Dunbar High School track coach battles COVID-19

A beloved track coach is now fighting for his life.

Dunbar High School’s track and field coach, Guy Thomas, is in the hospital in critical condition after contracting COVID-19.

As his family goes through this difficult time alongside him, they are asking for something from the community: prayers.

Dunbar High Principal Carl Burnside said he believes strength will help Thomas beat COVID-19.

“His condition is still grave and we’re just hoping that he is able to recover,” Burnside said.

Students, school staff, and family members are all praying for Thomas’s recovery. At Dunbar, he’s more than just a track coach.

“Well, what Coach Thomas is doing, he is making them work, kids believe, and they stretch themselves beyond what they think they could do,” Burnside said.

“You hear about him being a fantastic track coach, but what he is an outstanding mentor for young people.”

He pushes his athletes to think big, to think about what their future holds and to think about college. And he also doesn’t stop thinking.

“Even last week when I spoke to him on the phone he was talking about the plan for he had for this one athlete that he was securing a college scholarship for to run track,” Burnside said.

That dedication is what pushes Burnside and others to make sure as many prayers as possible are on Thomas’ side.

“We’re thinking about his full recovery, that’s where our thoughts are going,” Burnside said.

It’s been a tough year for students and staff at Dunbar High School. Burnside said that earlier this year, they lost two team members, Kim Ward and Mario Henderson.

Neither of them passed away due to COVID-19, but their deaths were quick and unexpected.

So now, Burnside is hoping for the best outcome for their beloved coach.