Ballard High School’s new football coach

After three losing seasons, John Bowers resigned as Ballard High School’s varsity football coach. Joey Thomas has been named as Bowers’ replacement. Here is the release from the school district on Coach Thomas:

Joey Thomas was named the new head coach for Ballard High School. Thomas, a 1999 graduate and decorated athlete from John F. Kennedy High School, was a three‐sport athlete in football, basketball and track. While playing for the Lancers, Thomas was a two time high school all‐area and all‐state selection in football. He accepted a football scholarship to the University of Washington where he red‐shirted his freshman year, then decided to transfer to Montana State University where he had 122 career tackles as a defensive back and 11 interceptions, and was selected as a two time All‐American and All‐Big Sky conference football player. Thomas also ran track for the Bobcats and finished 3rd in the 55m Big Sky Indoor Track & Field Championships. Thomas was the 3rd round draft pick for the Green Bay Packers in 2004. He then played for the New Orleans Saints, the Miami Dolphins and finished his professional career with the Oakland Raiders – where he retired this season due to injury.

Coach Thomas has been an assistant football coach at John F. Kennedy High School in Burien for the past three years. He was also an assistant track coach at Kennedy High School. Coach Thomas runs the Joey Thomas Foundation which has hosted several youth football camps in conjunction with Seattle parks and Recreation as well as hosted special events benefitting at‐risk agencies in Greater Seattle Area. Thomas has also done various motivational speaking engagements for youth around the nation. Thomas is currently finishing his Bachelors Degree of Science in Family & Consumer Science and Human & Health Development from Montana State University and will graduate this summer.

“We have gone through a very intense and lengthy process in finding the best coach for Ballard High School and the Community of Ballard. We believe that Coach Joey Thomas is the one who can turn our program around in a positive environment, where the student‐athletes are successful and have fun. We are very excited to welcome Coach Thomas and his staff to the Beaver Nation,” said Carrie Burr, Ballard Athletic Director.