A two-sport athlete, Jeffrey B. Thon ’77 excelled on the gridiron and the diamond for the Statesmen. He earned four letters in football and three in baseball and was the 1977 Francis L. “Babe” Kraus ‘24 Memorial Award winner as the most outstanding senior athlete.
The quarterback for Hobart’s wishbone offense, Thon also handled kicking duties. He was 25-10 as a starter, graduated with the records for PAT kicks made (102) and field goals made (12) and was third in career points (180). An All-ICAC selection in 1976, he rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown against Ithaca. A year earlier, Thon gained 132 yards on the ground, scored two TDs and booted seven PATs in a win over RIT. He kicked the game-winning 26-yard field goal with under two minutes remaining against Denison.
“Jeff was the best we’ve faced since I’ve been at Ithaca,” College Football Hall of Fame Head Coach Jim Butterfield told the Democrat and Chronicle in 1977. “He had that finesse on the option.”
After the 1975 season, Thon earned the football team’s Alumni Trophy (MVP) and the Vincent S. Welch Memorial Award for his scholarship, sportsmanship and perseverance. He was the recipient of the Paul Vogt Trophy as the team’s most improved player in 1973.
Both the 1973 and 1974 Hobart football teams have been designated Hobart Teams of Distinction.
In baseball, Thon played shortstop, helping the Statesmen set a season record for double plays in 1974. As a junior, he hit a pair of home runs and clubbed a double for good measure during a game against Union. Thon didn’t play baseball as a senior so he could complete an internship.
Thon has been a guest coach for Hobart Athletics’ Napier Leadership Seminar. He has also been an active youth sports coach for both football and lacrosse.
Return to List
