March Madness is upon us. As you spend all day watching games between schools from who-knows-where, be sure not to miss this game.
University of Pacific vs. Miami.
Why should you watch this game? Well besides the fact that Miami is one of the most talented teams in the country, and Pacific is a somewhat local school (Stockton), one of our own will be playing in this matchup.
Fellow Las Positas College alum Tim Thomas plays for Pacific.
Thomas, who is in his junior year at Pacific, was a member of the Hawks basketball team from 2009-2011.
During his time at LPC he averaged 9.9 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game.
Thomas had the opportunity to play for head coach Tony Costello. When speaking of his former coach, Thomas credits Costello for helping him mature as a player and a person.
“I thank Costello for giving me the opportunity to play for him,” Thomas said. “He’s a big reason why I’m here today.”
Costello recalls Thomas being an integral part of his team.
“Tim did a great job for us here,” Costello said. “He was a big part of our playoff teams.”
While Thomas was a big contributor on the court. What Costello most admired of him was his unselfishness.
“He always put the team first,” Costello said. “He was an even better person off the court.”
Costello referred to Thomas’ ability to maintain his 3.5 GPA throughout his tenure at LPC. ‘He was a true student-athlete’ according to Costello.
The entire LPC athletics department is proud of the success Thomas and his team is having.
Costello will be pulling for the underdog Pacific Tigers and hopes Thomas cherishes this once in a lifetime opportunity.
“Participating in March Madness is an experience he will always remember,” Costello said.
Be sure to watch this game and cheer on one of LPC’s own.
The University of Pacific vs. Miami game takes place on Friday, March 22 at 11:10 a.m. pt live from Austin, Texas on TNT.