Official Sports Report: November 19, 2009
Humbling Weekend for Thomas'
by Mark Janssen
(Editor's Note: The Kansas State Official Sports Report spoke with the parents of K-State standout running back Daniel Thomas on a variety of topics about their soft-spoken son. Today, it's a chat about the trip that didn't happen and Daniel's future at K-State. Tomorrow, Daniel's parents speak of the academic challenges of their son and his spiritual side.)
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The message from Reverends Jerald and Louella Thomas is this: "The humble child tastes the grace."
"That means, if you stay humble, that keeps God's favor on your life," said Louella Thomas, the mother of Kansas State running back Daniel Thomas. "That's the way we raised him."
This past weekend, all the Thomas ' were humbled.
"It wasn't our weekend," said Jerald, the minister of the Elm Grove Baptist Church in Meridian, located on the Atlantic Coast of southeast Georgia. "But we were at the stadium in spirit."
The Thomas' had planned to attend the K-State home finale against Missouri, but a "mix up" with their flight left them with the option of spending $1,700 for tickets, or staying at home.
They stayed home and had to watch the Wildcats be humbled by the Tigers, 38-12.
"Don't tell anyone, but we're saving our monies for Texas," Rev. Thomas said with a laugh and in reference to the Big 12 Championship game on Dec. 5. "I'm like a head coach. I can't leave my team (congregation) very often."
CHEERING FROM AFAR
Jerald and Louella, who serves as his associate pastor in charge of women ministries, were able to see their son play in person when K-State defeated Iowa State in Arrowhead Stadium. But other than that moment, they have been cheering No.8, and his Wildcat teammates, while watching television.
"We're something to behold," Rev. Thomas said, adding a hearty laugh. "That last game (vs. ku when his son had 185 rushing yards) his momma was dancing on the bed and we had chips and dips all over the place."
Thomas has rushed for 1,165 yards in his first 11 games becoming only the ninth individual in KSU history to go over the 1,000-yard mark. His 106-yard per game average and 11 rushing touchdowns lead the Big 12 Conference.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound junior ranks 22nd nationally in rushing yards per game.
While those are NFL-type numbers, to the Wildcat fans, Rev. Thomas says ". relax."
"We're so excited about the progress Daniel can make next year," the elder Thomas said. "I'm not being biased, but we know he can play (in the NFL). B ut I know that because I know his heart."
And, both father and son also know that there is room to improve.
"He knows there are some nuances of the position he needs to pick up. He's a work in progress," said Thomas. "Returning for another season will make him a better player. There's no question as to whether he'll be back. He will."
Laughing Thomas said of his Southern-raised son, who has yet to be introduced to Kansas winters, "We'll make sure we send him a coat."
