A long-time college coach is being remembered by those in the local basketball community.
Dr. Paul "Doc" Thomas, who coached the men's basketball team at the University of Windsor for 21 years, died Thursday at the age of 91.
According to the Lancers' official website, Thomas taught at UW's Faculty of Human Kinetics and coached the men's squad from 1969 to 1990. He guided the Lancers to three OUA championships and coached six teams that received berths in the national tournament.
Thomas also made history as the youngest basketball coach in Canadian Olympic history, helming the national team at the 1952 Summer Games in Finland at age 26.
The Windsor Express is among those joining Thomas' family and the university in mourning.
"Windsor Express Basketball recognizes the contributions of Paul "Doc" Thomas to basketball in Windsor,” Express owner, president and CEO Dartis Willis says in a statement. “He was a gentleman who added great value to the local basketball community. Our condolences to his family and friends."
In recognition of his coaching accomplishments, Thomas was inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980, as well as the Windsor-Essex County Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
Thomas is survived by his wife Kerry and his family, including daughter and fellow Olympian Misty Thomas.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
