A legend was born in Topeka, Kansas 29 years ago.
His name.
Mario Thomas.
He may not think he is a legend but he is.
Thomas fell in love with the world of sports at a young age playing three of the four big team sports in North America...baseball, basketball and football.
What no hockey?
It was two-and-a-half years ago that Thomas joined the ranks of the Curtis J. Phillips basketball team playing in the Lawrence Park and Recreation Department Men’s Basketball League.
The 5-foot-8 quicksilver guard made an instant impact with his hustle and scoring.
“He has a lot of heart and soul and he is talented,” said team captain Daniel Sondreal of Thomas. “He cares about the game. He also cares about his team. He gets along with everyone and is always encouraging his teammates. And Mario is clutch. He made a lot of big shots and plays for Curtis J. Phillips Basketball.”
Of his first joining Curtis J. Phillips, Thomas recalls: “When I first joined up we had some tough times and after a few months we had a nice run...a great run. Last year was pretty memorable as we won all four of the league championships.
“I had a chance to meet some great guys and made some good friends. Lawrence is the mecca of basketball and there were a lot of great players that came through here and it meant a lot to be able to play with and against them.”
So where does the Legend come from.
Team owner, Curtis J. Phillips, can fill us in on this one.
“I was visiting Daniel (Sondreal) two years ago and he convinced me to suit up again for one last game,” said Phillips, who made the trip down from Alberta, Canada to Kansas. “Now I still shoot around a bit but had not played in a few years. I was 55 at the time with the passion of an 18 year old and the knees of an 80 year old.
“We were in control of the game when all of a sudden the other team got hot and took the lead with a few minutes to go. Sitting the bench, and with my shoes off now, I was playing the role of coach calling out from the sidelines.
“Now in my heart I knew that this would probably be my last ever competitive game and to be honest I did not want the team to lose. I was not used to losing in this great sport as I was blessed playing with great teammates at all levels.
“With a few seconds to go Mario came down and hit a long three and then on the inbounds pass he darted in to take the ball away from the dribbler to make a layup and secure the win at the buzzer.
“You do not know how much joy the victory meant. I had an OK game with a couple of assists and steals and a few rebounds but it was the first time that I can ever remember that I had not scored. That did not matter. What mattered was that Mario the Legend had given me an amazing parting gift. One I will always cherish.”
Thomas will have his uniform number 5 retired as he is leaving for Kansas City to work in the recreational field at the Olathe Community Centre.
Notes
Mario Thomas played for team CJP from April 3, 2012 to July 15, 2014. In that time he played in 10 consecutive sessions, 63 games, and helped lead team CJP to four championships. Thomas is believed to be a top three all-time leader for the team in points scored, steals, and game winners.
* Article by Curtis J. Phillips. Notes provided by Daniel Sondreal.
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