((HT: KWWL-TV/Cedar Rapids, Rick Coleman))
For the first time in 35 years-- two-a-day practices begin without the voice of legendary coach Ed Thomas barking out orders at Aplington-Parkersburg High School.
Coach Thomas was tragically murdered June 24th while conducting a workout in the school's weightroom.
This morning at eight o'clock-- the Falcon football team carried on.... holding two-a-day practices under co-head coaches Al Kerns and John Wiegmann...Two men who worked alongside coach Thomas for a combined 54 years. And as an added bonus--the Thomas legacy is also being carried on by his sons-- Aaron and Todd who have both returned to their alma mater. Aaron is the Falcons new athletic director taking over for his late father, while Todd returns to coach the A-P defensive line-- a position he held for five years under his father before leaving two years ago.
Kerns and Wiegmann say it's difficult not having their good friend and leader with them--but coach Thomas would have wanted them to keep pushing forward.
The Iowa Football Coaches Association has created a helmet decal in honor of Ed Thomas.
Here's the story as Coleman ran it on KWWL-TV
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