Parkersburg stronger a year after killing of coach Ed Thomas

Parkersburg moves on after coach Ed Thomas

PARKERSBURG, Iowa — Mowing the football field at Aplington-Parkersburg High School nicknamed the “Sacred Acre” is part of coach Alex Pollock’s job now.

Pollock says it’s just one act of moving on, just as coach Ed Thomas would have wanted.

Thomas, who rallied Parkersburg after a deadly tornado in 2008, was shot and killed a year ago, on June 24, in the school’s weight room.

Mark Becker, a former player, was convicted in March of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Hours after Thomas’ death, his family urged the community to comfort the Becker family as well, bringing the town closer together.

Pollock, who was named coach in April, says everyone has wanted to return to normal for two years. He says they had “one big speed bump along the way,” but “we’ll get there.”