January 15, 2025
Rinse and repeat, Mr. Thomas. Rinse and repeat.
In what has seemingly become a yearly occurrence, Gilbert boys’ cross country coach Aaron Thomas has once again been honored by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association by earning the organization’s Iowa Coach of the Year award for the 2024 season.
This is the second time in as many years Thomas has been honored by the national association, and the third time overall in his sure-to-be Hall of Fame career. Thomas got the nod for the first time in 2008.
Not someone who enjoys the spotlight, Thomas appreciates the recognition for his entire program. It’s his name on the award, but he says it’s a reflection of the work put in by his athletes and his assistant coach Troy Staudt.
“The recognition is nice in the fact that it is an opportunity to reflect back on the season and just appreciate what a fun season it was,” Thomas said. “I just feel so grateful to be able to work with Coach Staudt and everyone on the team, and the attitude and work ethic they exhibited from the summer to the state meet.”
Thomas led his Tigers to a second consecutive Class 3A state state championship this past fall and the program’s fifth state crown over an 11-year period. Gilbert placed three runners inside the top 10, four inside the top 12, and all five scorers inside the top 16. The result was the lowest team total (33 points) since the state went to four classes two decades ago and a 45-point gap between the Tigers and runner-up Des Moines Christian (78 points).
With five of its seven runners expected to return next fall, Gilbert will once again be among the favorites to win 3A gold in 2025.
