Thomas ready to do battle with Midland College Warrior squad

LEWISTON - The opportunity to thrive in a college system similar to his high school's led Lewiston graduate Ryan Thomas to select Midland Lutheran College as he recently signed a National Letter-of-Intent to play on the Warrior basketball team.

“Coach McGill just has an upfront, personal approach,” Thomas said. “He said Midland plays the same style of basketball, pushing the ball a lot while relying on good defensive players to create opportunities.”

Thomas said such a style fits him very well, and he hopes to make an impact defensively for the Warriors.

“I fit their program very well, and Coach McGill is a guy that I think I'll really like playing for,” Thomas said. “His staff also made me feel comfortable.

“They're really good guys to work with and good guys to play for.”

Thomas said he also considered Hastings College and Nebraska Wesleyan University, but stuck with Midland.

“Midland was just the better choice for me,” Thomas said. “They're building a brand new event center and it's a great thing they're doing there with their facilities.”

Thomas said he expects to play a little at forward and at guard, depending on personnel situations.

“I'll fit in a little at both positions,” Thomas said. “It just depends on where they need me at the time.”

Thomas said he hopes to see some playing time with the varsity team as a freshman and is working hard to put himself in position to do just that.

“I've been working with their weight programs, conditioning and playing lots of pick-up games whenever I get the chance,” he said. “Hopefully by the end of my sophomore or beginning of my junior year, I'll get a starting spot.”

Thomas said he feels his team is on the verge of competing for a conference title, a goal he'd like to help the team accomplish before he graduates.

“That's the big goal, I guess,” Thomas said. “Personally, I want to develop myself as a player and work my way up into a starting spot so I can help the team.”

Off the court, Thomas will pursue a pre-pharmacy degree. He hopes to enter the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha once he graduates from Midland.

“My dad is pretty good friends with (pharmacist) Rick Clabaugh (of Beatrice),” Thomas said. “We've talked about what the job entails, and I kind of like dealing with symptoms and what causes various diseases, and what can cure them.”

Thomas said his high school experience has provided him plenty of memories that he'll always cherish.

“Winning the Class A MUDECAS championship was special,” Thomas said. “We were the first Lewiston team to accomplish that goal.”

Also on his list were two trips to state with the basketball team, scoring six touchdowns in a single contest with the football team, and placing in the 200 and 400-meter dashes at state with the track and field team.

Thomas said Lewiston basketball coach Matt Rudloff taught him a lesson that he'll take with him long after his days on the court have ended.

“He taught us to work together as a team, and to carry that concept with you for the rest of your life,” Thomas said. “Get along with your teammates or co-workers, because you can get so much farther with them than you can without them.”

Thomas said he feels fortunate to have had many opportunities come his way because of athletics.

“If you work hard and stick with it, so many benefits are available,” Thomas said. “You get to play a sport you love, and you learn that hard work and dedication goes a long way when you're trying to achieve your goals.”