CANDOR’S THOMAS TO ENTER SECTION IV HALL OF FAME (2025-03-05)
By TIM TAYLOR
Tioga County Sports Report
CANDOR — Nate Thomas, a former two-sport standout at Candor High School, will be inducted into the Section IV Athletic Association Hall of Fame on May 4.
“It is an incredible honor and humbling to be included with the names on the Hall of Fame banner.” Thomas said. “This accomplishment isn't possible without great coaches and teammates, it is difficult to be recognized in a team sport without giving a lot of credit to others.”
The current varsity boys basketball coach at Candor, he excelled in basketball and football from 1997 to 2001. He earned four varsity letters in football and three more on the hardwood.
Known for his exceptional work ethic, Thomas was a three-time IAC all-star in football. During his senior year, he rushed for over 2,200 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. He was named to the
Ithaca Journal All-11 Team.
Despite his success on the gridiron, his passion was basketball.
Thomas played a key in Candor's 1999 Section IV basketball championship.
“As a point guard, he was a leader on the court, executing plays and directing the offense,” wrote Pete Ahart, who nominated Thomas for the Hall. “He was a fearless defender, often guarding the opponent's top player. Nate amassed 342 career assists and 988 points. He demonstrated his scoring ability with multiple 30-plus point games, including a 41-point game against Odessa-Montour. Although Nate finished his career with 988 points, he could have scored many more if it weren't for his unselfishness.”
Thomas would be voted a three-time first-team IAC all-star and the 2000 IAC Division II MVP by the coaches.
He excelled in the classroom as well and was a member of the National Honor Society.
Thomas went on to play NCAA Division III basketball at Ithaca College for four years, where he played in 75 games over three seasons, scoring 353 points.
After graduation, Thomas returned to Candor High School to teach Physical Education and coach the boys varsity basketball team, building it into a respected program within the state. The Coyotes have posted an 81-37 record during the past six seasons.
Thomas hopes his influence on his players over the years has been a positive one.
“I would hope our players leave this program being a step ahead,” Thomas said. “Our job is to give them skills to be successful in life through the great game of basketball. I hope the qualities that coach Andy Doell, my mom/dad, other coaches and teammates have given me are being seen and taught to these young athletes. I want our players to leave here being able to understand that hard work gives you an advantage in life.
“My greatest achievement in this program would be having a player return after a few years and saying thank you for listening, caring, teaching, holding me accountable, making me a better person and giving me life lessons.”
Thomas credits numerous people with contributing to his success, to include players, coaches and family.
“Just like any high school athlete I wanted to be all the terrific players that came before me,” he said. “My favorite player was Ben Centeno, a fantastic PG who was a couple years older than me. He had the skill set I wanted, lighting fast, great ball skills, court general and a great shooter. I remember riding in the car with my parents and seeing Ben dribbling the ball down the road, I so badly wanted to be like him. One day I passed him in the hallway going to class, he was snapping his fingers, I thought to myself, that must be one of the reasons he can handle the ball so well, so I started to snap my fingers as well.
“I played hours and hours of basketball with Mitch Blinn and Toby Foster, learning everything I could from the older, more experienced player, the majority of the time I took a beating. We turned our barn into a basketball court because that is what Toby had and I couldn't see how to be good without something like that.
My older brother Nick taught me so many lessons about how to be tough, he was like my kryptonite when it came to playing one on one. Nobody could frustrate me like he did, he was so strong and physical when we played, not to mention his ability to get in my head. Many of our games would end in a fight or me kicking the ball into the roof of the barn because I couldn't handle losing. However, he was also the one in the front row at games cheering me on.
“I had so many positive coaches in my career, each of them taught me something about sports and life. One of the most influential coaches along my journey was coach Doell. As a JH player, I had a difficult time controlling my emotions, he sat me down and explained how basketball is just like life. He printed me a large packet full of quotes that hung on my wall until I graduated college. In his kitchen, we sat down and went over every page in that packet. He wanted me to understand the power of words and how skill doesn't matter if you can't control the thoughts in your head. He taught me how to control and harness my emotions and use them for a positive purpose on the court. I promised to myself that when my coaching career began, this was the impact I wanted on my athletes.
“Lastly, my parents. Our family truly has the best parents a kid could ask for. Growing up in a large family we learned the value of hard work and if you want something there is only one way to get it. Our dad put on display each and everyday what it means to be a father. He worked two, sometimes three jobs to give us kids everything we needed. He was the example of hard work, dedication, and absolute resolve.
“My fire came straight from our mom, at 115 pounds she was and still is the scariest human I know. When she spoke you better listen or run really fast. She is also the most kind and compassionate person you will ever meet. While our dad was working two or three jobs she provided in other ways.
"These two are my heroes because of the character they instilled in us each and everyday through their impeccable example. As a young boy when you see these examples, how do you give anything but your best?”
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