RCSJ Roadrunner Athletics Appoints Chris Thomas to Lead New Women's Flag Football Program

Chris Thomas knows exactly what it takes to build a program from the ground floor right up the ladder of success! And the newly appointed head coach of the Roadrunner Women's Flag Football team hopes to capitalize upon his past successes as he prepares to lead RCSJ's newest women's athletic program.

Thomas comes to RCSJ Gloucester following a successful tenure as head football coach at Pitman High School, where he established a reputation as a program builder, offensive-minded coach and leader of student-athletes. His experience also includes coaching softball at Pitman, giving him a valuable background working across sports as he prepares to lead the Roadrunners' Flag Football team.

"Chris stood out to us because this position requires more than someone who can coach football," said RCSJ Gloucester executive director of athletics Brian Rowan. "We needed someone who could build a program. Chris has demonstrated that throughout his career. He understands how to develop athletes, create a culture, and get people excited about being part of something. His leadership, football knowledge, and ties to South Jersey make him a great fit to become the first head coach of our Women's Flag Football program."

Thomas spent 11 seasons leading the football program at Pitman. One of the defining chapters of his tenure came when low participation forced the Panthers to step away from varsity competition in 2017. Thomas remained committed to rebuilding the program, strengthening participation, and developing the foundation necessary for Pitman football to return. The Panthers later produced several successful seasons, including an 8-2 campaign in 2024.

Chris Thomas, Roadrunner Women's Flag Football Coach

That experience should serve Thomas well as he takes on a different kind of building project at RCSJ Gloucester — creating a collegiate program from its beginning.

"I love the fact that we are starting from scratch," said Thomas. "We will implement our own program philosophies and culture right from Day 1 – and then we will keep building from there."

Thomas added he will center his program around two basic themes – building strong personal inter-relationships among coaches and players and encouraging players to take ownership of all aspects of the program.

"When building relationships among coaches and staff, we all compete more and do more for the people we care about." Thomas stressed. "And the players will be encouraged to take ownership in what we do on the field and take this program to the highest levels we can."

Women's Flag Football will become the 17th varsity sport offered at RCSJ Gloucester and will begin competition during the Spring 2027 semester. The addition represents another investment by the College in expanding athletic opportunities for female student-athletes while also positioning RCSJ to participate in one of the fastest-growing areas of interscholastic and collegiate athletics.

"We want this to become a program that young women throughout our area aspire to be part of," Rowan said. "Chris now has the opportunity to establish what Roadrunner Women's Flag Football will stand for from the very beginning. There is something special about being the first coach, the first recruiting class and eventually the first team to represent RCSJ Gloucester in a new sport. We're excited to see what he and our student-athletes build together."

Thomas will immediately begin assembling the inaugural Roadrunners roster, developing the program's identity and building relationships with high school coaches and prospective student-athletes throughout South Jersey and the surrounding region.

“Launching Roadrunner Women’s Flag Football marks an exciting new chapter for RCSJ Athletics and creates another opportunity for our students to compete, build confidence, and develop as leaders,” said Brenden Rickards, president, Rowan College of South Jersey. “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Chris Thomas to the Roadrunners family. His leadership and commitment to student-athletes will be instrumental as we build this program from the ground up and prepare for competition in Spring 2027[RP1] .”

Coach Thomas is excited about the caliber of athletes he will recruit here in South Jersey and the surrounding counties.

"We can take this program as far as we want from that standpoint," said Thomas. "It's pretty well known that in this area, we have some of the best athletes in the country right here in our midst. We can capitalize on all of the excitement being generated nationwide about flag football, get our local athletes here involved, and then take it all the way to a national championship."

Prospective student-athletes interested in becoming part of the inaugural RCSJ Gloucester Women's Flag Football team are encouraged to complete the Roadrunners' prospective student-athlete information form at https://rcroadrunners.com/Information/wflag-recruit-form. For additional information, email Roadrunner Athletics at Athletics@RCSJ.edu or call (856) 468-500, Ext, 2207.