Thomas to be Inducted into the Mascenic Hall of Fame

            KEENE, N.H. 6/16/08 - In his 26 seasons coaching Keene State College's cross country and track teams, Peter Thomas has had a combined 10 athletes and three teams inducted into the school's alumni athletic hall of fame.

            Tonight, the tables will be turned as the Owls' longtime coach and New Ipswich native is inducted into the Mascenic Regional high school cross country hall of fame.

            "It's going to feel a little different, but it's a great honor," said Thomas

            Even at an early age, Thomas said he always favored distance events.

            "I couldn't sprint, but in the distance races I could hammer everybody," said Thomas, who was a state champion in cross country his junior year running for the Vikings.

            Thomas ran four years at Keene State before beginning his Owl coaching career in 1982.

            Under Thomas, a nine-time coach of the year at both the Division II and III level, Keene State has led the Owl men's cross country team to a combined 16 NCAA championship berths, including nine consecutive trips as a Division III member (1997-2005).  In 2006, Thomas directed the KSC women's cross country team to its first NCAA championship appearance. 

            Thomas has produced 48 Keene State cross country All-Americas, including Rob Edson, the 1989 Individual National Champion.
            The numbers are just as staggering in track where Thomas developed runners who combined to capture 17 national titles, and an All-America list that grew last year to 92. Last season, the KSC women finished fourth at both NCAA Indoor and Outdoor track championships with Crystal Blamy (high jump) and Jennifer Adams (5,000-meters) earning national championships in their respective events.