Jan. 7, 2002

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Joel Thomas, who served as a graduate assistant coach for the Purdue football team the past two seasons, is leaving to return to his alma mater, Idaho, as a full-time assistant.

Thomas will coach the Vandals' running backs. He assisted with the offense with the Boilermakers.

Thomas played for Idaho from 1995 to 1998 and is the Vandals' career rushing leader with 3,929 yards (765 carries, 5.1 average) and 51 touchdowns. He was a four-year team captain.

As a senior, Thomas was named the Big West Conference Player of the Year by the Football News. He received the Humanitarian Award prior to the 1998 Humanitarian Bowl, which Idaho won in come-from-behind fashion over Southern Mississippi by the score of 42-35. It was the first-ever NCAA Division I postseason bowl game for the Vandals, who began the season ranked No. 112 out of 112 Division I schools.

Thomas (born Nov. 7, 1974) is a native of Port Angeles, Wash. He holds a bachelor's degree in public relations.

Purdue's other graduate assistant, Darrell Perkins, is expected to return for the 2002 season.

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