Mark Thomas could hardly contain his joy on Thursday.
The Warrenton boys basketball coach, who has been a coach for 22 years, was placed on administrative leave pending the results of a district investigation earlier this week, has been cleared by the board of any wrongdoing.
“Walking back into the gym today was surreal,” Thomas said. “I got fist bumps from the girls team before they left for their game. (There were) cheers and hugs from my guys as I walked into the gym and slaps on the back from fellow coaches. There are a lot of great people in this school, this district, in this community, as I was reminded. God is good and Go Warriors.”
Thomas returned to his duties as head boys basketball coach on Thursday and will be back teaching on Friday, according to district superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith. Klinginsmith declined to reveal any details as to the nature of the investigation.
“After conducting our mandated investigation process, we found out that Coach Thomas did not violate any board policies,” Klinginsmith said.
So Thomas, who had guided the team to a 9-16 record before its loss at home to Holt on Tuesday, where junior varsity coach Trevor Alberternst oversaw the team’s 73-58 loss, will return to the bench for, at least, the team’s district playoff game at Parkway Central next Tuesday.
Thomas said he was touched by the outpouring of community support after he missed the team’s game on Tuesday.
“After the first article was printed by the Warren County Record, the outpouring of support was humbling,” said Thomas of when the news of his suspension broke. “(There were) texts, phone calls, messages, prayers from family, friends, coworkers reaching out to me, my wife (and) my son, and they meant more than (people) probably realized. The coaching community from across the state was checking in on a fellow coach, even though this had nothing to do with coaching. Thank you does not even begin to express our gratitude.”
He added that his suspension left him with one regret.
“I am sad that this event lessened the spotlight on our seniors’ big night and all of the hard work, blood, sweat, and tears that they each put into this great sport of basketball,” Thomas said. “I wish I could’ve been there to celebrate them and thank them personally.”
Warrenton athletics director Andrew Arnette said he’s happy to see the coach reinstated in what it means for program continuity.
“It’s good for him and the boys to finish the season,” Arnette said. “I think the kids will be glad to have him back. It allows him to finish what he started with his seniors.”
