Humboldt Independent photo by Phil Monson: Retiring Humboldt activities director Greg Thomas stands on the bleachers at Mason Mach Field in Humboldt earlier this spring.

HUMBODT — For the last 24 years, Greg Thomas has helped mold young athletes and make sure students of all talents were able to succeed during their days in the Humboldt Community School District.

The long-time activities director, who came to Humboldt as a teacher and coach in 2000, has finally decided it’s time to retire — sort of.

“Humboldt has been the perfect place,” Thomas said. “The community has supported us and Humboldt High School in so many way. Anytime we needed financial help or volunteer work, someone was there and they would answer the call.

“I can’t thank the community enough.”

Thomas has also received the backing at home that made his entire professional career even possible in the first place.

“My wife, Michelle, has just been unbelievable taking care of the family and all of the other the behind- the-scenes-stuff,” Thomas said. “She’s been incredible for our family in the 33 years (overall) I have been in education.

“She was a great support system, and sometimes, gave me the kick in the pants I needed. She’s a tremendous person and I can’t imagine going through this without her. She has been my rock.”

Thomas has been the Wildcats’ activities director since 2005, and for the past 18 years, he’s guided all levels and programs filled with extra-curricular students.

“When I got to the high school, Julie Nielsen (AD administrative assistant) was just a rock star and has been ever since,” Thomas said. “She made sure everything was good to go.

“Without Joni Torkelson (Humboldt registrar/office administrative assistant), I don’t think I could have pulled it off. Lori Westhoff (former Humboldt principal) made sure I had everything I needed and stepped in to help when I was doing my dual career (as an administrator and coach).

Along with being activities director, Thomas served as an assistant principal for 15 years — from 2005 until 2020.

“When I took the assistant principal job, it was full of surprises,” Thomas said. “When you are involved in athletics, you see some of the things that the kids are going through and you adapt.

“As assistant principal it’s about how I can help them. The relationships I’ve made, I will cherish forever.”

For the last three years, Thomas has served as the activities director for grades 7-12.

Walking away now was a hard decision, but the timing was right for the long-time football coach.

“I had a great run and it was a blast,” Thomas said. “It’s been tremendous, but it’s time to let someone else do it.”

It won’t be a complete retirement, though, as Thomas will now step back in the classroom and be a sixth-grade teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Humboldt. Thomas taught sixth grade at Humboldt public from 2000 to ’05.

“The opportunity came up and I haven’t been in the classroom for a while, so it was a new challenge,” Thomas said. “Mrs. (Sara) Bormann (principal at St. Mary’s) asked if I was interested and we talked about it.

“I think I’m going to enjoy being in a smaller environment and teaching again.”

Both before and while serving as activities director, Thomas was busy on the sidelines as head football coach from 2000 to 2017. He helped guide the Wildcats to a Class 3A state championship in 2006.

“The relationship with a player is so rewarding,” Thomas said. “When you get invited to former players’ weddings and (to share personal milestones), that means the world.

“The kids have been tremendous on and off the field. It has been great to be a small part of what they have accomplished. That is so fulfilling.”

As football coach, Thomas compiled 79 wins at Humboldt, six state playoff appearances, along with three district championships.

“It was the right time,” Thomas said about stepping away from football. “With the assistant principal and activities director role, I had too much on my plate.

“It’s just so much more than Friday nights. Weight room and film stuff, preparation and practice — it was a lot, given what else was on my plate. I do miss coaching football, though, and I miss Friday nights.”

Before coming to Humboldt, Thomas spent eight years at Galva-Holstein, where he went 44-24. In his 26-year head coaching span, Thomas was a combined 123-117 at the two schools.