Thomas, YSU will get their money’s worth

By JOE SCALZO

scalzo@vindy.com

Fitch senior George Thomas can tell you about how much he likes the throwing coach at YSU, how familiar he is with the other throwers and how nice it is to get an opportunity to compete in Division I athletics so close to home.

(Those are all true, by the way.)

But when it comes down to it, there was one reason above all others for why he signed with the Penguins.

“I want to go to college and not be in debt the rest of my life,” he said. “If I can go to college for free, that’s a bonus.”

Thomas, who was also an honorable mention all-conference lineman in football, is one of the state’s best throwers and should be in the mix for a Division I state title in the weight throw at next month’s Ohio indoor track and field championship at the University of Akron.

He’s relatively new to the sport, having picked it in ninth grade when Fitch throwing coach T.J. Koniowsky (who is also a freshman football coach) approached him about trying the shot and discus.

“I didn’t know what track was at that time,” Thomas said, only half-jokingly. “He’s the secret to my success.

“If anyone else had been my coach, I probably wouldn’t have done track.”

Thomas (6-2, 225) finished fourth in the weight throw at last year’s state indoor meet and was a regional qualifier in the discus last year’s outdoor season, missing a state berth by one spot and less than three inches.

This winter, Thomas (63 feet, 9 inches) is third in Div. I in the weight throw behind defending champion Dustin Brode (66-2) of Canfield and Eastwood’s Justin Welch (76-6).

“I’m hoping to win an indoor state title this year,” he said. “For outdoor, I’m hoping to make it to state and see what happens there.”

Thomas plans to major in education at YSU, focusing on either math or science. He hopes to eventually coach track and field and possibly football.

Former Penguins throwing coach Shawn Cobey was the first to recruit Thomas.

After Cobey joined Clemson’s staff in the offseason, new coach Brent Shelby continued the pursuit.

Former Fitch standout Sam Cassano is one of four Valley athletes who throw at YSU, joining Jeremiah Folger (Salem), Aaron Merrill (Leetonia) and John Seaver (South Range).

“I love to throw, it’s fun and I’m really excited about going to YSU,” said Thomas. “But the ultimate goal is after college.

“Throwing isn’t going to be there for the rest of my life.”