Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Thomas
North Idaho College Athletic Director Shawn Noel announced Cooper Thomas as the assistant wrestling coach Monday, April 10.
“We are excited to have Cooper Thomas in a more permanent role as assistant wrestling coach,” Noel said. “His passion for the sport and for the success of student-athletes is unparalleled, and we are very fortunate to have him as part of our staff.”
After serving one season as interim assistant wrestling coach, Thomas now begins a permanent role in the wrestling program. Thomas grew up in Maple Valley, Wash. where he wrestled for Tahoma High School. He wrestled at NIC from 2015 to 2017.
After wrestling at NIC, Thomas transferred to Grand View University, an NAIA school in Des Moines, Iowa where he studied kinesiology and health promotion. While attending Grand View University, he was a part of the 2018 and 2019 NAIA National Championship wrestling teams.
Thomas met his wife, Elly, at NIC their freshman year of college, and after pursuing his wrestling and educational goals, the two moved back to the Pacific Northwest, closer to family.
During his interim season as assistant coach, Thomas contributed to NIC’s wrestling success for the 2022-23 season by helping coach the team to a fifth-place finish at the NJCAA National Championships. The Cardinals also had four individual All-Americans for the 2022-23 season.
“I am excited to return as the permanent assistant wrestling coach,” said Thomas. “I look forward to giving the North Idaho College wrestling program my all and to further the success of the student-athletes.”
For more information, contact NIC Athletic Director Shawn Noel at (208) 665-5458 or shawn.noel@nic.edu.