Coach Thomas grew up in Onaga, Kansas. He is excited to be coaching in the Midwest, being closer to home. 

Thomas started swimming at the age of 8 for the Topeka Swim Association in Kansas. After 10 years with TSA, Thomas went on to Henderson State University and competed as a scholarship swimmer in the 100 and 200 free and back events.

After college, Thomas's first coaching job was in 2014 with the Spring Swim Team in Houston, TX. He also assisted in coaching the Windrose summer league team.  Two years later, Thomas moved on to Conway, Arkansas and started coaching for the Aquakids.  He then moved to Raleigh, North Carolina where he was a part of the Marlins of Raleigh coaching staff for three years, coaching swimmers of all ages and levels.

In 2020, Coach Gerek joined the Sheridan Swim Team on April 11th.