NCHSAA HALL OF FAME: Goldsboro's Thomas part of Class of 2018

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on August 18, 2017 5:55 AM

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By RUDY COGGINS

rcoggins@newsargus.com

CHAPEL HILL -- Dave Thomas didn't mind that he missed his normal Thursday morning workout.

The cool water of the pool at the Family Y?

Oh, it can wait.

Thomas tossed his swim trunks aside in favor of formal attire, instead.

And the occasion seemed almost too good to be true.

A former coach and administrator, Thomas was introduced as a member of the 31st class of inductees slated for enshrinement into the N.C. High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. He is just the second person from Goldsboro receive the award.

Jerry Johnson was the first in 2011.

"I think this is such a big honor," Thomas said. "I was really surprised. I'm so proud to be inducted into this Hall of Fame. I feel like the N.C. High School Athletic Association is one of the best in the country."

Seven others join Thomas -- James Biggerstaff, Allen Brown, Dave Elder, Robert McRae, Donnie Simpson, Earl Vaughn Jr. and Herb Sampsel (posthumously). It's the ninth time in Association history that eight members have been inducted in one class.

They drew recognition for their contributions to interscholastic athletics in the Old North State and will follow in the footsteps of their 180 predecessors who have been immortalized in the state's most-prestigious Hall of Fame.

The official induction ceremony is April 14, 2018 in Cary.

"Congratulations to each one of you for the outstanding careers that you had," said NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker, who presented each inductee with a plaque. "But I think, more importantly, is just the impact that you've made on the people who you have rubbed shoulders with ... the paths of lives that you've crossed throughout your careers.

"To have the opportunity today to witness this presentation of this class is certainly very special to me."

Before his arrival in Wayne County, Thomas started his coaching career in Maryland and then headed to New York Military Academy for nine seasons. Soon, he arrived in Wayne County and began coaching at Charles B. Aycock in 1973. For the next 12 years, he relished the opportunity to mold numerous young men -- including two of his three sons -- to become role models for future generations.

After he departed the coaching ranks, he stepped in a multi-role position at the central office. Thomas kept a close eye on each school's athletic department, dealt with safety issues, attendance and even dabbled in driver's education. His administrative stint lasted 18 years.

"I only did that because our five kids were in college at the same time," laughed Thomas. "I needed the extra money. I'd really like to thank the Lord for all the good things in my life. My wife, also. When I was coaching, I'd get back (home) at 7, 8 or 9 at night. She was raising the five kids.

"I always appreciated that."

Thomas doesn't know who selected him for the honor.

But five long-time friends penned sterling letters of recommendation that documented Thomas' success. He thanked Bob Paroli, who coached with him at New York Military Academy; NCHSAA retirees Dick Knox and Charlie Adams; former Wayne County Superintendent Dr. Steven Taylor; and Doyle Whitfield, former head varsity baseball coach at Southern Wayne.

Now a spry and sharp-as-a-tack 80-year-old, Thomas is a member of five Halls of Fame that include East Carolina, Wingate University, the N.C. Athletic Directors Association and C.B. Aycock.

"I really loved working with young people," Thomas said. "The most valuable thing now is when a former athlete comes up and says, 'Coach, you said this that helped me in life.' The ones that are doing well in their occupations, that's the most joyful thing ... bigger than the wins or losses."