Last Updated on June 11, 2018 by cassnetwork
A storybook season capping a stellar first year for a Logansport High School graduate as a softball coach has led to her naming as this week’s Logansport Citizen of the Week.
Gabrielle McIntire Thomas led the Pioneer Lady Panthers to their first state softball championship Saturday in West Lafayette. Thomas was 32-3 in her first season as head coach, which ended with a win over North Central. She is a former Lady Berry softball player for Logansport. She served as associate head coach last year.
Mayor Dave Kitchell said her accomplishment is no typical feat in area girls athletics. Rochester’s girls basketball championship and the softball championships for Lewis Cass are the only others in the Logansport area.
“To win more than 90 percent of your games in any sport is not easy, but to do that in your first year and win a state championship as well speaks to the level of commitment Gabby has made to softball and to the community,” Mayor Dave Kitchell said. “We here too many times about young people who leave our community and don’t come back, but Gabby is proof again that some chooser careers here and excel at the highest level.”
Gabby’s father, John, was an assistant coach on the Pioneer team. In winning the championship, Pioneer also became the first area school to win two state championships during the same academic year. The Panther football team won the state Class A title in November.
The Citizen of the Week is sponsored by the Mayor’s Office and recognizes Logansport natives or residents who contribute to the community or are recognized for their achievements. Recipients receive a certificate of appreciation from the city and a $20 gift certificate.
SOURCE: News release from Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell