished second at the District 10 Class AAA meet in both events.

It was a hard pill for Thompson to swallow.

What it did, however, was motivate him even more heading into this track season.

“Our district is really strong,” Thompson said. “There’s a lot of really good 800 runners, so it’s going to be a challenge. But at the same time, there are a lot of runners to push me.”

His time of 1:56.43 is easily a state-qualifying mark. He’ll have to do that again at the District 10 meet, which will be held May 16 at Harbor Creek.

Thompson has run a 1:55 in his leg as part of the Rockets’ 3,200-meter relay team.

That team of Thompson, Ty Udy, Braden Sloan and Brock Sloan also set a school record at the Baldwin Invitational with a time of 7:56.98.

To get ready for the season, Thompson ramped up his training.

“They were just more high-intensity workouts,” Thompson said. “Stuff to work on my speed.”

Before Friday, Thompson said he wanted to hit the state-qualifying standard in the 800 of 1:57.32.

Mission accomplished.

Thompson has instilled so much confidence with his performances this season, even Consbruck is thinking big things for his talented runner.

“I think he’ll win (District 10),” Consbruck said. “I really think he will. He wants it.”

Thompson isn’t getting too far ahead of himself. He knows nothing is guaranteed.

As a sophomore, he made it to the PIAA meet and was leading the 1,600 after two laps before fading.

“I’m just really committed to trying to do everything that coach asks,” Thompson said.

Thompson will attend Slippery Rock University next season.

He said he is looking forward to joining the track and field team at The Rock, which finished second at the PSAC championships over the weekend.

“I’m really excited to go there and work with coach (John) Papa,” Thompson said. “There are some great runners there and I can’t wait to get there.”

For now, though, Thompson is focused on the business at hand: Getting to the state meet and ending his career on a good note.

“I have high expectations for myself and our team,” Thompson said. “I just need to keep things focused and be smart.”