Thomas was on three OVC Championship squads from 1957-1960 as he played for Coach Wilburn Tucker. In his four years, Tech compiled a 27-12-2 record that included only two OVC losses and no losing seasons. Thomas earned All-OVC honors and an All-American distinction for his senior year when he captained the 8-3 OVC Champs, who made a trip to the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, Fla.