Coaching Veteran Thomas to Retire

Glenn Thomas, who has coached football at Fullerton College for 24 years and in Orange County for 37 years, is retiring after today’s spring practice session.

Thomas, 60, began coaching at Fremont Junior High, where his teams went 21-0 in three years. He next worked two years as a head coach at Magnolia, then eight years at Loara High as an assistant before joining the staff at Fullerton under then-legendary former head Coach Hal Sherbeck.

Thomas, known throughout his career for being humble and gracious, proved it Monday when he said he was uncomfortable about talking about himself.

“I’m just a dadgum foot soldier,” Thomas said. “You should write about Sherbeck and guys like that.”

Thomas said he and his wife, Grace, plan to travel around the United States.

“But I’ll tell you one thing, I’m sure going to miss game nights,” he said.

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State times: Cypress opens play in the state baseball tournament at Fresno against College of Sequoias at 7 p.m. Saturday. Cuesta takes on Sacramento at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Games are at 11 a.m. and 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday and the title game is at 11 a.m. Monday.

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Moving on: Allen Fletcher, a sophomore point guard at Irvine Valley, has signed with UC Riverside, Coach Jerry Hernandez said Monday. Fletcher, from Downey Pius X High, averaged seven points and four assists.

Janine Shaw, a two-year starting guard for the Cypress women’s team, also has signed with UC Riverside. Shaw, from Garden Grove High, averaged 11 points, four rebounds and four assists a game.