California, Missouri is a special community. Pinto Pride runs deep. You see it in every sport played at California High School. You see parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters in the crowd supporting the teams, but even more, you see members of the com- munity, whose kids have long gone through the school system. Win or lose, everyone here is proud to be a Pinto.
forget three straight trips to the dome in St. Louis in the late 1990s when the football Pintos played for three state championships. second-place trophies in 98 and 99. More than a few head coaches have passed through California since the glory days.
life into a program that has averaged only two wins a season over the last two years. community, and the success of their students,” Thomas said. “What pride the community takes in its program. I wanted to be part of a place that values football not just as a game, but as a way to teach
discipline, accountability, and character.”
Thomas grew up in Saline County, playing football at Sweet Springs High School. He graduated in 2010 and moved on to play college football for four years at Missouri Valley in Marshall. He was
The dream of coaching high school football began before he even would someday be a head coach. 20 years later, his dream is reality. “To lead a program with such a proud football tradition is both
that develops great football players, outstanding students, and even better young men.”
Thomas has spent 13 years as a high school assistant, most re- cently about 40 miles west on Highway 50 at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia for the past two years. He served as defensive coordinator of the Tigers last season. Smith-Cotton. A solid 6-foot, 200-pound dual-threat QB who also plays linebacker on defense has already picked up numerous col- all-district honors last season in Class 5.
Show-Me Sports /// 87
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