Coach Thomas looks to bring three-C's philosophy to Fayette Basketball

LEMONT FURNACE, PA - The Penn State Fayette Department of Athletics is excited to announce the appointment of Mr. Marcus Thomas as the Penn State Fayette Nittany Lions Men's Basketball Head Coach.

Marcus "Coach T" Thomas is a 2012 graduate of the Uniontown Area High School where he made an impression as a 3-year starter, two of which as a team co-captain, and under the direction of Head Coach, Rob Kezmarsky. Additionally, he was given athletic honors as a two-time All-District and All-Section recipient earning him a selection to the Roundball Classic All-Star Game, an exclusive, invite-only game that features and promotes the regions more exceptional WPIAL basketball athletes.

He continued his athletic career with a brief stint as a redshirt freshman at the NCAA DII level with Clarion University from 2012-2013. He continued his post-secondary education at the University of Pitt-Greensburg where he served as a three-year starter, 1000-point scorer, All-Conference performer, and Academic All-Conference honoree while helping to lead the Bobcats to an AMCC Conference Championship his senior year.

Thomas graduated from Pitt-Greensburg with a Baccalaureate of Science degree in psychology, while also minoring in sociology. He continued his education, achieving a Master of Science degree in counseling psychology at Robert Morris University.

Coach Thomas has spent the last few years coaching at the collegiate level and in player development. His college coaching experience includes a two-year graduate assistantship with the Robert Morris University Colonial's men's basketball program where he developed skillsets in basketball game-day preparation and operations, and handled team statistical data and information for player analytics.

He has also developed experience in coaching and leadership qualities. Coach Thomas is leaving his former role as the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach for the NCAA Division II Chatham University Cougar where he was responsible for recruitment and coaching initiatives as he developed, coordinated, and executed recruitment strategies while developing and preparing game-plans and scouting reports. His contributions helped develop two All-Conference players and led the Cougars to a PAC Conference championship and the team's first NCAA Tournament bid in school history.

Penn State Fayette Athletic Director, Lou Zadecky stated, "I couldn't be more excited with the search committee's selection of Coach Thomas. He brings great coaching experience from the DII and DIII level and had excellent experience playing at the DII and III level as well as being a local standout student athlete. I feel his playing and coaching success at the collegiate level is key in developing our student athletes on the court, in the community, and in the classroom."

Coach Thomas is excited and looking forward to the opportunity to help lead the Men's Basketball student athletes and program to success. When asked about his outlook for the direction of the program and the upcoming 2019-20 season, he stated "I'm excited and blessed for the opportunity to reconnect with a community that has treated me so well in my development as player." He continued expressing his excitement for the potential for the program. "I'm excited for the opportunity to begin working with a program with a lot of potential and to put guys on the court that will become successful in their three C's – court, classroom, and community."

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