Though saddened by the situation, Mark Thomas has gained a new perspective after his ouster as Warrenton boys’ basketball coach, he said. 

At the April meeting of the R-III School Board, the group decided not to extend the coach's contract for the 2026-27 basketball season, while offering Thomas teaching and track coaching contracts.

“I didn’t know this was coming, and I’m saddened by the situation,” Thomas said. “I’ve put my heart and soul into Warrenton basketball, no matter how well we did. It wasn’t just about wins and losses. I always tried to do the best I could by every single player.”

Thomas said that his new perspective came from the 23 letters community members wrote to the board on his behalf.

The coach said the words of appreciation were penned by former and current players, as well as family members.

“I’ve been humbled by the outcry of support,” Thomas said. “Getting to read them and hear how I helped change kids' lives, not just on the basketball court but away from the game, let me know it wasn’t always about wins and losses. That’s what’s humbling. Do I wish we could have won more? Of course. Knowing that I made an impact on lives is what I’ll carry with me.”

The decision not to renew his basketball coaching contract comes on the heels of an investigation into Thomas the last week of February, which resulted in his suspension, causing him to miss the team’s final regular-season game.

After being cleared of any wrongdoing, Thomas returned to coach the team’s final game, a district loss to Parkway Central. The loss brought the team’s record to 9-18 this past winter.

R-III Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith thanked Thomas for his efforts with the program.

“We appreciate all that Coach Thomas has done for the basketball team over the years,” Klinginsmith said. “The basketball program just isn’t where we want it to be, and it’s time to move in a different direction.”

Thomas said that, while saddened, he understands the change.

“I have no ill will towards anyone,” Thomas said. “The school is making the decision based on what’s best for them. For me, it’s always been about the kids.”

Thomas, who has coached basketball for 22 years, with the last 12 being as the head coach of the Warriors, said that while he’s unsure what his basketball future holds, it will be hard to imagine a winter without being on the sidelines.

“I’ve never had a year where I wasn’t coaching,” Thomas said. “I want to keep my options open, but this would be a first for me without basketball. I need to do what’s right by my family. I don’t want to be done with basketball, that’s what got me into (teaching). I’ll just have to see.”

The coach said that while he’s focused now on the needs of his immediate family, he’s proud to have grown his family's membership over the years.

“Every one of the guys who has played for me is a part of my family,” Thomas said. “It has been my pleasure and my honor to coach such great men and that speaks to each of the parents.”

Warrenton Director of Athletics Andrew Arnette said that the search to fill the position will soon get underway.

“It is posted and will be hired like any of the other positions within the district,” Arnette said. “There will be a committee that will interview applicants and come up with a recommendation.”