Stillwater City Council proclaims "George Thole Day"

Legendary football coach George Thole was honored by the City of Stillwater during this week’s city council meeting, where Wednesday, February 21, 2024 was proclaimed “George Thole Day” by Vice Mayor Mike Polehna.

Thole’s remarkable run of success with the Stillwater Ponies began in 1971 when he took over a program that featured just 24 players and could not field a JV team. Thole inherited a program with a 33-88-4 record in the 15 seasons prior to his arrival.

After winning just three games in each of his first two seasons, the Ponies reeled off 26 straight winning seasons and the first of the program’s four state championships in 1975. Stillwater added additional state titles in 1982, 1984 and 1995.

In 29 seasons under Thole, the Ponies captured 12 region/section titles and 13 conference championships while appearing in the state tournament 17 times. He compiled a 257-69-2 coaching record at Stillwater and was 285-69-2 overall when adding three undefeated seasons at Central Cass High School in North Dakota — for a career winning percentage of .805.

Along with long-time offensive coordinator Jerry Foley, Thole co-authored the book “From Veer to Eternity: Coaching a Football Dynasty”. He also wrote a popular column in the Stillwater Gazette for 15 years.

Thole has been inducted into hall of fames by Petaluma High School, North Dakota State University, the Minnesota State Coaches Association, the Minnesota Football Coaches Association, the Old-Timers Football Association, the St. Croix Valley Athletic Association, and the Minnesota State High School League.