Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas is a Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) basketball official for 27 years, officiating the State Tournament for 11 years with two championship games.  He started officiating basketball for all Native American basketball tournaments and quickly worked his way to MSHSL and up to the varsity level.  The highlight of his career is officiating for Native youth that make it to the State Tournament.  

 

Michael has been involved in many different sports as a player himself, coach or official. Personal highlights include winning the State Championship in boxing and on to Nationals in Reno Nevada. Scoring 67 points in a single basketball game at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Coaching his grandkids and great grandkids in multiple sports, with many championship trophies to prove it.  

 

Michael served in the US Army for three years and has done honor guard at Pow Wows as a veteran.  He sang on his father’s drum, Minneapolis Ojibwe, with his brothers for many years, he is an avid deer hunter and was a postal carrier for 32 years.  

 

Michel is most proud of the family he raised with his wife, Debra who he has been married to for 46 years.