Randy Thomas, Legendary Springfield Coach and Hall of Famer, Passes Away at 74
SPRINGFIELD, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Randy Thomas, a highly respected wrestling and football coach from Springfield, Tennessee, known for his exceptional coaching record, passed away on March 18 at the age of 74. A Springfield native, Thomas graduated from Springfield High School (SHS) in 1968 and returned in 1975 to begin his coaching career. In 1976, he founded the SHS wrestling program, affectionately dubbed “The Bruise Brothers,” leading the team to a remarkable 257-50 dual meet record from 1976 to 1997. Under his guidance, the wrestling team secured runner-up positions in the TSSAA state championships for three consecutive years (1992-1994), and at least 11 of his wrestlers achieved All-State honors.
Thomas’s impact extended to the football field, where he became the head coach in 1993 and led the Yellow Jackets to their first-ever state championship in any sport that same year. His decade-long tenure resulted in 55 wins, a state semifinal appearance in 1994, and a quarterfinal berth in 1997. Notably, his mentorship was instrumental in Michael Thomas and Chico Gardner earning the TSSAA Mr. Football awards in 1992 and 1993, respectively.
Beyond his coaching accolades, Thomas was a Golden Gloves boxing champion, winning the light heavyweight division in 1975. He taught history at SHS, had a passion for archaeology, enjoyed playing the guitar, and was a skilled woodcarver. One legendary tale recounts Thomas wrestling a bear at the Robertson County Fair, an event witnessed by his brother, David Thomas.
“He was a larger-than-life character and he will be sorely missed,” said Rosemary T. Sprague, Thomas’s niece. “One of the most legendary stories about him is that he once fought a bear at the Robertson County Fair—it wasn’t just a rumor. My uncle’s brother, David Thomas, was there to witness it.”
Thomas’s dedication to his athletes was unparalleled. For instance, he coordinated with the late Judge Burton D. Glover to arrange a police escort, ensuring that Chico Gardner could both take his ACT and participate in a wrestling tournament on the same day—a testament to his unwavering commitment to his students’ success.
“I personally remember the time that he and the late Judge Burton D. Glover, who was a close family friend, worked together to make sure that Chico Gardner could both take his ACT and wrestle in a tournament on the same day. A police escort was arranged, and my dad, David Thomas, rode along with the officer and Chico,” Sprague continued. “He said it was one of the scariest rides he’s ever taken, but they made it, and Chico was able to do both that day.”
Thomas’s legacy was cemented with his induction into the Tennessee Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2020. His profound influence on the Springfield community and the countless lives he touched will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.
