BEREA, KY. - The Berea College Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Michael Thomas as the Head Coach for Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field Programs. Coach Thomas was an assistant under former Mountaineer Head Coach Shawn Jakubowski and was the Interim Head Coach of the Track & Field program during the 2020-2021 season. 
 
Coach Thomas has been part of the Berea College Track and Field program since 2014, specializing with the sprinters. He has had 18 indoor and outdoor track and field records broken during his tenure on the staff. Coach Thomas has completed courses in ALTIS, USTFCCCA, and USATF Level 1 and Level 2, which includes sports psychology, speed, power, short sprints, and jumps. 
 
"I am thankful and humbled for the opportunity to lead the storied [Berea College} Track & Field and Cross Country Programs," said Coach Thomas. "Berea College combines elite academics with outstanding leadership in athletics from Director Ryan Hess. I am thankful to Ryan for leading the way, and opening doors for people and particularly people of color. It is an honor to be Berea College's first black Head Coach of the Track & Field and Cross Country programs. I am very excited about this opportunity. Shawn Jakubowski laid a great foundation and I feel very prepared and excited to come in and begin to improve the program. I firmly believe we can continue to build upon Berea's strong program and compete for and win the USA South and more. I am excited to get started and go Mountaineers!"
 
Berea College Athletic Director Ryan Hess expressed confidence and excitement in announcing of Mike Thomas as the new Head Coach of the Cross Country and Track & Field Programs.  "It is with great excitement that we welcome Coach Michael Thomas into this full-time role. Coach Thomas knows and articulates the Berea story so well, having first experienced it as a student-athlete, then as an assistant coach before his service this past semester as interim head coach. Throughout the interview process, Coach Thomas' fondness for Berea and love of our student-athletes and department was very evident. His heart is here, and I feel confident he will safeguard and contribute in meaningful ways to the strong tradition of each of these programs."
 
Coach Thomas will continue to further his education this summer, taking USTFCCCA and USATF courses to further his knowledge to bring back to his programs.