Green Bay Tabs Thomas As New Men's Tennis Coach

Sept. 5, 2008

GREEN BAY, Wis. (Sept. 5, 2008) - Green Bay Athletics Director Ken Bothof today announced the hiring of Mark Thomas as the university's head men's tennis coach. Thomas, an owner of Western Racquet & Fitness Club in Green Bay, begins his duties immediately.

"We are extremely pleased to hire someone with Mark's eagerness, energy and experience," Bothof said. "He is very well-respected, has a great knowledge of the game and has connections throughout Green Bay and the state of Wisconsin. We are confident that he will be an outstanding leader and role model for our men's tennis student-athletes."

"I am very excited to be working with such a great group of young men," Thomas said. "I look forward to developing their talent and helping the men achieve academic and athletic success."

Thomas has served as a tennis professional at Western Racquet & Fitness Club since May of 2004. A number of his former pupils have achieved state, regional and national rankings. Some have gone on to play collegiately at the NCAA Division I and III levels.

In addition to his teaching duties, Thomas has served key roles in the business operations, development and accounting areas for the club.

Thomas graduated from Marquette University in May of 2002 with a degree in finance. At Marquette, he was a four-year member of the tennis team and was named team captain his senior year. He also served as a Student-Athlete Council representative.

As a prep, Thomas was the team captain and No. 1 singles player for Bloomfield Hills (Mich.) Lahser High School. He was named all-league, all-county, all-area and all-state. Thomas was ranked in the top 20 in the Midwest as a junior in the 18-and-under division and played Jr. Davis Cup for Southeastern Michigan.

Thomas and his wife, Mary, have a four-month old-son, Alexander.

-- story courtest of Green Bay Sports Information