Kevin Thomas was first introduced to wrestling in the third grade when his older brothers, Matty and Ricky, joined the Dedham High School wrestling team under Hall of Fame coach Jim Police. After attending their first match against Norwood, Kevin was immediately captivated by the sport’s intensity and competitive spirit. That same year, his brother Matty won Dedham’s first state wrestling title, which was held at Wayland High School. There, Kevin’s parents, Rocky and Pat, met Hall of Fame coach Rich Moyer, and by the following summer, the Thomas family relocated to Wayland. 

At Wayland High School, Kevin became one of the school’s most accomplished multi-sport athletes. He earned 11 varsity letters—four in soccer, four in wrestling, and three in baseball—and was later inducted into the Wayland High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Kevin was named a two-time Boston Globe All-Scholastic and All-New England soccer player, as well as an All-Scholastic wrestler. On the mat, he was a two-time state champion, a two-time third-place finisher at the New England Championships, and placed second and third at the prestigious Lowell Holiday Tournament as a sophomore and junior, respectively. 

Following high school, Kevin continued his athletic career at Ulster Junior College in New York, where he became a conference all-star and competed in two NJCAA Final Four National Tournaments in soccer. His leadership qualities and knowledge of the sport soon led him toward coaching. 

After college, Kevin interviewed with Hall of Fame athletic director Pete Foley at Weston High School for an assistant wrestling coach position. Under Hall of Fame head coach Dave Baldanza, Kevin began what would become a 25-year coaching partnership. The Weston program thrived under their leadership, growing into one of the most successful programs in Massachusetts. Over the course of their tenure, the Weston wrestling team achieved over 500 victories, produced 52 sectional champions, 21 state champions, 1 New England champion, and developed hundreds of student-athletes who benefited from their mentorship and guidance. 

While building his coaching career, Kevin also founded and operated his own landscaping business, employing many of his wrestlers during the summer months. Through both his business and coaching, he instilled in his athletes a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence both on and off the mat. 

In 2009, following Coach Baldanza’s retirement, hall of famer Bob Anniballi invited Kevin to join the Natick High School wrestling staff. With his eldest son, Zach, entering as a freshman, Kevin accepted the opportunity to continue his coaching career while also sharing the sport with his family. Over the next 15 years, Kevin helped lead Natick to 13 Bay State League titles, 10 sectional championships, and 3 state championships, continuing the program’s legacy of success. 

Coaching at Natick was especially meaningful for Kevin, as he had the privilege of coaching both of his sons, Zach and Kevin Jr., throughout their four-year wrestling careers. His younger son, Kevin Jr., continues to hold the record for most career wins in Natick wrestling history, surpassing his older brother by a narrow margin. His daughters, Sammy and Gabby, were also integral to the program, serving as four-year team managers during their time at Natick High School—making wrestling a true family tradition. 

In total, Coach Kevin “Tuna” Thomas devoted 40 years to high school wrestling—25 years at Weston and 15 years at Natick—leaving a profound impact on the sport and on the countless athletes he coached. 

At the conclusion of the 2024 wrestling season, Kevin retired from coaching after 15 years at Natick High School. He now looks forward to spending more time with his wife of 38 years, Ginger, and their two granddaughters. His induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame marks the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to wrestling, his athletes, and his family—and he is honored to be recognized with this prestigious award for his significant contributions as an assistant coach.