Stephenson, Thomas return to coaching at NBC World Series
Gene Stephenson and Jim Thomas will coach several of their former Wichita State players in the NBC World Series.
The former Shockers coaches will serve as co-coaches for the Wichita Alumni team, according to organizer Casey Walkup, himself a former Shocker. The assignment isn’t heavy on responsibilities, but Walkup said the ex-Shockers are looking forward to seeing Stephenson and Thomas back in the dugout and on the basepaths, ready to shake hands should anybody hit a home run.
“Gene’s going to coach third base and J.T. will be at first,” Walkup said. “It will be fun getting all the guys together.”
The Alumni team features former Shockers such as pitchers Rob Musgrave, Nate Robertson and Khol Nanney and outfielders Kevin Hall and Nick Blasi.
Stephenson coached Wichita State from 1978-2013. Thomas played for WSU and served as assistant coach from 1992-2013.
The NBC World Series begins Friday at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium and the Alumni play at 7 p.m. Saturday against the Newton Rebels.
Reach Paul Suellentrop at 316-269-6760 or psuellentrop@wichitaeagle.com. Follow him on Twitter: @paulsuellentrop.
This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 9:39 PM with the headline "Stephenson, Thomas return to coaching at NBC World Series."