09/04/2026
Yesterday our football players heard from one more legendary alumni Mr. Thomas Sanders.
Another alumni who is a member of both the Nyack and Rockland County HOF.
• In 1967, Thomas was the only Freshman to make the Varsity Football team, but he was still able to make an impact down the stretch in a championship campaign.
• His Sophomore year, he was part of a dominant Defense that only allowed 25 points during an undefeated title-winning season.
• Sanders earned Second-Team All-County honors, playing alongside Bob Corvino and Greg D’Auria, under Coach Paul Lankau , on what was later named the Rockland County Team of the Decade.
• As a Junior, Thomas led Rockland in rushing and scoring, on the way to winning a third straight PSAL title.
• The versatile Sanders was First-Team All-County as a running back, Second-Team All-County as a defensive back, and was also a great kick returner.
• Thomas was voted to the Daily News All-Stars All-Metro Team.
• His Senior year, Thomas was a Captain, and First-Team All-County Offense and Defense
• Sanders was also a Guard on the Basketball team. He helped Nyack become a powerful force in the County, and they won the Section title in 1970.
• After Nyack High School, Sanders joined the Jackson State Football team, before attending Tougaloo College,
• There he became All-League in the Triple Jump, despite having no previous experience.
Perhaps most important and most impressive, Thomas then served 21 years in the Army Medical Corps. He was deployed across the world, and earned numerous medals for distinguished service, retiring as a Sergeant First Class.
Tommy, we thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement!!