Schools

Ursinus to Name Field After Retiring Coach

College honors long-time baseball coach Brian Thomas.

The following information is courtesy of Ursinus Director of Communications Wendy Greenberg

In appreciation for his many years of service, his winning record on the baseball field and his mentoring countless players,  will name its baseball field in honor of on April 28 (rain date, April 29) between a baseball double header. After the first game against Gettysburg slated to begin at 12:30 p.m., Thomas will be honored at a ceremony, and the College will dedicate Thomas Field. A second game against Gettysburg is scheduled following the dedication. Alumni and players will pose in a souvenir photo for “Coach T” after the second game.

The respected coach, educator and community booster was the recipient of the 2012 Marvin J. Lewis Community Service Award, from the and was honored at the Chamber’s March 28 annual meeting.

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Thomas, who is retiring after 43 years in coaching, has spent 23 years at Ursinus College. He is well-known throughout the area as one of its finest teachers of baseball fundamentals and motivators of young people. He was Athletic Director at Ursinus College from 2000-2010.

“Brian’s legacy in Ursinus Athletics is what he imparted to his players on the values of true sportsmanship, character and teamwork,” said Director of Athletics Laura Moliken. “As a fellow coach, I knew he had a special gift for the profession. Working with him for many years, I appreciated his efforts to insure that our teams are respected and admired for far more than our wins. Ursinus Athletics is a better program today for all that Brian gave to Ursinus.”

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 He earned his 100th collegiate win in the 1996 ECAC Division III South championship game, and has led Ursinus to post-season play in 12 of the last 15 seasons, including three Centennial Conference Championships. His 400 wins in make him the baseball coach with the most wins in the history of the College. His 211-131 record in Conference play ranks him second all-time. His teams have made two NCAA Division III Regional appearances. His coaching experience also includes Junior American Legion, high school and college.

Thomas has served on the Board of Directors for the Perkiomen Valley Chamber and the . His honors include inductions into the Pennsylvania American Legion Sports Hall of Fame in 1999; Perkiomen School Hall of Athletic Honor in 2001; and Montgomery County Coaches Hall of Fame in 2007.

A retired U.S. Army first lieutenant, Thomas was a platoon leader in Vietnam. His military awards and honors include Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Jungle Expert Badge.


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