The winningest coach in Ball State men’s swimming & diving history, Bob Thomas, completed his 39th season at the helm of Ball State men’s swimming this year and has announced his retirement.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with the hundreds of swimmers and divers over the last 39 years,” Thomas said. “Now that I’m retiring, I am looking forward to my next adventure.”
Thomas is a four-time Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year, and has accumulated a 215-175-2 (.548) career record. He also guided the team to two runner-up finishes at the MAC Championships (1992-93 & 2002-03), as well as eighter top-three finishes.
In his time at Ball State, Thomas coached his athletes to 40 individual MAC championship and seven relay titles. His athletes have also earned First Team All-MAC honors eight times, and Second Team All-MAC recognition 17 times.
In addition, under Thomas’ guidance, athletes have earned four All-American honors, eight MAC Diver of Year awards, four MAC Outstanding Senior awards and a MAC Swimmer of the Year title.
“Coach Thomas has had a wonderful career and positively influenced the lives of many young men,” Ball State Athletics Director Mark Sandy said. “His contributions to the Ball State Athletic Department and the University are many, and we wish him well as he moves to the next phase of his life.”
A source tells SwimSwam that the school has begun a national search for Thomas’ replacement to begin as the head coach of the Cardinals next season.
The real question is, “Did Coach ever improve his driving over 39 years?” Seriously, Coach Thomas has done much for everyone associated with Ball State’s Mens’ & Womens’ Swimming. It was an honor to compete for him. Always great catching up with him around Master’s Swimming meets. How about we send this guy off with a bang… any retirement party being planned on campus? #chirp82-86
Bob’s influence and many contributions is profound. He will be sorely missed. Congrats Bob on a great run!
Bob Thomas is a fantastic coach and leader! He will be truly missed in the swimming community! I am very thankful for having the opportunity to learn so much from him.
I was first impressed by Bob Thomas as a mulitple NCAA D2 record holder while at Eastern Illinois in the early 70s. I continued to be impressed by his coaching at Ball State, having known some of his athletes personally and seeing their successes during his tenure. A well deserved retirement for an excellent coach.
Happy to see Ball State still supporting men’s swimming. I know they don’t offer scholarships but at least they support the guys and swimming.
Best wishes to Coach Thomas! I volunteer assisted in the late 90’s for the women’s program and was impressed with Bob’s leadership, demeanor, and resourcefulness. In a time where MAC men’s programs are few, Ball State has managed to keep theirs. I hope this continues as Bob has built a great foundation in times that have been tough on swimming.
Bob is both a fantastic coach and person. He will be missed on campus as a coach, teacher, mentor, and friend. He has had a huge impact at Ball State and in the swimming and diving world, and he has countless former athletes who have gone on to carry the torch as successful coaches at all levels. Quite the legacy.
http://ballstatesports.com/news/2018/4/11/mens-swimming-and-diving-mens-swimming-coach-bob-thomas-announces-retirement.aspx