2002 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ALL-METRO TEAM COACH OF THE YEAR

From: Jackson Clarion Ledger, MS - 19 Dec 2002

JOSEPH THRASHER

Mississippi School for the Deaf

Age: 23. Hometown: Vancleave.

2002: Led the Bulldogs to their second straight national eight-man deaf championship and a 6-0 record.

Career: Has a 12-1 record in two seasons at MSD.

Quotable: "God opened the door and gave me an opportunity to coach football to these wonderful kids who I consider my family," Thrasher says. "I taught them football and they taught me sign language. People would be amazed at their athletic ability."

Copyright © 2002, The Clarion-Ledger.