Ed Thomas to be on Sports Illustrated cover for July 6, 2009

The July 6, 2009 story in Sports Illustrated is titled "he Was The Rock That This Community Was Built On". On the cover, the headline says "A Good Man Down"... Tragedy in the Heartland... A Murder of a Beloved High School Coach by Lee Jenkins.

Clearly Ed Thomas was a remarkable man. God fearing and community driven, he helped lead the small community of Parkersburg, Iowa in the classroom, on the field, in the Church and in the Community. RIP and thank you for your contribution to humanity.

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A Town In Iowa puts a fine man to rest, after a shocking act of violence

A well written article on Ed Thomas and the Parkersburg community that laid him to rest on June 29, 2009. Faith after shock - Yahoo Sports by Josh Peter
Article on the Ed Thomas funeral and recap of this strong man, leader and neighbor...

“It’s spiritual warfare. Satan and God are fighting, and in the end I
believe God will win.” – Gary Hinders, Parkersburg town clerk

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2005 NFL High school coach of the year is murdered during weightlifting class at Aplington-Parkersburg

Coach Ed Thomas was a coach and leader for a high school football team, a high school in general as Athletic Director and the community at large as a neighbor and friend. He was a loving husband and father of two sons. Tragically, his life was cut short by a disturbed 24-year old former player in the morning of June 24, 2009, as 20 students were participating in weightlifting.

Parkersburg Iowa High School football Coach Ed Thomas shot dead by former player - College News.

Coach Thomas was a strong force behind the rebuilding of the City of Parkersburg that was devestated by a terrible EF5 tornado Memorial Day Weekend 2008. The high school was destroyed, along with Coach Thomas own home.

Coach Thomas was the NFL high school coach of the year in 2005. Four current NFL players: Aaron Kampann (Green Bay), Brad Meester (Jacksonville), Jared DeVries (Detroit) and Casey Wiegmann (Denver) were players for Coach Thomas at Aplington-Parkersburg.

Hlas: To Ed Thomas, leading and giving meant winning - Mike Hlas, The Gazette

Ferentz comments on death of Ed Thomas -ESPN - Adam Rittenberg

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz issued the following statement on the death of prominent Iowa high school coach Ed Thomas, who was shot and killed Wednesday ...

"This is a tragic loss for everyone that knew Coach Thomas and our entire
state. He was a highly respected educator, coach, mentor and a strong leader in
the community, as well as the coaching community throughout Iowa. Ed loved his
family and his work, and was an outstanding, selfless person who has impacted
countless lives in a very positive way. Our entire staff and team extend our
deepest sympathies to the Thomas family and the community of Parkersburg."
- Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz

Aplington-Parkersburg coach Ed Thomas murdered - The Gazette

Ed Thomas’ son, Aaron Thomas, spoke at a press conference in Parkersburg this afternoon on the shooting death of his...
More >> PHOTOS: Thousands gather to mourn Ed Thomas - The Gazette

Thousands of friends, family, community members and relatives of Aplington-Parkersburg football coach Ed Thomas turned out... More >> - The Gazette

Sadly, society saw a lost 24-year old throw his life away, along with the life of a beloved man, who inspired so many that he meet or those who were able to learn from his story in Parkersburg. It is sad that there is so much hatred or anger in the world today.

May we find peace. May our prayers and thoughts remain with those impacted and touched by this tragic day and this tragic event. Ed Thomas was a fine man and much more to those who really knew him.

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Rained Out: More Storms for the Week Here in Iowa

Well another rainy day in Cedar Rapids wipes out the Independent Church League for Monday. Thankfully, the weather is only rain, but enough to wipe out tonight's softball game.



Rain and a wiped out softball game for another week doesn't compare with the F5 Tornado that destroyed 1/3 of Parkersburg, Iowa the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. At Rotary today in Cedar Rapids, it was mentioned that 14 of the 16 members of the Rotary Club of Parkersburg had their homes destroyed. Over 220 residences were distroyed in the community. The high school, town grocery story and entire community has been impacted by the destruction of property. Our thoughts and prayers certainly go out to the community that will certainly be the state's largest construction site for some time.



Other areas of the state have been affected by rain, tornadoes, straight line winds and flooding. The forecast for Cedar Rapids is for rain most of the week. Hopefully, the areas that least need it our State will be spared from more rain and disruptions. Several areas clearly need time and good weather to clean up from the Memorial Weekend storms and flooding.



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Happy Memorial Day 2008

It has been a tough Memorial Day weekend here in Iowa in 2008. Sadly, 6 Iowans were killed on Sunday as tornadoes ripped through areas of the State of Iowa, including Butler, Buchanan and Black Hawk counties.

Six were killed from twisters that hit Parkersburg and New Hartford, Iowa. Warning sirens sounded, so matters could have been worse.

As we reflect on this Memorial Day 2008, our hearts and prayers go out the families and friends affected by the storms in Iowa this weekend.

We honor those not with us today. May there service be never fotgotten.

From cidsports to all... Happy Memorial Day 2008!

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