IN HIS WORDS: Andy Thomas on his resignation from Angola

Outside the Huddle was able to catch up Thursday with Andy Thomas, who resigned from his position as head football coach at Angola after 12 seasons.

We asked him several questions on why was a good time to step down, his best memories, what the future holds and more.

On why it was a good time to step away at Angola.

My son is a senior, and I feel like it would be anti-climactic here without him. Havin him with me the last four years has been the greatest time of my life as a coach.

I have also coached many of our current seniors since they were in fourth grade. They have been coming to my house for the last 12 years. It does hurt me to think about not coaching our underclassmen who have given so much, but it is the right time. I’ve kind of thought it might be heading this way for a few years, especially the way we finished this year.

On what stands out from his 12 years with the program.

The best memories I have will always be the ones that happen day to day with players and coaches, but I certainly have a lot of great ones from our championship years. The Culver Academy and NorthWood games in 2017 and 2018 were tremendous. The 2018 NorthWood sectional championship game is the loudest I have ever heard a high school stadium.

But nothing can top our sectional games with West Noble and Garrett this year. The way our kids overcame adversity and kept fighting is everything a coach could hope for. We had difficult stretches during the season, but our players and coaches continued to work hard and believe.

More on the 30-28 victory over Garrett that earned the Hornets their first sectional crown since 2018.

I watched the Garrett sectional championship game with my wife and daughter last week. Even though I knew the outcome, I was nervous and my heart was in my throat. It was easily the most amazing game I’ve ever been in. We were very fortunate to win, but we also seized the moment. I am so thankful our players will be able to carry that experience with them for the rest of their lives.

On whether he will seek to be a head coach elsewhere or if he is ready to call it a career.

I love everything about football. I believe in football and what it can do for young men. I still feel like I have a lot left in the tank and feel like I can help kids. I don’t have any definite plans for the future. I will see what happens.