Completed Event: Baseball versus (3) Georgia on June 15, 2026 , Win , 4, to, 3
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University of Oklahoma Athletics
Thomas Promoted to Full-Time Assistant Coach :: Former Sooner Hills also added to baseball coaching staff.
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Aric Thomas was promoted to a full-time assistant for the Oklahoma baseball team. |
Oct. 10, 2001
NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma head baseball coach Larry Cochell announced today that former Sooner standout Aric Thomas has been promoted from interim assistant coach to a permanent assistant coaching position with the team. In addition, Rich Hills has been named a volunteer assistant coach who will focus on the infield position players.
Thomas has was a volunteer assistant with the squad for six seasons and was named interim assistant coach last March when the position became available. Cochell received a lot of interest from candidates about the position, however he felt Thomas was the right fit due to his previous involvement with the program.
"There was a lot of interest in this job," said Cochell, "but after looking at numerous candidates, Aric came out on top. I have watched Aric coach for the past six years and I can tell you that he is very organized, a great communicator and a real student of the game. All these qualities allow Aric to be an outstanding coach. Having played here, he understands Sooner baseball and was just the best candidate for the position. We felt this was the best decision for the University of Oklahoma baseball program and we know he will continue to be a great coach for us."
Thomas had been instrumental in the Sooners' recent success, which includes a Big 12 championship, a conference tournament championship and the program's three NCAA Regional bids in five years. He has instructed nine All-Americans and more than 18 players who have gone on to sign professional contracts. Thomas, a member of the 1994 national championship team at OU, has coached in the prestigious Cape Cod and Alaska summer baseball leagues.
"This is something I've been working toward for a long time," said Thomas of his new position. "My years as a player and a volunteer assistant with Coach Cochell have given me considerable knowledge of the program. I feel I'm ready to take it to the next level and getting more involved with all aspects of coaching this team."
Hills was a four-year starter for the Sooners and took part in three College World Series, including the 1994 national championship run. He was a three-time All-Big 8 performer and was an All-American in 1994. Hills is second on OU's all-time career list for hits (290), second all-time with 65 doubles and fifth in school history in RBI (190).
"Rich had an opportunity to stay and coach at the professional level," said Cochell, "but he decided to come back, finish his degree and coach at the collegiate level. He will handle the infield and should do an outstanding job here."
