Track Adds Award-Winning Assistant James Thomas To Staff

ATHENS, Ga. --- The Bulldog track and field program has added Texas Tech's James Thomas to its staff, according to an announcement from Bulldog Director of Track and Field Caryl Smith Gilbert.

Thomas, a native of Katy, Texas, and graduate of Sam Houston State University, is a 10-time U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Mountain Region Assistant of the Year and was the Red Raiders' Associate Head Coach who guided the jumps and combined events.

Most recently, Thomas led junior Ruth Usoro to sweep the 2021 NCAA indoor and outdoor triple jump titles and also score in both long jumps nationally while also having another pair of scoring All-Americans in the jumps this year.

"We are going to build this staff into one of the country's best and James is a definite piece of that puzzle," said Smith Gilbert.  "I believe he is the best jumps coach in the nation and will continue to elevate our program to the highest of levels.  His work at Texas Tech speaks for itself and I am so excited to have him in the Bulldog red and black!"

"I want to thank Coach Caryl, Josh Brooks and the entire UGA Athletic Association that has made the process feel so seamless," Thomas said. "I have had the most amazing past nine years in Lubbock, and I can't thank Coach (Wes) Kittley and Kirby Hocutt (Texas Tech Director of Athletics) enough for making Texas Tech absolutely perfect for me and my family.  This opportunity at UGA speaks to my inner drive and competitiveness in ways I can hardly put into words.  Teaming up with Coach Caryl and the entire UGA family presents a rewarding challenge unlike any in our sport.  I look forward to playing my part in not only winning championships, but also making sure this is the best student-athlete experience in the nation."

Thomas joined Texas Tech in 2012 and has since redefined success as the head of the men's and women's jumps and combined events groups.  A veteran coach of nearly 20 years, Thomas has been the catalyst to some of the most significant student-athlete development and achievements Texas Tech and the NCAA have ever seen.  Thomas' athletes have amassed eight NCAA individual titles, 91 NCAA All-American honors, 29 Big 12 champions and nearly every top-10 performance in Red Raider history.

Thomas' culminating moment was in 2019 when he helped lead the Texas Tech men's program to their first ever NCAA outdoor team championship in Austin, Texas. This was a year that was built on a fourth straight Big 12 Championship, 11 NCAA All-Americans and four Big-12 champions. While the men were hoisting the team title, Zarriea Willis staked her claim in NCAA history by completing an indoor/outdoor sweep of the women's high jump.

The success goes well beyond 2019. In total, Thomas has been instrumental in five Big 12 Team Championships, eight NCAA Top-10 team finishes and four NCAA Top-5 team finishes.  Many of his athletes have earned the opportunity to travel the world while representing Texas Tech, their country and professional brands at multiple international championships. Thomas' influence has also extended beyond the athlete as a current Masters Endorsement Instructor with USTFCCCA, and a prominent clinician throughout various parts of the world.

James is married to Ebony Thomas, and they have two sons, Jordan and Jameson Thomas.

Smith Gilbert, who will officially assume her spot with the Bulldogs on June 28, has already retained long-time Georgia throws coach Don Babbitt as she works to complete her staff.

Results and recaps from all Georgia meets and other Bulldog news will be found at georgiadogs.com.  News and updates from Georgia's track and field and cross country teams are always located on Twitter/Instagram at @UGATrack.

Track Adds Award-Winning Assistant James Thomas To Staff

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