Stillwater Years: 1971-1999
Stillwater Record: 257-69-2
Coaching Awards: Conference Coach of the Year 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996; State Class Coach of the Year 1975, 1982, 1995; State Coach of the Year 1982
Team Awards: Conference Championships 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996; Section Championships 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996; State Championships 1975, 1982, 1984, 1995

George Thole, a native of Petaluma, California, received a Bachelor of Science Degree from North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, a Master of Arts Degree from Minnesota State University, Moorhead, and did graduate work at the University of Minnesota. Thole started at guard at Petaluma California High School and North Dakota State University and was inducted into each school’s athletic Hall of Fame.

Thole and his family moved to Stillwater in 1971. He taught physical education for 28 years and spent 29 years as head football coach at Stillwater Area High School. At SAHS, Thole compiled a 257-69-2 record in a career that includes four state championships, two state runners-up finishes, 18 state tournament appearances, 13 conference championships and 12 section titles. Including three unbeaten seasons to begin his coaching career at Central Cass High School in Cassetlton, North Dakota, Thole ranked first on Minnesota’s all-time football victory list for all schools when he retired and currently ranks sixth with a total record of 285-69-2 (.805 winning percentage). Other personal achievements include 95 coaching awards, 13 community awards, and five hall of fame inductions. Thole served as an advisor or chairman on a variety of football affiliated clinics, committees, commissions and charities. Thole, and his long-time offensive coordinator Jerry Foley, wrote a book called “From Veer to Eternity – Coaching a Football Dynasty” which outlines coaching philosophy, fundamentals, and their use of the veer offense.

Thole, a past president of the Minnesota Football Coaches Association, was the head coach in the 1976 Minnesota High School All-Star Football Game, which his team won 25-6 in front of more than 25,000 fans at Parade Stadium. Thole was an honorary coach in the same game in 2010.

Thole has remained active in the Stillwater community. He served on the District 834 school board from 2000-2003, is a regular at sporting events, and writes a sports column in the Stillwater Gazette. At the 2011 Homecoming game, a 33-6 victory over East Ridge High School, Thole was the first coach honored at the Coaches Corner at Pony Stadium. George and his wife, Karen, reside in Stillwater. They have two children, Eric and Kiersten.