Justin Thomas, Next Head Baseball Coach at Bethany College

BETHANY, WV. (BethanyBison.com) – Justin Thomas, a native of Ambridge, Pennsylvania, has been named the next head baseball coach at Bethany College

Thomas, a four-year head coach at Voorhees College, comes to Bethany College after rebuilding the Tigers program.  In just his third season at the helm Thomas posted a 20-20 record, the Tigers best season in fifteen years. 

"Justin Thomas is the right person to carry on the legacy of Bison Baseball.  He appreciates the passion and commitment Coach Carver gave to Bethany and wants to continue to build on that strong winning foundation.  His experience as a head coach with success on the field and in the classroom will be an excellent addition to our department and our campus," stated Steve Thompson, Director of Athletics.  "He truly understands and values small college athletics and the integral role it can play in supporting student growth.  Everyone we spoke with said Justin would bring a tremendous level of passion and commitment to the position."

A former student-athlete at Slippery Rock, Thomas joined the Penn State University- Greater Allegheny staff as pitching coach. Thomas was responsible for the pitching staff finishing a 52-game season with a team earned run average of 3.79. Additionally, in 2013, the team had two United States Collegiate Athletic Association All-Americans as well as the Penn State University Athletic Conference pitcher of the year on their way to being USCAA National Runner-Ups.  In 2014, the pitching staff achieved success again with an ERA of 3.12 while repeating as regular season and PSUAC conference champions.  During that season the Nittany Lions had three all-conference pitchers, conference pitcher of the year, and two USCAA all-Americans.  

Thomas has devoted plenty of time to coaching collegiate summer baseball, most recently serving as pitching coach for the D.C. Gray's in the Cal Ripken Collegiate Summer League.  Thomas is no stranger to Western Pennsylvania baseball.  During the summer of 2015 and 2017, Thomas was an assistant coach with college teammate Sean Holliday in the Triple Crown Training program located in Coraopolis, Pa.   Thomas was also an assistant varsity and head junior varsity baseball coach at Ambridge High School in Pennsylvania for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.